SPA102 Self-Study–Vocabulary Task
Vocabulary Strategies:
There are many ways in which one can learn vocabulary. What might work for one person may not be as successful for another. There are many useful sights that can help you develop a strategy to help you learn new vocabulary more effectively.
Spending time learning how words are formed such as focusing on prefix's, suffix's & roots is another useful technique, which may aid in learning new words. Many of you may have used a log or notebook to write down new words and their meanings, however these days there are a variety of new methods which can help you acquire new words more effectively, consider these strategies:
  • read a lot of Spanish texts (cartoons, easy readers, books, newspapers, magazines, etc.) and try to guess the meanings of new words. Do you know where the Spanish Easy Readersand the Spanish cartoonsare at the MLLC in the Lingnan library?
  • decide which new words are important to learn in more detail (choose words that are commonly used and therefore, which are useful)
  • check the meaning and examples of new words that appear important
  • keep records of new words and jot down important information, such as different meanings, examples of usage, parts of speech, synonyms & antonyms. (See the vocabulary organizer below)
  • review your records regularly to help you remember new words
  • try to use the newly learned words when speaking or writing
  • use online vocabulary games as an entertaining way to learn new vocabulary. Try:



In addition to these you may also try these common vocabulary learning methods:
  1. Write the words on post it notes and stick them somewhere you will see them everyday.
  1. Link the word to something in your mind, for example a word that sounds similar, a person or event...you can even make up a song.
  1. Draw a small picture to help you recall the word—visualize it.
  1. Say the word aloud, making sure to check its pronunciation in a dictionary.
  1. Work with a partner and learn an equal number of words each week. Test each other and keep scores.
  1. Keep a handy vocabulary book or cards with you and revise it whenever you have some free time.
  1. Check these websites for other vocabulary learning methods:

Vocabulary Task
Note: a checklist is provided at the end to help you keep track of your work.
1)Build a vocabulary list of 20 words from five different online Spanish magazine or newspaper articles. First, do a search to gather information about Spanish press titles.
Did you know that Lingnan library also carried a number of Spanish periodicals and NEW electronic periodicals?
Check the links available on the CEAL website for Spanish Periodicals and ePeriodicals at:
2)Then, use the vocabulary organizer (see below) to record the 20 words. For each word, provide the following details: English translation, part of speech, synonym, antonym, other words from the same word family. Also show each word in context by recording a sentence from the dictionary.
Presentation of task
Article Name & URL: ______
Vocabulary Word / Part of speech
(+ gender if it is a noun) / English translation / Word extension
From the same word family:
Synonym:
Antonym:
Sentence:
Note: Learning to organise new vocabulary effectively is very important so make sure you present them in a comprehensive and well organized word organizer.
Upload your vocabulary organizer and any other relevant documents onto your Mahara SPA102 ePortfolio to provide evidence of learning.
Vocabulary checklist
The following is the only item in the Vocabulary unit that you should complete for the assessment:
1 / Record 20 words from different online Spanish magazine or newspaper articles using a word organizer. Make sure you add a sentence with each word in context. / ▫

© CEAL (Additional Languages)