How to improve my vocabulary?

So, I got a vocab test coming up and could really use some tips on how to expand my vocabulary. What are your favorite strategies or resources for learning new words? Thanks in advance!

Expanding your vocabulary is an essential skill that will benefit not only your upcoming vocabulary test but also your communication abilities and overall academic performance. Here are some strategies and resources to help you learn new words:

1. Read more: Reading is one of the best ways to improve your vocabulary. Diversify your reading materials to include both fiction and non-fiction, and ensure you read articles, books, or magazines in areas you're not as familiar with. Seeing new words in various contexts is one of the best ways to ensure you not only learn new vocabulary, but remember it.

2. Use flashcards: Flashcards are an excellent tool for learning new words. Write the word on one side of the card and its definition on the other side. Review the cards daily, and make sure you actually use the words you learn in your writing or conversations.

3. Contextual learning: Whenever you come across an unfamiliar word, try to guess its meaning by looking at the context it's used in. This approach helps you retain the word better than simply looking up its definition. After you've guessed, though, do confirm the meaning in a dictionary.

4. Word-a-day calendars or apps: These resources typically provide you with a new word to learn every day, accompanied by its meaning and usage examples. They're a fun way to consistently learn new words.

5. Play word games: Engaging in word games like Scrabble, Boggle, Wordle, or crossword puzzles helps expand your vocabulary in an entertaining way. You can find many of these games online or as apps on your phone.

6. Mnemonic techniques: Create mnemonic devices or memory aids to help you remember new words more easily. For example, if you're learning the word "gregarious," remember it as "great + various" to indicate that someone who is gregarious gets along well with a great variety of people.

7. Set goals: Set achievable goals for yourself when it comes to learning new words. For instance, you could aim to learn 5 new words per day. Having concrete goals not only helps motivate you, but also ensures that you're making steady progress.

8. Review and repetition: Continuously review the words you've learned. Schedule regular revision sessions to reinforce the vocabulary you've acquired, and actively incorporate the words into your writing or conversations to help them become part of your "working vocabulary."

Experiment with these strategies and find which methods work best for you. Good luck with your vocabulary test and your language development journey!