Taking Notes

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Hi. I don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but I couldn't find a better one. So, I've been trying to learn new words recently as my vocabulary is rather limited. What do you think is the best way to memorize words? Getting them down on your notebook or on your smarthphone?

I've been watching series with English subtitles lately, and whenever I come across a word I don't know, I write it down on my phone(Ankidroid app) and then try to use them in a conversation. Do you think it's a good idea to do so? Do you know of any other and better way? I'm asking this because I suppose my English, at least my vocabulary, is stuck and hasn't improved a lot in recent years.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Nugsowhenever I come across a word I don't know, I write it down ... and then try to use them in a conversation. Do you think it's a good idea to do so?

Yes. Why not? To judge from your post, your English is not nearly so limited as you think it is. I suspect you are only missing highly technical terms, literary words, and/or slang. Unfortunately, there is little opportunity to use these in everyday conversations. Even natives seldom need such words. If I tell someone that the prospect from the acclivity is beautiful, they'll look at me as if I had two heads. "The view from the cliff" gets the point across better.

CJ

Blue Jay · Answer

Anki is a useful tool for learning things.
Have you looked at http://www.vocabulary.com/ and http://dynamo.dictionary.com/test-prep/toefl?

Nugso · Answer

CalifJimYes. Why not?

I have to pause the movie and write the word down every time and that is quite annoying and guessing its meaning from the context isn't always the solution.

CalifJimI suspect you are only missing highly technical terms, literary words, and/or slang.

Well, I'm not sure how they are classified, but I come across such words often, for instance when I'm watching 'Arrested Devolopment'.

CalifJim If I tell someone that the prospect from the acclivity is beautiful, they'll look at me as if I had two heads. "The view from the cliff" gets the point across better.

Definitely, but some people for some reason insist on using the first version. By the way, what does 'to have two heads' mean?

Blue JayAnki is a useful tool for learning things. Have you looked at http://www.vocabulary.com / and http://dynamo.dictionary.com/test-prep/toefl ?

Anki is really good for both German and English. I know vocabulary.com. They even send me an e-mail every day/week, didn't know they had an android app, though. I'm going to check it out as soon as possible.

CalifJim · Answer

NugsoBy the way, what does 'to have two heads' mean?

It's literal. "To look at someone as if they had two heads" is to believe they are doing or saying something very strange. It's to believe that they are not normal, that they are crazy.

CJ

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