7 Smart Ways to Boost Your English Vocabulary Fast

If you rely solely on memory to learn English vocabulary, you’re already losing the game! So, how can we make memorizing words more efficient? Here are some simple and practical methods that have worked for me and might help you too, as I’ve discovered throughout my English learning journey.

1. Change Your Method – Use Mobile Apps to Learn Words

I used to memorize words purely by repeating and writing them down. It was a boring and ineffective method—I would quickly forget what I had learned. Now, I prefer using vocabulary apps to build my word bank, and I find them quite effective.

Here are a few vocabulary apps I personally use and recommend:

 Duolingo

 Baicizhan

 Toki 

 Shanbay

 Happy Word Field

These apps are quite popular and user-friendly. I used to download many apps, but gradually narrowed them down to just these few that truly work for me.

2. Learn Words Through Collocations

One powerful way to increase your vocabulary is to memorize word combinations. This not only helps you remember words but also teaches you common expressions. For example:

Chinese cabbage

Puppy love

Bitter tears

Heavy rain

These are all adjective + noun structures.

I also recommend a useful vocabulary learning platform:

👉 [http://www.hiknow.com/sessionhall.html?uid=sophie](http://www.hiknow.com/sessionhall.html?uid=sophie) (Free after registration)

It offers a wide range of vocabulary lessons and beginner-friendly pronunciation classes taught by native speakers.

3. Learn Words Through Pronunciation Rules

Understand the relationship between phonetics and spelling. Read and write while learning how sounds match with specific letters. This engages your ears, mouth, eyes, and hands, improving retention through multisensory learning.

English pronunciation follows patterns. For instance:

ph is often pronounced as /f/

h is silent at the beginning of some words

Learning phonics rules before memorizing words will greatly improve your efficiency.

4. Understand Word “Radicals” – Roots and Affixes

Just like Chinese characters have radicals, English words have roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

 The root gives the core meaning.

 The prefix or suffix modifies the meaning or indicates the word’s part of speech.

Although this method requires some existing vocabulary knowledge, it eventually makes understanding new words much easier. Once you build a solid base, you'll discover how powerful this approach is.

5. Smart Use of Memorization Sequences

Try memorizing words in different sequences:

Forward order for the first round

Reverse order for the second

Random order for the third

This strengthens recall and forms more connections in your brain. You can even group words by topic or scenario—for example, words you’d use at the airport, on the subway, or in a restaurant.

6. Read Books and News Articles

Reading is one of the best ways to learn vocabulary. When you encounter a new word in context, try to infer its meaning from the sentence or look it up. After seeing it a few times, you’ll naturally remember it and know how to use it correctly.

Try to read books or articles you've never read before—familiar stories won't engage you as much.

For news, you can check out websites like BuzzFeed News for modern, real-world vocabulary.

7. Review Words with Focus and Strategy

When reviewing vocabulary, don’t start from scratch every time.

 First, skim through the words you already know and mark them off.

 Then focus on unfamiliar ones.

 During the next review, only go over the words you still don’t remember.

This targeted approach greatly improves efficiency and helps you make better use of your time.

Final Thoughts

If you want to improve your English vocabulary, memorizing words is unavoidable! Without a solid word bank, speaking fluent English is nearly impossible. The methods above cover most of the major approaches. Give them a try and see what works best for you!

How to Get A 9 Score in IELTS Listening – An Unconventional Study Guide

I’ve taken the IELTS twice, once in 2011 and again in 2015. The first time, I scored a perfect 9 in Listening. The second time, I scored 8. Before the first exam, the only preparation I did was to complete one Cambridge IELTS mock test. I found that I had only gotten one question wrong, and afterward, I didn’t do any focused listening practice. The second time, I went in completely unprepared and didn’t score full marks due to a brief lapse in attention during the test, which caused me to miss part of the recording.

