#4 When English is Your Second Language (ESL): How to Improve English Vocabulary

Tip: For people who speak English as a second language who are serious about improving their English vocabulary, we strongly recommend you try the popular vocabulary-building software, Ultimate Vocabulary. Click Ultimate Vocabulary for more information.*

With the ever-increasing ease at which our lives transcend international borders, there are many more opportunities to work, study, and conduct business abroad. Often, these opportunities can present a double-edged sword to those who originate from non-English speaking backgrounds. This is when it becomes necessary to improve English vocabulary in order to achieve goals and succeed in diverse environments.

Developing vocabulary knowledge is a fundamental aspect in acquiring a second language (Gao, 2007). For the college student, it can be even more daunting because apart from increasing English vocabulary, they also are required to learn academic language. For those wishing to study at a college or university, a different set of vocabulary skills are often required. Santos (2000) found that 1 in every 6 words in a sample of community college textbooks was academic vocabulary.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is perhaps the most widely recognised English as a second language test in the world. The assessment is targeted at non-English speakers who wish to gain entry into English speaking colleges and universities. It tests a student’s capacity for being able to communicate effectively in English at the tertiary education level (ETS, 2008a). The test is widely accepted, with more than 6,000 institutions and 130 countries accepting the examination. It is essential that a student improve English vocabulary to do well on this test.

In 2005, the TOEFL went online (TOEFL iBT) (ETS, 2008b). The test is primarily targeted at English used in academic settings. The student or prospective student is required to demonstrate that they have developed English vocabulary to such an extent that success in an academic environment is achievable. They are tested on the following:

  • 1. Comprehend academic reading materials;
  • 2. Understand academically spoken English (listening);
  • 3. Demonstrate their ability to speak English as it is spoken in an academic setting; and
  • 4. Show you posses the ability to write as you would in an academic environment where English is the first language (ETS, 2008b).
Developing English Vocabulary

Tools such as the Ultimate Vocabulary ESL Success Edition offer non-English speakers the opportunity to improve their English vocabulary, regardless of what level they are at. What is unique about Ultimate Vocabulary ESL Success Edition is that it is the only vocabulary building software designed and customised specifically for the TOEFL exam. This software helps you prepare for the TOEFL test. It offers the student an opportunity to hear words spoken by a human, native English speaker; learn words aimed at writing TOEFL essays; reduce accents; and improve communication. Five different test types and five learning activities will help develop English vocabulary.

The need to improve English vocabulary in order to work, conduct business, or study overseas can appear to be a difficult process. With the assistance of software specifically designed with learning principles and the TOEFL in mind, it can be an easy goal to achieve. Don’t let such an achievable ambition get in the way of pursuing your dreams and fulfilling your aspirations.

References

ETS (Educational Testing Service), The TOEFL® Test: Find Out Which Format Is Offered at Your Location (2008) (viewed 2 February 2009) (2008a).

ETS (Educational Testing Service), TOEFL® Test and Score Data Summary for TOEFL Internet-based and Paper-based Tests: 2007 Test Data (2008) (viewed 2 February 2009).

Gao, C, ‘Influence of contexts on vocabulary testing’ (2007) 4(7) US-China Education Review 42.

Santos, M, ‘Analyzing Academic Vocabulary and Contextual Cue Support in Community College Textbooks’ (2000) in National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy, 6 Focus on Basics: Connecting Research and Practice (viewed 1 February 2009).

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