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How to use your dictionary to build your vocabulary
Improve your vocabulary and really understand what you learn by simply using a paper dictionary. You will learn how to pronounce words, what their function is, how to modify them, and much more. You don’t need me to spell it out for you… start improving your English vocabulary now!
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Test your understanding of this English lesson
Test your understanding of the English lesson by answering these questions. You will get the answers and your score at the end of the quiz.
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So, why we should use paper dictionary and not electronic? :D
I think that paper one is a more relevant source.
Pozdrowienia dla wszystkich rodaków.
Using the International Phonetic Alphabet is also a big help to know how words are pronounced; but it takes some time to become familiar enough with all the phonetic symbols.
I tried to use it on several occasions, but in the end I gave up, sorry to say.
Useful tips for improving our vocabulary James.
Regards
Hi Ikaterina, I agree with your comments on James’ teaching style and personality traits.
He’s a gifted second language teacher, that’s for sure.
Have a great week!!!
All the best.
I was wondering that too, then I found the answer in the test results :)
“Paper — because you can learn “by accident”. Also the constant repetition makes the new information go deeper into your memory”
Exactly, I’m learn news french words following this same idea. Now, i need find one good English dictionary.
James, can you give us any suggestion?
if i have a good dictionary can i get lots of vocabulary? Mr.James
That still depends on how you are going to use it :)))
Also don’t mind…
And one important tip James didn’t mention, that electronic dictionary, in contrast to paper, usually has inbuilt function, due to you can hear the word, wich helps you to pronounce it correctly.
Thanks! I sell books for making a living. But believe me it’s difficult to use an English dictionary if you don’t know how to write a new word. When I heard first time the word “tough” I tried “taf” “taff” “tuf” “tuff” “tuph”. I’m Romanian, but after I have finished the first grade I was able to use the Romanian Language Dictionary. James, if you hear a new English word, pronounced by Texan or Australia guy, could you find that word in dictionary?
that’s an interesting question Geolip…
I have a question: what should I use: English – English dictionary or English – other language (for example my mother language) dictionary? Thank you!
I think you should use E-E dict as much as possible, especially with the simply words . With complex word, you could see the meaning in your language and then look at the meaning in English , it could be easier to understand . ^^ This is my way.
excuse me, Maklina . Are you finnish? Can I become your friend ? I love your country very much , this is my dream . Could you tell me more about your country ?
i got 10 of 10 heeeeeeeeeh
Thanks! helped a lot.
I want know, why use a paper dictionary and not electronic?
I live in California , I just moved from Egypt as a new Immigrant, I was watching you before I came to USA. and I hope to see you face to face, California= smoking weed , and listen to rapper Snoop Dogg, see james step by step I Will be Americanized son, Lol
how did you improve your english basem please
I saw Canadian English Dictionary for the first time :D I have really old English English Dictionary from TIME (I had subscribed loooong time ago). But I seldom to use them. “Waste of treasure,” isn’t it?
I have sometimes used Oxford Dictionary website and play spelling game recently. I can check my listening skill. Difficult but interesting :) I didn’t know about the root “dict.” I got 6 correct out of 10. That’s too bad for me. I should review. Thank you for your tips and great lesson, James :D
Try The free dictionary by Farlex. It’s an app for cellphone. I found it very interesting because you can get both american en British pronunciation. In addition you can access to a new article every day as well as scientific information and news. It’s really useful. The other aspect I adore from this dictionary is that it explains the etymology of almost each word.
hahahahahah
I’m in perfect score :)
I only used paper dictionary when I haven’t got a personal computer. I used to oxford dictionary program. It’s good. I think we should make a paper dictionary by yourself and use it which is descriptive, has phonetic, how to use and different forms. thanks!
Thanks 70%
Hi Sir,
Please,let us know some ESL dictionary website.
Thank you
Farooq
Try The free dictionary by Farlex. It’s an app for cell phone.
Hi,
The lesson – perfect as always, but is there any dictionary that Mr. E would recommend?
I’m using macmillandictionary.com. It’s very useful and fast. When you search a word, you can see it phonetically, you find its all meaning with some examples (in sentences), word forms, phrases, and you can hear its pronuncitation as well. You can set British or American version. I especially like that every word of the definitions and sentences has a link to its own site (just by click on it).