I’m not sharing this to boast, but to make a point: focused IELTS Listening preparation is not strictly necessary. What I mean by "focused preparation" is buying or downloading a heap of so-called IELTS Listening practice books, question banks, or tips and tricks, then drilling them endlessly day after day. I believe this kind of preparation isn’t only unnecessary—it can actually be counterproductive.

That may sound counterintuitive, but here are two reasons why:

1. Imagine all English listening materials as a large circle. IELTS-specific prep materials are just a small circle within it. Their scope and depth are limited. If you base your studies entirely on that small circle, you’ll never go beyond it.

2. Most IELTS Listening practice materials are extremely dull. Using them can create psychological resistance, making you procrastinate and reducing your study efficiency.

Now, let me share some of my personal strategies for achieving a high IELTS Listening score without focused test prep:

1. Mastering Synonym Substitution

Anyone who's taken the IELTS or practiced with real past tests knows this: synonym substitution is a key feature of the IELTS Listening test. For example, you might hear “take care of” in the audio, but the question or answer may use “look after.” In context, they mean the same thing.

This means that as part of your preparation—especially vocabulary—you should train yourself to understand English words in English, not just in your native language. Once you know basic vocabulary, move on to learning English definitions. For instance, if you learn the phrase “look after,” you should also know that it means “to take care of.” That way, you’re also learning synonyms naturally.

Think about it: If you hear an English word, then mentally translate it into Chinese (or your native language), and then try to recall the English synonym that matches that meaning, you’ll waste valuable cognitive processing time. This delay can be critical in the fast-paced IELTS Listening section, causing you to lose focus and miss answers.

2. Rapid Note-Taking and Recall Skills

IELTS recordings are only played once. Some question types require you to listen to a long section before you can piece together the right answer. This tests your ability to take quick notes and recall key information—a skill that directly relates to studying in an English-speaking university.

I know many Chinese students who meet the minimum IELTS score but still struggle in class once they go abroad. Some even have to record lectures and replay them at home just to understand the content.

If IELTS Listening tests lecture comprehension, then why not prepare by actually listening to real academic lectures? Many top universities publish their courses on MOOC platforms like Coursera and EdX for free. These are excellent tools to simulate real classroom listening.

For example, if you’re studying computer science, try Harvard’s famous CS50 course on EdX. Through lectures, quizzes, discussions, and assignments, you’ll get a taste of what studying abroad is like—all while improving your English listening, reading, and writing skills. It’s a win-win.

I personally recommend Duke University’s *“Think Again”* series on Coursera. First, most Chinese universities don’t offer critical thinking courses. Second, critical thinking is exactly what IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3 assess.

3. Extensive Listening & Using Fragmented Time Wisely

Most IELTS candidates are either students or working professionals. Both groups have limited time to study, and often need to squeeze in study sessions around busy schedules. That’s why using fragmented time effectively is key.

My advice: invest in a comfortable pair of Bluetooth headphones. This way, you can listen to English audio content anytime, anywhere—while running, cycling, commuting, or lying in bed before sleep.

What should you listen to? My recommendation is: follow your interests. Do *not* waste time listening to boring IELTS recordings or question banks.

In China, we have platforms like Ximalaya and Lizhi for audio content. Similarly, overseas there are countless options. Download a podcast app (e.g., Podbean), and subscribe to shows that interest you. Make it a habit to use every spare moment for listening practice.

If you’re not sure where to start, browse the top charts on Podbean for popular shows in the U.S. At first, limit your subscriptions to no more than three. Stick with them for a while and you’ll notice your listening ability improve.

Audiobooks are also a fantastic option. If you can afford it, use platforms like Audible to buy nonfiction audiobooks. You’ll improve your listening and broaden your knowledge at the same time.

4. Meditation and Focus Training

You may wonder: why did I score 9 the first time but only 8 the second time? Did my English get worse?

Not really. The real reason was a loss of focus during the second test. I simply zoned out for a few seconds, missed part of the recording, and had to guess a few answers.

