The English Intensive Language Course is VI Academy’s signature program, designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Over time, this program has inspired various tailored courses to meet the diverse needs of students.
For international students looking to expand their English vocabulary effectively, here are some creative and engaging strategies to accelerate learning:
Rather than memorizing isolated words, learn vocabulary through real-life situations, conversations, and stories. This helps reinforce meaning and usage naturally.
Example: Instead of just learning the word negotiation, watch business discussions or role-play a real negotiation scenario.
Connect new words to familiar concepts through visual mind maps. Group related words together and create associations to improve recall.
Example: If learning the word enthusiastic, link it with synonyms like eager and excited, and opposites like indifferent.
Use technology to make learning fun and engaging. Apps like Quizlet, Anki, Duolingo, and Memrise reinforce vocabulary through gamification.
Example: Play word-based games like Scrabble or Wordle to challenge yourself.
Keep a vocabulary journal where you write down new words along with their definitions, example sentences, and translations (if necessary). Reviewing this regularly will improve retention.
Instead of learning random words, focus on vocabulary related to specific topics like travel, business, or academic writing. This makes learning more relevant and practical.
Actively use new vocabulary in conversations and writing exercises. Join English-speaking clubs, participate in discussions, or maintain a daily journal to practice using newly learned words.
Expose yourself to English-language media such as movies, podcasts, and books. Watching with subtitles or listening to audiobooks helps reinforce pronunciation and comprehension.
By integrating these creative strategies into daily learning, international students can build a strong and versatile English vocabulary with confidence
Incorporating music and songs into the teaching of English as a second language offers a dynamic approach to language acquisition. Singing can significantly enhance language skills by improving pronunciation, expanding vocabulary, and increasing listening comprehension, all while making the learning process more engaging and enjoyable.
1. Focus on High-Frequency Words
• Start with the most commonly used words in English.
• Use lists like the Dolch Sight Words or the Oxford 3000.
2. Use Mnemonics & Memory Tricks
• Associate words with images, rhymes, or stories.
• Example: “Big elephants can always understand small elephants” (to remember “because”).
3. Learn Words in Context
• Instead of memorizing single words, learn them in phrases or sentences.
• Example: Instead of just “efficient,” learn “an efficient way to complete a task.”
4. Use Flashcards & Apps
• Tools like Anki, Quizlet, or Memrise make reviewing easy.
• Add pictures or example sentences to your flashcards.
5. Read & Listen Regularly
• Read books, articles, or blogs suited to your level.
• Watch movies or listen to podcasts with subtitles to see words in action.
6. Practice Through Writing & Speaking
• Use new words in daily conversations or journal entries.
• Try language exchange apps like HelloTalk or Tandem.
7. Group Words by Theme
• Learn vocabulary in categories (e.g., Food: apple, banana, orange).
• This helps in understanding related words faster.
8. Use the “Active Recall” Technique
• Instead of just reading words, test yourself regularly.
• Cover the meaning and try to recall it before checking.
9. Make Learning Fun
• Play word games like Scrabble, Wordle, or crossword puzzles.
• Join online forums or social media discussions in English.
Learn English Vocabulary Related to You
Learning vocabulary that is directly related to your life makes it easier to remember and use in daily conversations. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Start with Personal Information
• Learn words related to your name, age, nationality, and background.
• Example:
o “My name is…”
o “I am from…”
o “I work as a…”
2. Learn Words About Your Daily Life
• Focus on vocabulary related to your routine, hobbies, and interests.
• Example:
o Morning Routine: wake up, brush teeth, take a shower, eat breakfast
o Hobbies: reading, painting, playing football, watching movies
3. Use Words Related to Your Work or Studies
• If you are a student, learn words related to subjects, exams, and school activities.
• If you are working, learn words about your job, meetings, and tasks.
• Example:
o Student: homework, assignment, lecture, notes, exam
o Professional: presentation, deadline, teamwork, client, email
4. Learn Words About Your Family & Friends
• Know words related to family members and relationships.
• Example: mother, father, sister, brother, cousin, colleague, best friend
5. Use Vocabulary for Your Environment
• Learn words related to your city, home, or country.
• Example: apartment, street, shopping mall, restaurant, park, weather
6. Talk About Your Feelings & Opinions
• Learn words to express emotions and opinions.
• Example:
o Feelings: happy, excited, nervous, tired, proud
o Opinions: I think, I believe, in my opinion, I agree/disagree
7. Make It Personal & Practice
• Create sentences using words related to your own life.
• Example:
o “I wake up at 7 AM and go to work at 9 AM.”
o “I love watching movies on weekends.”
8. Use Apps & Tools to Learn Vocabulary
• Try Google Translate, Quizlet, Anki, or language-learning apps like Duolingo and Memrise.
By learning words related to you, you can improve your vocabulary faster and use it in real conversations
Deepen your understanding of the vocabulary you’re already familiar with.
As you absorb new words and phrases, don’t overlook the hidden gems within the vocabulary you already recognize. Explore their extended family—if you know “pleasure,” invite “pleasurable” to the party. Discover word pairings that naturally stick together—if “few” is your friend, get acquainted with “very few.”
Likewise, if there’s a word or phrase you understand but haven’t dared to use yet, challenge yourself! Add it to your vocabulary list and put it to the test in real conversations, turning passive knowledge into active mastery.
Feel free to leverage your native language as a tool for learning new vocabulary.
While immersing yourself in an English-only learning experience—using synonyms and monolingual dictionaries—is ideal, it isn’t always the easiest path. Sometimes, the road gets steep, like when you’re faced with a choice between a clear translation and a definition that feels like a puzzle. In those moments, there’s no shame in taking a shortcut. If you hit a roadblock or your brain needs a break, a quick translation can be the bridge that keeps your learning journey moving forward.
VI Academy stands out for its exceptional merit across all dimensions, including a meticulously designed course structure led by highly qualified educators. Our well-maintained facilities and vibrant extracurricular activities enhance the overall learning experience. Conveniently situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, near the iconic KLCC Twin Towers, VI Academy is easily accessible via all modes of public transportation. Everything you envision in an educational institution can be found at VI Academy.