How to Learn New Words
A practical framework for learning vocabulary.
What’s the most common problem with learning new vocabulary?
Memorising is a tricky thing, but being able to use new words in conversation is even worse.
To succeed, you need a system that helps you store vocabulary in context and practise it regularly.
ChatGPT is a brilliant tool for that.
Step 1. Create your personal dictionary
That’s your learning system.
You can download ‘My Dictionary. ChatGPT Prompt’
Step 2. Fill it with words and phrases
Dictate them into the dictionary (that’s my favourite)
Type them manually
Take a screenshot of the text, highlight what you’d like to learn or ask ChatGPT to extract specific items (for example, phrasal verbs, or idioms)
Step 3. Let ChatGPT organise everything
ChatGPT creates your WordMap and organises entries into categories such as:
Topic - e.g., travelling, food
Function - e.g., introduction, description
Grammar - when relevant
Source - e.g., textbook, TV show
Step 4. Practise regularly
Ask ChatGPT to show the WordMap and choose the category, you’d like to learn.
ChatGPT shows your target vocabulary with meaning, translation, and an example.
Then practise:
Matching exercise - to memorise the meanings
Gap-fill tasks - to see how words work in sentences
Production - the most important part:
Create sentences
Ask for collocations and practise them in sentences
Create short stories - absurd, funny, sad, dramatic, or light
Step 5. Practise your vocabulary every day (15+ minutes)
Speak, type, write, or sing with your dictionary -
ChatGPT gives immediate and friendly feedback.
Best wishes for your learning.