I’m not alone—many people have the same problem. In our hyper-distracted digital age, it’s harder than ever to stay focused, whether it’s during an exam, at work, or even while watching a movie.

IELTS Listening is the most attention-demanding part of the test. That’s why this last tip isn’t about English—it’s about training your focus.

Our minds are like wild horses. Try closing your eyes and telling yourself not to think about anything. Most people can’t do it. After months of research, I’ve found one of the best ways to train focus: meditation.

Modern neuroscience confirms that meditation significantly boosts attention span. Many famous figures, like Steve Jobs, Yuval Noah Harari (author of *Sapiens*), and Ray Dalio, are long-time meditators.

I won’t go into detail here, but if you want to try, download the Headspace app. Start with the free “Take 10” program—10 minutes a day for 10 days. It’s a great introduction. If you want to go deeper, read *10% Happier* by Dan Harris.

Action Plan

If my approach resonates with you, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started with IELTS Listening prep:

1. Get an English-English dictionary and use flashcard tools like Memrise or Quizlet to build vocabulary.

2. Find a MOOC on Coursera or EdX related to your major or personal interests and start learning.

3. Download Podbean (or any podcast app you like), subscribe to a few podcasts you enjoy, and start listening during your downtime.

4. Install the Headspace app and begin a regular meditation practice to improve focus.

Stick with these habits, and not only will your IELTS Listening score improve, but your overall English proficiency will grow stronger—long after the test is over. These habits will serve you well during your studies and life abroad, giving you a richer and more rewarding experience.

If you really feel the need for IELTS-specific practice materials, the official Cambridge IELTS series is more than enough. Just use it to familiarize yourself with the test format shortly before your exam.

Let me know if you’d like a PDF version, a summary, or even a design layout for this article!

12 Common IELTS Listening Traps!

For many IELTS test-takers, especially beginners, the Listening section can often be the weakest link. A common frustration is: “I clearly heard the word, so why was my answer still wrong?”

Some candidates believe IELTS Listening isn’t difficult – just follow the audio and write down the keywords. But even when you catch those key pieces of information, you may still get the answers wrong.

In reality, IELTS Listening is full of traps deliberately set by the test designers. These include misleading key information and “decoy” answers. Spotting and avoiding these traps is the true key to scoring high.

Trap 1: Numerical Comparisons

Questions often involve a stream of numbers, especially in topics like travel. Watch out for words like minimum, maximum, least, most, up to, etc.

Example: A travel guide might say that the typical tour group size is around 30 people, with small groups of 20 in the off-season, and a maximum of 40 in the peak season. If the question asks for the largest group size, the correct answer is 40.

Trap 2: Time Sequence

This trap compares past and present situations. Pay special attention to words such as used to, in the past, many years ago, now, at present, in the future, etc.

Example: A landlord might say there used to be 5 tenants, then 2 moved out, so now only 3 people live there. If the question asks how many currently live there, the answer is 3, not 5.

Another example: A gym club might mention they currently only have a gym, but will add a swimming pool later. If asked what facilities are available now, the answer is just the gym.

Trap 3: Split Information

This often happens with numbers. Students tend to focus on the last number they hear, but sometimes you need to combine pieces of information.

Example: The audio says there are 500 male and 480 female students. If the question asks for the total number of students, the answer is 980.

Similarly, if someone says they lived 5 years in New York and 2 years in Seattle, and the question is about total time spent in the US, the answer is 7 years.

Trap 4: Mixing Subjective and Objective Information

Some test-takers miss this trap entirely. A speaker may express personal intentions that conflict with the actual facts. Be alert to words like usually, want to, plan to, common.

Example: A professor says extensions are only allowed for illness or approved leave, but the student says they’re working on another paper. If the question asks for the professor’s criteria, the correct answer is illness or approved leave, not the student’s personal reason.

Another example: A student says the degree usually takes 3 years, but he plans to finish in 2. The correct answer to “How long will he stay?” is 2 years.

