Through Reading to Learn Words · CET-4 Edition

Author: Li Ji, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Recommended by teaching experts from the U.S. and the U.K., TWINNING and HOLLAND, as a lifelong beneficial memory method, and unanimously approved by experts from the three major examination centers of Tsinghua, Fudan, and Wuhan Universities. The book selects 110 pieces of beautiful English texts and 2,500 frequently tested CET-4 vocabulary that appear 5-10 times in different contexts, enabling clever memorization and flexible application for high scores and high ability. While reading leisurely, "dead words" transform into "living words" in the context. The well-arranged vocabulary layout is no longer dull, and thousands of words no longer seem intimidating. During the writing process, the authors focused on the following points:
1. Appreciating beautiful texts while memorizing sentences. It is difficult to imagine memorizing and using a word firmly if it is detached from its actual context. We have carefully selected 110 beautiful short passages and provided Chinese context for them. The vocabulary (marked with ★ in the upper left corner for CET-6 words) is placed in both English and Chinese contexts. While readers enjoy the beautiful texts and memorize idiomatic sentences (marked with underlined wavy lines in English contexts), they can firmly remember these words and learn how to use them. The juxtaposition of English and Chinese contexts is the largest feature of this book and is unprecedented in similar books both domestically and internationally.
2. Chunking or quantitative memorization. We have divided the 2,500+ vocabulary words into over 110 units, making the vast sea of words psychologically smaller and easier to tackle, allowing readers to reach their final goal step by step.
3. Emphasizing repetition rate to strengthen memory. According to language experts, learners must encounter a word 5-10 times to memorize it. A significant portion of the words in this book appear 5-10 times (see the guide at the back of the book), and they are presented in different contexts. Such a high repetition rate in different contexts achieves the effects of rapid memorization and flexible application. Short-term memory can also be transformed into long-term memory.
4. Focusing on vocabulary while also covering reading and translation. The words selected in this book are mostly core and frequently tested CET-4 vocabulary. The basic meaning of each entry is the most commonly used meaning, as well as the word's meaning in English contexts. Divergent meanings of the word should also be grasped as much as possible. We have translated the selected passages into Chinese and provided annotations on key points and difficulties.