How to Increase your English vocabulary?

The biggest hurdle in communicating effectively and confidently in English is good ‘active vocabulary’. Active Vocabulary constitutes of those words which we actively or confidently use in our day to day conversation or writings. On the other hand, there is ‘passive vocabulary’ – words we are familiar with but are not sure when and how to use them.




So, I think, the first step towards a better vocabulary is to work on your passive vocabulary and then regularly using those words so that they become a part your active vocabulary.



The following are tips on how to increase your passive vocabulary and turn it into active vocabulary:

(a) Read, read and read:

Reading is the most effective way of increasing your vocabulary. Newspapers, magazines, novels, story books are a rich source of new words. Whenever you come across new words write them down in a separate note book. Look them up in a dictionary. Make sentences using those words and try to use them in your day to day conversations.

(b) Looking up words in dictionary:

Whenever you look up a word in a dictionary find out its word class whether it’s a noun, an adjective or a verb and also what are its other forms. Lets take the example of the word familiar . ‘familiar’ is an adjective, ‘to familiarize’ is a verb and ‘familiarity’ is a noun. Every part of speech has its own specific place in a sentence. So, if you know the different forms of a word you will be able to use it more effectively.

(c) Watch and Listen:

Programmes in English on television and radio are another source of words. They also provide us with the context so the words can easily be understood and mimicked in our day to day conversations.



The idea is that the more you use new words in your day to day conversations the better your active vocabulary becomes. So start off today and never be ashamed of making mistakes. Not knowing a language is not a crime. Its just a hurdle. You need to overcome it. Nothing more nothing less.



Written by Madhukar Dhiman. http://www.rosemounts.org/

Why Study English in India?

For international students willing to study English, India is fast becoming a popular destination. There are more speakers of English in India than in UK itself – the country of its origin! So for one there is no dearth of good English language teachers. Secondly, it is affordable and thirdly, students have the choice of mixing holidays with learning.



You call up your insurance company from America to fix up a problem and the chances are that your call is received by a person sitting in India! He is more than glad to offer you quick instructions in perfect English. At times you do not even realize that you just spoke to a person thousand of miles away from a Hindi speaking country. People are waking up to the fact that writers from India - Arunaditi Roy, Vikram Seth can win prizes for their writings in English. So be sure that when you decide to learn English in India you are in safe hands.


How much would a person shell out if he goes to UK for a few weeks to learn English? Take a wild guess – hmm – lets say, around 4000 thousand pounds and that does not include stay and meals! Well, its way cheaper to stay and study in India. You get the same level of teachers and you are given more personal attention. You get a comfortable bed and let me warn you the Indian food is addictive.


India also amazes you with its history, culture and the natural diversity. In fact, you name it and we have it. Its rich architecture seeped in folklores, the Himalayan range in the north and the Thar desert, the wild life sanctuaries – you will always have something to pick up from the menu.


In the past years air travel has become cheaper, faster and safer. But what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get moving. And don’t forget to keep me posted.


Written by: Madhukar Dhiman, Director Rose Mount's institute of English Language. http://www.rosemounts.org/

Speak English Better

Watch, Listen, Read, Speak
Ever wondered how you acquired your mother tongue! There was no magic and nobody sat down with you with loads of books to teach. You heard, watched people and one fine day everything just came to you. You were able to make simple sentences and successfully get your message across. Grammar and other technical aspects came much later.

Language needs environment to sprout, to grow. So sow the seeds today. Nothing can be more fun when both entertainment and learning can be fused. Start watching and listening English programmes on television and radio or maybe youtube. Watching is a great way to improve English language skills as its easier to understand while watching. There are lots of clues which the actors give away through gestures, facial expressions thereby helping you to understand the dialogues. Listening too improves your understanding by helping you learn new words and improve pronunciation.


Reading is a great way to acquire new words and improve grammar. And its fun too. Reading throws open up a whole new world. Its a constructive leisure activity. Initially it might be boring but when you come across topics which interest you then there is no looking back.


When you have acquired new words start throwing them around. Catch hold of your friend whose English is good and start testing his patience! Jokes apart, till the time you don’t practice you will not improve. So speak a lot.


The last piece of advice is – join a good English language Institute. Make sure that its teachers are well trained and lots of speaking activities are done in the class.


Email me at madhukar@rosemounts.org