C1/C2 Vocabulary study skills

C1/C2 Vocabulary Study Skills

Learning an English word involves studying...

• its pronunciation
• its Greek translational equivalent
• the English definition
• words it collocates with
• its grammar
• its level of formality

How is the word pronounced?

pronunciation

content e.g. My boss was content with the content. /kənˈtent/ vs /ˈkɒntent/

Look up the word in an online dictionary and check what its pronunciation is OR learn how to read phonetic symbols

What does the word mean in Greek?

Greek translational equivalent

sustainable = capable of continuing for a long time at the same levele.g. the conditions for sustainable economic growth βιώσιμος, αειφόρος, διατηρήσιμος

Studying the English definition does not always help us to understand what the word means and how it can be used.

Can I explain what the word means in English?

English definition

sustainable development The development of a country or region that does not use more natural resources than can be replaced and so does not harm the environment. The sustainable development goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

You are less likely to misuse a vocabulary item if you know its exact meaning.

Which words usually precede or follow this word?

Collocations

Diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis suffered a ______ today. setback vs hardship setback = a problem that delays achievement of something, ατυχία, αναποδιά hardship = a difficult or unpleasant situation, caused by lack of food, money, etc, κακουχία, ταλαιπωρία

Each word collocates with specific adjectives, verbs, prepositions etc. e.g. steep

Would grammar help?

Grammar

The course ______ ten lectures and five seminars on the theory of economics and banking. to be comprised of OR to comprise something

Is the word countable or uncountable, is it used in the active or in the passive form, etc.

Is the word formal or informal?

Style

_______ medical advice if symptoms last more than a week. Seek

Who is talking to whom? Where are they? What is the topic? Is this part of an article or an essay?

I know a word if I know its...

pronunciation

Greek meaning & its English equivalent

Grammar & collocations

Style