Charming English Vocabulary Quick Memorization (Part 1)

Author: Liu Hongmei Huang Chaoli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The memory of English words is a bottleneck for Chinese students learning English. Many students are hesitant to learn 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 after day, year after year, without a 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," "comparative classification," and "homophonic association." These methods are beneficial to a certain extent. However, single methods have their limitations and cannot suit all words. Moreover, some methods seem contrived, failing to connect the form of a word to its meaning. Based on long-term experience in teaching 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 memory methods, allowing readers to choose based on their memory and thinking habits. This is the greatest feature of the book. The memory 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, yet 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 memory units of a word, breaking it down into smaller parts to ease memorization.
4. Homophonic Association Method: This is a widely used method, but most books only provide the homophonic pronunciation without linking it to the word's meaning, making the method contrived and ineffective. Therefore, this book further connects the homophonic pronunciation to the meaning, 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 for high-frequency words, allowing readers to learn by analogy and fully grasp the material. As for derivatives, for brevity, the authors list them in parentheses after the words. The selection of words is categorized by frequency of use, divided into two volumes: Upper Volume (Levels 1-3) and Lower Volume (Levels 4-6), including all common phrases for each level. The Upper Volume also includes newly added vocabulary for the Practical English Proficiency A and B Level exams. The book is named New Thinking: Charismatic English Vocabulary Rapid Memorization because we hope our distinctive and enjoyable memory methods can reduce learners' memorization burden, making daunting English words more appealing. This is the original intention behind writing this book. The target readers are primarily candidates for the Practical English Proficiency A and B Level 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.