TOEFL Vocabulary Building: Strategies for Effective Preparation

As we plan our journey to study abroad and score well in the TOEFL exam, the basic issue we realize is being short of TOEFL words or a TOEFL vocabulary list. This particular fact is sometimes a nightmare as the time is less and preparation seems to be a high task with efficient management of work and life. So today let’s check out some interesting ways of overcoming the challenge of building strong TOEFL words or in other words TOEFL vocabulary list, which boosts our confidence in scoring high and starting the journey of studying in our dream universities.

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TOEFL Vocabulary Building: Strategies for Effective Preparation

1. Memorization does not work:

In a general perspective, it is observed that while preparing useful TOEFL words or TOEFL vocabulary lists, many students start learning difficult words and then read them again and again from the lists that they usually make, however, this does not help them use the words. So instead of cramming, one should write the sentence using the word in a personal journal and then try to use the same word in daily language practice.

For example: If we have just read the word “reluctant” and if this is new to you, then you must first understand the meaning of this word and then frame a sentence using this word. So, here the meaning of the word reluctant is unwillingness, and the sentence will be – “My friend is reluctant to attend the party organized by her external family members.” You will observe that if you frame a sentence using the new word, your power of retention will be stronger and you will be able to use the word in future too.

Considering the above description, think of a sentence using the word reluctant and write in your journal.

2. Listing of the topics and reading and listening authenticated material:

As you are preparing a list of TOEFL vocabulary words, you should first think of topics that you are less aware of. It is generally noticed that one may be good in health-related vocabulary but might have low knowledge about art or fashion. In this context you should focus on reading/listening more contextual reading text/listening documentaries on the same topics, written/spoken by native English writers, this will make your mind not get bored of the reading/listening and your interest will help you acquire more vocabulary.

Example: If you read/listen to “Food” as a topic, you would come across words like cuisines, starter, appetizer, sensuous feast, citrusy delight (used for a drink), slicing the fruits, drizzling the top of the ice-cream….

Now think of a dish you would like to describe using the above words, note the same in your journal to retain it.

3. Connecting words:

These are most important to know and help in all the modules of the TOEFL exam. The words that connect ideas with one sentence to another are called connecting words. In addition, moreover, furthermore, are some considerable examples of connecting words. You must remember to use these words in your TOEFL writing task to make your writing task look more organized. People generally get confused and either overuse them or use them with a wrong understanding. So, first make a list of some connecting words and apply the strategy given in the first step.

While doing this, also list down sequential words like firstly, secondly…. And understand that they should also be used in a proper context in your TOEFL writing module.

4. Transitional words:

Often people get confused between connecting words and transitional words, however, there is a big difference. While connecting words connect the two sub-points of the main point, transitional words help you move from one point (aspect) to another.

Perfect example to this would be: In an essay, as you start describing your first stance after the introduction of the topic, you should start your paragraph with transitional words like: To commence with/ To begin with… and you may conclude your writing by mentioning transitional words like: In conclusion, and then start concluding the point.

5. Synonyms and Antonyms:

This is really easy to build, now, you cannot be just reading/listening all the time, to refresh ourselves we need to socialize. Play a word game with anyone in English, the rule of the game is to collect 3 words which mean the same and one opposite word for the given word.

You may play this game with family members, friends or join any native English-speaking group to find people ready to work with you. Spend around 15 minutes doing this and you will see a change in your TOEFL word vocabulary. Do not forget the personal TOEFL Word journal we mentioned above.

6. Lexical range- adverbs and adjectives:

Lexical resources are nothing but the rich vocabulary words which are used to describe the topic, using correct adjectives and adverbs make an impact on your TOEFL writing as well as if you have proper vocabulary you will be able to understand the TOEFL reading module passages in a better manner and infer accurate answers. Here again, we would request you to take a general list of adjectives and adverbs from any authenticated English vocabulary book and start the game.

This time take a twist in your game, select a topic for building vocabulary on it, now either read authenticated literature text on it or listen to native English speakers podcast on it and make a note of all adjectives used by the author/speaker. The next step is you should be able to create your own story describing the topic you have just read/ heard in your own words using the adjectives just collected and addition of certain adverbs to it. This will help you research more and build on the TOEFL vocabulary.

7. Practice makes you perfect:

Language enhancement is not magical, so you need to have patience and keep practicing. Regularly revise from the personal journal you have made.

8. Stay motivated:

Do not forget your dream of studying abroad, so be consistent and optimistic. Relax and refresh yourself with mindful activities.

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