Trap 5: Choosing Among Options

In dialogues, one speaker often lists options, and the other makes a final choice. Focus on words like should do, decide on, don’t want to, and evaluative adjectives.

Example: One person lists sunscreen, a water bottle, and a sweater. The other says sunscreen is necessary for the beach, the bottle is too bulky, and they’d rather take a raincoat than a sweater. The final items are sunscreen and raincoat.

Trap 6: Key Info Comes First

Usually, we expect the keyword to come first and the answer after. But sometimes the answer appears before the keyword. This is called the “front-loaded” answer trap.

Example:

Question: Students need a front door key between ___ and ___.

Audio: “The door is locked at 8 p.m. and reopened at 7 a.m., so you’ll need the key between those times.”

The actual answer is 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., which comes before the phrase “need the key.”

Tip: Don’t just listen for keywords. Anticipate the type of answer needed (e.g., time, place, number) and pay attention to relevant information wherever it appears.

Trap 7: Additional Answers

Sometimes part of the answer appears early, but more is added later.

Example: “Paris is a city of fashion, and another is New York.”

Look for markers like another, other, like, similar, the same as, also, too. These signal that more information is coming and should be included.

Trap 8: Partial Match

Often seen in multiple-choice questions, where an answer choice includes part of the information from the audio. Test-takers who latch onto these fragments may fall into the trap.

To avoid this:

Read the entire question carefully.

Expect longer, more detailed answers, especially when listing reasons or opinions.

Prepare for sustained listening.

Trap 9: Implied Meaning

These traps require understanding what’s implied, not just what’s said.

Example: A landlord asks if the tenant wants to share a room. The tenant replies they’re working on a degree and need a quiet environment. The implication is that they want a single room.

Trap 10: Paraphrasing and Synonyms

IELTS often uses paraphrasing to avoid repeating the same wording as in the question. This makes identifying answers harder.

Common types of paraphrasing:

Synonyms: pressure ↔ stress, city ↔ urban, consult ↔ consultation.

Phrases: cope with ↔ deal with, because of ↔ due to.

Active/passive: Population shift has caused this pressure ↔ This pressure has been caused by population shift.

Rewording sentences: Meal times cannot be changed ↔ No changes should be made to meal times.

Add/Subtract logic: He is out of London for 7 months a year = He is in London for 5 months a year.

Trap 11: Changing One’s Mind

In natural speech, people often change their minds. IELTS exploits this by presenting a “correction” immediately after the “wrong” answer.

Example:

Speaker: “Her birthday is on the 18th... No, it’s the 15th.”

If you wrote 18th, you fell into the trap.

Tip: Always stay alert for changes. Don’t assume the first number or date you hear is the final answer.

Key words to watch for: but, however, although. These often signal a correction.

Example:

“Well, I think the 15th of December will be the best time. But there are exams on the 16th, so how about the 10th?”

Here, the final answer is the 10th.

Final Reminders:

Be especially alert to key info types often tested in IELTS Listening:

Time & Dates

Places & Names

Spelling

Superlatives (best, most, least)

Cause and effect

Contrasts and corrections

Take notes as needed and listen not just for words, but for meaning and logic.

How To Pass IELTS in 2025

Do you want to pass IELTS in 2025? Of course, you do! Let's cut to the chase—here's how you can do it.

The first step is to learn from your mistakes. Wait, wait, I know it sounds simple, but let me explain. In this guide, we’ll explore the biggest mistakes IELTS test takers make in each section of the test, how to avoid them, and why learning from these mistakes will help you achieve a higher score.

Speaking Section: The Biggest Mistake

Speaking Part 2 is one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS test because speaking alone for an extended period can be difficult. Many test takers fail to speak for the full two minutes, limiting their ability to demonstrate their English proficiency and earn higher marks.

For example, consider this Part 2 task card: Describe a type of food you would like to try.

