Learning styles and tips (4)

Learn words in context

A single word won't get you very far, which is why we recommend that you learn words in context.

When you learn a new word, either create your own example sentence using the word, or learn the sentence in which the word first appears.

We translate all the difficult words on our website. They are green (on this page you can see "gaps" and "round-up" in green). Hold your mouse over the green words and the translation of the word will appear. We provide the translation in context for you so you don't have to worry about all the possible meanings of a word. If you print out the text, the translations will be listed under the story.

What's the best way to learn new words? You could write down the sentence in which the new word appears on a card or piece of paper. We suggest that you write only the first letter of the new word. Add the translation of the word under the sentence. On the back of the card, write the word.

Test yourself at least seven times the first day. As you get better at remembering the word, test yourself less often — and leave longer gaps between each test. The real test comes when you use the word in your own sentences. 

Ready? You'll find a new story every week in our News section. 

If you'd like to read more difficult texts, see our round-up of press commentary in Business Press.