On the 14th episode of Your Question, we handle the following question:

Q: I want to build my vocabulary and learn idioms but my memory is not good. How can I do it?

Here are my suggestions:

1. Learn by using mnemonics
2. Practice again and again and try to use in a meaningful way
3. Avoid trying to memorize lists of words with no context
4. Avoid learning rare idioms that aren’t used anymore

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On the English 2.0 Podcast, I help you express yourself more naturally and smoothly. We go beyond the words and phrases and talk about how to make your English sound more natural, proper mindset, and success principles.

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    2 replies to "YQ14 | How Can I Build Vocabulary and Learn Idioms with a Bad Memory?"

    • Great Alsensei!

      In my personal experience mnemonics works pretty well. In fact I am used to combine mnemonics with spaced repetition system SRS. My anki sessions have entire phrases instead of separated words, and I also use colors to emphasize the new words, I am used to underline linking words and try learn chunks of words instead of separated ones and attach the related sound. The aim is to create an environment more realistic in which I have “collocations”, phrasal verbs and expressions in natural way of speaking and I try to repeat as much as I can. I like to do:

      mnemonic associations
      spaced repetition sections
      learn chunks of words (linking words)

      Also I like to listen podcasts many many times, and sometimes I try to transcript to see how accurate is my listening skills are.

      Commenting on great websites is other great exercise, do not care so much with my possible writing mistakes 🙂

      Thanks for more one great podcast!

      • ALsensei

        Sergio,

        Thank you so much for watching and commenting! You have provided some excellent ways to use mnemonics and techniques that I haven’t explored before! Your information can really help other students so thank you again for your insights.

        Doing dictation or transcription is a great way to check your listening skills! I am working on getting transcriptions for this podcast as well. You will be able to download them very soon!

        Thanks again for sharing and please comment anytime!

        Al

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