Charming English Vocabulary Quick Memorization (Part 2)

Author: Liu Hongmei Huang Chaoli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The memorization of English words is a bottleneck for Chinese students learning English. Many students are deterred from learning English because they struggle with vocabulary, losing many opportunities for advancement and employment. Countless students "tire themselves out" in the battle with words, forgetting what they have memorized and memorizing what they have forgotten, day in and day out, with no proper review rhythm, wasting a lot of time and effort. It can be said without exaggeration that mastering the challenge of English vocabulary opens a door to English learning and a bright future. As for methods of memorizing words, many books introduce them, such as traditional methods like "word formation," "comparison and classification," and "homophonic association." These methods are beneficial to a certain extent in memorizing words. However, single methods have their limitations and cannot suit the memorization of all words. Moreover, some methods seem contrived, failing to connect the form of a word with its meaning. Based on years of teaching experience in college English, the authors have adopted multiple unique methods, experimenting with different approaches suitable for different words. Most words are introduced with one or more memorization methods, allowing readers to choose based on their memory and thinking habits. This is the greatest feature of the book. The memorization methods mainly include:
1. Word-in-a-Word Method: It is common for one word to contain another. This method not only reduces the burden of memorization but also achieves the effect of "reviewing the old to learn the new."
2. Comparison Method: Just as changing one or two strokes in Chinese characters can completely change the meaning, many English words differ by only one or two letters but have entirely different meanings.
3. Letter Block Method: In English vocabulary, many letters appear together frequently. The authors call them "letter blocks." This method reduces the units of memorization, breaking down words into smaller parts to ease the burden.
4. Homophonic Association Method: This is a widely used method, but most books only provide the homophonic associations without linking them to the meaning of the word, making the method contrived and ineffective. Therefore, this book further connects the homophonic associations with the meaning of the word, making the method more engaging and fun.
5. Association Method: This method uses various associations to transform a dull word into an interesting one.
6. Root Method: This is a relatively traditional method. Some typical and common word roots are still helpful for memorizing individual words and expanding vocabulary. Additionally, the book includes synonyms and antonyms of high-frequency words, allowing readers to generalize and master the material. As for derivatives, for brevity, the authors list them in parentheses after the words. The words in the book are organized by frequency of occurrence, i.e., their commonality, divided into two volumes: Volume 1 (Levels 1-3) and Volume 2 (Levels 4-6). It includes all common phrases corresponding to each level. Volume 1 also includes newly added vocabulary for the Application Ability A and B exams. The book is titled "New Thinking—Charming English Vocabulary Rapid Memorization" because we hope that through our unique and enjoyable memorization methods, we can reduce the burden on learners. We aim to make the daunting task of memorizing English words more appealing and captivating. This is the original intention behind writing this book. The target readers of this book are mainly candidates for the Application Ability A and B exams (including provincial Level 3 exams), self-study exams, Public English Levels 1-5 exams, and the College English Tests Band 4 and 6. It is also an excellent reference book for English enthusiasts.