Recycling and Repeating Method
If you target to memorize 200 words a day, try to group them into 4 groups with each time you memorize 50 words. You can do this during your meals time of breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper with each meal time memorizing 50 words to make them into a total of 200 words per day. Well, this method will be varied according to the individual due to the difference in memory ability. Though you may have slowly picked up 200 words per day, you do not have to force your brain to memorize everything. What you have to do is that you read the 50 words twice or three times each meal time for everyday's task. If you still could not remember the words, repeat and recycle the words for the following day plus other additional 100 or 200 words as scheduled. Repeat as many times as you could until you succeed to memorize all the words. By the end of several days, you will come to find that this method has improved your vocabulary tremendously.
Skimming Method
Skimming here means you get the main idea from a text, paragraph, phrase or any short sentences that contain words very quickly. That means you will read certain words at average speed all the way through. Specifically, you might read the words from the heading and the first sentence of each paragraph of a newspaper, magazine or any publications very quickly to catch a fair idea of the content. This is particularly useful when you have short of time for reading. Another way for you to skim the words is by running your eyes along all the lines of the text, so that you pick out the key words while at the same time ignoring those unknown words and “grammar” words (eg. To, and, is, the) which do not contribute to the main idea.
Scanning Method
Scanning is used to assist you to grasp certain words quickly for the information that you require. You may either skim quickly through the information or you may wish to scan for specific information. In either case, you let your eyes sweep across the text slowly and smoothly, beginning at the top left, and subsequently you try your way across and down of the text in a wavelike motion.
While scanning, you do not have to read every word. Instead, you guide your eyes with your first three fingers, or your index finger alone, or even the tip of a pen or a pencil to quickly pick up the words as your eyes sweep across each word of a sentence. This will prevent your eyes from wondering about all parts of the text. You can increase your general reading speed too, by following your finger with your eyes across the text as you read. You may occasionally stop for a moment to pick up some new words you have encountered, and then you proceed to read slowly back and forth, across and down the text.
Well, this method takes a little practice at first, but it is always the best way for your eyes to move quickly through the text without getting stuck and wasting time to read unnecessary information. You are more likely to search for new words within the text. Many studies have shown that how fast people can read by guiding their eyes across the text. You might be surprising to discover how fast you could pick up many words within a short period of time.
Be Aggressive: Attack!
Faster reading does not mean poorer comprehension. In most cases, moderate speed in reading is usually resulted in the improvement in vocabulary. Why I say so?
Our eyes cannot actually read. We read with our minds. Thus, getting information from the printed material ultimately comes down to concentration. The faster you read the more effort you get your eyes concentrated. It is like driving a car at 90 miles per hour (mph) as opposed to 40 mph. To drive at 90mph, it requires your total concentration to keep your car on the road. Therefore, faster reading is a great advantage to help your eyes grabbing more words. As much as possible, try to see what you are reading as what you are watching at the cinema as it will greatly improve your vocabulary.
In the list below, the key word is in column at the left. It is then repeated in the group of words to the right. As rapidly as possible, try locate the identical word, check it, and then move to the next line. Try to do most of this visually test rather than saying each word loudly.
Lip lid long left lip lap
Stand start stand strong stop torn
Wander willow window wanton wander worry