• What type of food it is
• How you know about it
• Where you would try it
• Why you would like to try it

If I received this card, I might talk about Korean food, specifically bibimbap, and my desire to visit Korea. But what if I run out of things to say and still have 30 seconds left? A simple trick is to discuss what others think about the topic. We call this technique "reflecting globally."

For example, I could mention how Korean cuisine has gained global popularity or what other people think about bibimbap. This method helps extend your response and ensures you fill the two-minute time requirement. If the examiner interrupts you, it means you’ve reached the time limit—well done!

Writing Section: The Biggest Mistake

Many test takers write essays with perfect grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation, yet they fail to answer the question directly, leading to a lower score. Take a look at the Writing Task 2 band descriptors: to achieve Band 9, you must present a clear, fully developed position that directly answers the question.

For example, if the prompt asks, "To what extent do you agree or disagree?", you must clearly state your opinion. If asked, "What are the advantages and disadvantages?", your essay should cover both. Understanding and fully addressing the question is crucial.

Consider this prompt: "It is predicted that robots will become increasingly important in our lives. How could robots be used in the future? Will this be a positive or negative development?"

A high-scoring response would include:

• An introduction outlining the main points
• Body paragraphs discussing possible uses of robots
• An argument for why this is a positive or negative development

Always make sure your essay fully answers all parts of the question to maximize your score.

Reading Section: The Biggest Mistake

Many test takers focus heavily on speaking and writing while neglecting the reading section, which can lower their overall score. One of the most confusing question types in IELTS Reading is True/False/Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given.

• True/False/Not Given is based on factual information in the text.
• Yes/No/Not Given is based on opinions or claims made by the writer.
• Not Given means there isn’t enough information in the text to determine whether the statement is true or false.

For example: Statement: "The Amazon rainforest is being destroyed for soymilk production."

• If the passage states this clearly, the answer is True.
• If the passage states something contradictory, the answer is False.
• If the passage does not mention soymilk production at all, the answer is Not Given.

Understanding how to differentiate between these answers is crucial for improving your reading score.

Listening Section: The Biggest Mistake

One of the biggest mistakes in IELTS Listening is failing to listen for tone and speaker intention. For multiple-choice questions, you must infer the speaker’s emotions based on tone, rather than waiting for direct statements like "I felt nervous."

Consider this excerpt from an IELTS listening question: "At first, I was confident, but then I got into the lecture and thought, 'What’s happening? Why can’t I understand anything?'"

• The speaker does not explicitly say they were confused, but their tone and words indicate it. The correct answer would be confusion.

Recognizing tone and context is a key skill for IELTS Listening success.

The Key to Success: Learn from Your Mistakes

These are just some of the most common IELTS mistakes. As you prepare, you’ll make mistakes too—but that’s okay! The key is to stop and analyze your mistakes so you don’t repeat them.

For instance, if you score 20 out of 40 on a reading test, review each incorrect answer. It might seem time-consuming, but skipping this step will cause you to make the same mistakes over and over. Learning from your errors will ultimately save you time and improve your performance.

Good luck with your IELTS preparation in 2025!

IELTS Strategies for Different Question Types

• Opinion (Agree/Disagree):

1. Take a clear stance and defend it throughout the essay.
2. Use two main body paragraphs (one for agreement, one for disagreement) and focus on the side you support.

• Discussion (Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion):

1. Present both sides equally in the body paragraphs.
2. Clearly state your opinion in the introduction and conclusion.

• Problem-Solution:

1. Identify the problem in the first body paragraph.
2. Suggest solutions in the second body paragraph.

• Advantages/Disadvantages:

1. Divide the main body into advantages and disadvantages.
2. Conclude with which side is stronger.

• Two-Part Questions:

1. Answer each question in separate body paragraphs.

IELTS Writing Task 2 "Two-Part Questions" essay sample

Today, TV channels provide men's sports shows more than women's sports shows. Why? Should TV channels give equal time for women's sports and men's sports?

IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay sample

Some people believe that when designing a building, the most important thing to be considered is the function rather than the outward appearance. To what extent do you agree or disagree?