Techniques for testing vocabulary

The use of modern technologies in teaching vocabulary

Exercises for vocabulary consolidation

To fix the words in their memory students must perform different exercises:

1. fill in the blanks-students fill in the blank with the necessary word

2. matching- students match definitions to words, definitions to sentences, antonyms or synonyms to the word.

3. correcting mistakes- students read a paragraph in which the vocabulary is used incorrectly and correct the mistakes.

4. labeling a picture- students write a necessary word to complete the labels

5. crossing out the word- students cross out the word that does not belong with the others in the group.

6. acting out/ miming the word-one person picks a word and acts it out. The others try to guess the word..

7. complete the sentences

8. crossword puzzle- teacher creates a crossword puzzle in which the new words are used.

9. vocabulary games: chain story, Bingo, back to the board, find the differences, guessing, etc.

Some tips for memorizing vocabulary:

Read more! Vocabulary is better learnt from context

Relate the word to words you already know, Make up as many associations as possible.

Use mnemonics ( tricks designed to help the memory)

Learn the words in categories.

Put the words and expressions on one topic in a “ spidergram” to which the new words can be added.

Listen to songs and recordings

Watch English language films with subtitles.

Keep a small box containing cards with the English word on one side and the translation on the other.

Stick up words around a mirror or on the wall above the desk in your room.

Get an English pen friend.

Technology can assist in vocabulary acquisition.Visual imagery helps in learning and retention of new words. There are several ways in which technology can support vocabulary development in students. Some of them are:

· On-line interactive vocabulary lessons with the features to engage students, provide feedback, individualize instruction. A teacher may download the necessary material beforehand, and have students work through it, helping out when needed.

· On-line dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias. Great effect may have dictionaries designed specifically for English language learners ( The Longman Interactive English Dictionary, the Oxford Picture Dictionary Interactive)

· On- line texts for reading

To see how the students assimilate the form, meaning, use of words the teacher uses tests. For testing the acquisition of the written form dictations are used. For testing the meaning may be recommended: writing synonyms, antonyms, derivatives. For testing use the teacher has students make up sentences on a picture, write a letter, etc. All the exercises offered at the stages of presentation and consolidation can be applied for vocabulary testing.