An expansive and growing vocabulary is one of the most important elements of learning a second language. You need to be able to express your thoughts, which is easier to do when you know more words. If English is your second language, here are some of the best ways to improve your vocabulary:

Read

Reading is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to increase your English vocabulary. If you are just starting out, you can try reading books in English that you have already read in your native language. This way, you will already be familiar with the story and many of the terms used. Written media has the added benefit of helping you learn the language and, if applicable, a different writing system. An understanding of root words can help you recognize new words more easily.

Listen to Media

Spoken media can include movies, TV shows, radio broadcasts and music, among others. You can do this during your spare time or when doing other things, such as exercising or commuting to work. Spoken media has the advantage of letting you hear how words are pronounced. This can make new vocab words more difficult to look up because you may not know how to spell them, however. This is why a combination of spoken and written media consumption can help improve your English vocabulary.

Use Flash Cards

Flash cards are a highly effective way for memorizing information. This is why they have been used by educators and students for a very long time. You can use flash cards to study for tests in your ESL program or to learn new words on your own. If studying on your own, simply choose a few words from a particular theme and review until you know them.

Speak with Native Speakers

You probably already know that immersion is an integral part of learning a language. Aside from its other benefits, making a habit of conversing with native speakers can teach you many new words. You can do this over the Internet or in person. When speaking to someone, stop and ask them what certain words are if you don’t know, or if you want to know. They can hopefully tell you and explain context to you, which can be difficult to get across in other settings.

Learning English as a second language will take time, but you can do it. Understand the importance of growing your vocabulary and work towards having an expansive one. Your English skills will continue to improve!