Thank you sir
Thanks. Very special and unusual lesson.
thank’s for explain
“It is a part a the beginning of a word.”? I don’t understand that sentence.
Thank you, James, for the lesson. 9 of 10 (mistake in #6 question)
Thanks!!!
7/10. Thank james.
8/10,congratulations,thanks,sir!
Use paper Dictionary and keep your brain sharp.
Nice Lesson.Thanks Mr James
im egyptian student.. i would like to ask about how can i improve my speaking skill.. and like to know alot of vocab.. i need to chat with native speaker for example to speak english well or are there aothers ways ??
I got 9 correct out of 10. Better for me :D Thank you, James and Mr. E :)
YOu speak so quick
Thank you, James, for the lesson. 6 of 10
T.T……………
I couldnt understand What you read
Hi,I want to write IELTS exam can i know TOEFL books will helpful to me or not
Thank you very much James you are the best english teacher i have ever seen.
Hey, I have a doubt (not about the lesson), hope you can help me. Which is the difference between hatred and hate?
all I want for Christmas is a paper Dictionary
ILU James:*
Thanks James. Excellents advices to Us.
Hi, James!
I am advised to limit using dictionaries. Instead, I should try my best to guess the meaning of the new word. How do you thing about this, I want to hear a advice from you!
Thanks!
thanks james :D
hi james…iam student n i had some problems in my essay writing…can you help me?
thanks
I want to improve my English. if there is anyone interested in help me leave here my skype: bondek12
7/10 thumb up. Tkanks James.
Thanks!!very interesting information
thank you very match it is really good way to use dictionary .
James please speak a little slowly :( it is a little hard to get you when you start to speak fast.
thank you.
Could you speak more slowly? I can’t hear clearly. My listening skill is bad ( I think that)
Thank you James
thanks,i got 60
Thanks 70% Not bad)))
Hi james,
Thank you so much for this website ,,,
I have question :
What is the meaning of ( honorific language )?
Thanks again
Hey Mermaid, I hope u doing well.
Honorific means showing honor or respect. Thank you
Thanks James.
You speak fast
I am so sad :(((
thank you Mr James, in the past I meet some problem in choosing a suitable dictionary and now I know where I should begin. And by the way, you are a great teacher, so may you help me to fix mistakes in my essay for me, please. Thank you so much again.
Hi everyone.
I need a help. I want to improve my english as quickly as possible, do you want somebody to write me? :))
70 not bad
Thanks!
thanks jamse
thanks.
plzzzzz i have broken my leg vs i broke my leg .why present perfect .it is an action in the past why present perfect
60/100. not bad right?
I’ve downloaded in my mobile a dictionary because usually the descriptions are quite better that a simple translator… ;-D
thanks james i got 70% and how to use dictionary
90) i thought that english is phonetic))
Same
Very good video James!
Thank you, James.
I got 5 :(
tnx i got 10/10
I Got 9 out of 10, thanks.
thank you for James ESL;I got 9 out of 10,thank you for your help
I got 7. Thanks James.
What a teacher!
Wish all of them were this good and fun
nyc trick
thnks sir I got 8
Thank You Sir :)
Skype ID ‘Huseynov.17′ ..—->If you want to improve your speaking level like me ,you can add me at skype for talking.
thanks grand master
Thanks James!
I will try make sentences randomly:)
I apreciatte your lessons and the tips,man.Thanks a lot.
i like it
do you like it?
Thank you for your tips,although I don’t have a dictionary now.
thanks james
Dict is not a word by itsef in English.
But dict is to speak . It is good to think meaning of the words.
When I see a new word , try to look carafully at prefix and suffix to find out meaning of the words.
Thank you for recognizing me!! James!!
Hi Reiko, if you love to look for the etymology of words try by using the app The free dictionary by Farlex. It’s really useful…
Many thanks James.
Hi James and ciao everyone!
Innovative and interesting class, James. I love it so much, thanks!
Hi James,
thanks a lot for your useful lesson
take care
realy i useful from this lesson >
thank you james
Thanks James.
