Break through the 8000 words of TEM-4 English major

Author: Shen Fuying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: This book is a newly compiled memory manual for exam preparation, based on the newly revised "Comprehensive Vocabulary List for English Majors in Higher Education" published by Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press in July 2001. Compared to previous vocabulary memorization books, this book has two significant features.
New Syllabus, New Vocabulary. This book is based on the "new syllabus" published in July 2001, the "Comprehensive Vocabulary List for English Majors in Higher Education." In June 1989, Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press published the "old syllabus" compiled by the drafting group of the "English Teaching Syllabus for the Basic Stage of English Majors in Higher Education." This "old syllabus" only listed vocabulary for levels 1-6 of the basic stage. According to this syllabus, English majors taking the TEM-4 exam must master less than 4,000 words, which are insufficient for the exam requirements. Clearly, the "old syllabus," whether in terms of publication date or teaching and learning demands, is no longer suitable for the teaching needs of English majors in the 21st century.
The "Higher-Level Teaching Syllabus for English Majors in Higher Education" (trial version), published in June 1990 by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, at best serves as a guiding document. It only outlines the requirements for the higher-level stage of English majors but does not specify or provide vocabulary for the TEM-8 exam. However, the "new syllabus" of 2001 requires TEM-4 candidates to master 8,000 words and TEM-8 candidates to master 13,000 words. Moreover, the "new syllabus" also provides definitions for the prescribed vocabulary, making it undoubtedly the most authoritative to date. Therefore, this book, compiled based on the July 2001 version of the "new syllabus," inherits its authority.
New Thinking, New Perspective. This book is organized using a brand-new approach based on scientific principles of language learning. In addition to the standard content found in most vocabulary memorization guides—such as word forms, phonetic transcriptions, parts of speech, definitions, and phrases—it includes entirely new features:
① Usage Scan: Highlights important grammatical and lexical knowledge that students often find difficult to master.
② Vocabulary Container: Lists words related in meaning to the target word, primarily synonyms, antonyms, or words within the same category, enabling students to expand their vocabulary quickly through association. Additionally, the author ingeniously includes witty and entertaining headings in this section, not only aiding memorization but also making the process of learning vocabulary an enjoyable and engaging activity.
③ Synonym Discrimination: Clearly distinguishes between key and challenging synonyms in terms of meaning and usage, helping students learn vocabulary through comparison and enabling them to grasp the skills needed to tackle vocabulary questions effectively.
④ (TEM-4, CET-4, CET-6, and Graduate Entrance Exam): Lists real exam questions from 1990 to 2002 related to the target word, including the TEM-4, CET-4, CET-6, and Graduate Entrance Exam. This feature allows students to practice using common words in real exam contexts, reinforcing their memory while helping them identify key areas and gain practical experience.
New Layout, New Design. The book is designed with a clear, easy-to-understand layout based on the difficulty level and frequency of words in English learning. Usage scans, phrases, and vocabulary containers are highlighted and presented in tabular form to stimulate memory. Synonym discrimination is emphasized with black boxes and dot hierarchies, making it immediately clear to students. The section is organized in the form of actual exam questions, enhancing students' exam readiness and deepening their retention.