THE ROUTE BOOK

It is a fact that expanding your vocabulary is the best way to become proficient in a foreign language. Knowing as many words as possible can save you from embarrassing situations. Think about that interesting conversation you were holding with a Spaniard that was becoming tedious because you didn’t know how to say “arcade” (sala de juegos) and you had to explain it using too many words!

But don’t worry, I have the perfect solution for you. I made up this method several years ago and I can assure you that it is very helpful. All you need is a small notepad divided into different sections in different colours (see picture). Each section will focus on a specific language area:

-Colloquial sentences (grammar notes can be included here as well).
-Collocations (nouns with their typical adjectives).
-Adjectives.
-Verbs .

This way whenever you´re reading an article and find an interesting word that you don´t know you can write it down in the notepad. If it is a verb, in the verb section, if it is an adjective, in the adjective section and so on. It is very important to write down the meaning of the word alongside an example of the word in context, otherwise you won’t know in which situations you can use that specific word.

The good thing about this technique is that you can take it everywhere with you. This is why I call the notepad “The route- book”, because you can read it on the bus, while your computer is loading…and this way you will refresh your already memorized words. Easy and practical! I really hope it is as useful for you as it has been for me =)