Every elephant has trunk, but most of the time we wear trunks. :)))
waw thanks James for lesson. I got 90% from 10 questions.
Really I am enjoing with lessons, it very usefull for me.
I still can’t understand the first tip, can you explain it again
Not Bad
What makes you a good teacher? I think the most important things are your personality and your passion to teach and help others to master this beautiful language. You have these qualities, James. U’ve done a great job! :)
Hi Ikaterina, I agree with your comments on James’ teaching style and personality traits;he’s a gifted second language teacher, that’s for sure.
Have a great week!!!
All the best.
very insteresting, now i find one dictionary. thanks james for the lesson.
hi James i like English language it’s my hobby to learn English and i like your explanation style thank you
What’s the difference between dictionary and vocabulary? I can’t understand..
Dictionary is paper or electronic book. For example, you know Google dictionary. Vocabulary is all words thay you know. It is in your brain.
Vocabulary is also words you’ve learned before.
I hope you understand!
Yes! Now I understand what is the difference! Thanks for the answer! Greetings from Bulgaria! :)
THANK YOU.
it sounds simple in theory. When you start practicing, it demnads a lot of work and motivation.
I’m going to try the merriam webster dictionary or the oxford one.
I have a Longman dictionary that its edition is 2002 (about 10 year ago). Do you think I can use it for several years again or I should buy it a newer version? How long we can use a dictionary without lost new words? Truly I don’t like to spend much money for a newer version (Advanced level and Hardback copy)?
Thank you in advance
I always knew that paper dictionary is better than electronic!!!! thanks for the lesson!!!
i have been learning this language for many years in different schools ( Canada, Uk, and England) and this is the first time that someone explains how to use a dictionary. To summarize this in a bright idea.
Thank you,James!
Thank you James
When I try take the quiz, I think my score would be not good, But I,ve got score 9/10, well you,re the first teacher that I saw at engvid james, thanks a lot (sry if my sentence still bad, I’m still learning here) :)
you are the best , JameZz :D
Really usuful. thanks a lot
thanks sir
That was amazing james. I did well ,but is it possible to put more vocabulary material in your link Resources
SAEED
Hey there! Thank you for your lesssons James! They’re awesome! But there’s a question comes up. My native language is Russian, so can you advice whether I should use Rus – Eng or Eng – Eng dictionary? My English is somehing like intermediate but when I use Eng – Eng dictionary I can just save these words I learn in passive vocabulary. I mean I can read, hear them and understand but when it comes to speaking or writing I can’t use these words. I guess I can’t understand them completely when they’re explained in English. Probably you can say something about it. Thanks! Take care!
Hi James ! You speak very fast… , so, I think this lesson is not for are “Begienners”, may be for “Intermediatte” – but NOT for a “Beginner”. But hawever, thanks a lot.
Useful advice: thanks!
same question: I have a question: what should I use: English – English dictionary or English – other language (for example my mother language) dictionary? Thank you!
Thank you so much.
James sounded much more interesting than that lesson’s topic. LOL
we should use paper dictionary not electronic,
hello dear my name is Sebrina i live in London.
I have something to discus with you.so please
write me to my email, sebrinajean…sebrina1976@gmail.com
PLEASE MY DEAR WITH DUE RESPECT I AM WAITING FOR UR URGENT RESPONSE
AT MY EMAIL IN BOX JUST NOW NOT HERE OK I AM WAITING DIRECT TO MY
EMAIL IN BOX OK
uuugly only 6/10 but I listened rap music at the same time maybe it was wrong :) Thank you for lessons.
Thanks , i’ve got 7 !
Thank you James
thanks！
Thanks, James! Your lessons are very alive and memorable)
Thank you James, great lesson!
hi guys if want the best dictionary I advice you to look for LONGMAN DICTIONARY it is really useful ,and it also has so many kind like for advance for upper-intermediate learners …ext
so wish you all the best ^_^
You got 7 correct out of 10.
thank you.
James how to find the word in the dictionary faster?
Thanks James for a good lesson!
thank you sir, that’s why I always wanted to leave a comment is to write down the new word that I learned earlier ago. it helps me out of nowhere in English haha.