Can someone explain thoroughly what EFL learners get from the task where they have ti put new words into context?Can someone explain this stategy?And also another strategie - using linguistic clues
Because English has so many words that can mean the same thing or approximately the same thing, there are subtle nuances in how each is used. Not all synonyms are interchangeable. For example, take a look at the thesaurus entries for "sanguine."
http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/sanguine
Can you think of ONE SENTENCE in which all these synonyms will work perfectly?
This is interesting, too.
http://www.sdutsj.edus.si/ScriptaManent/2006_1/Jurkovic.html
Scroll about halfway down, to the section called Vocabulary learning strategy instruction model
When EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners are given the task of putting new words into context, they can benefit in several ways. This strategy helps them improve their vocabulary acquisition and overall comprehension of the language. Here's a thorough explanation of what learners can gain from this task:
1. Understanding word meaning: By putting new words into context, learners grasp the meaning of those words in a more practical and meaningful way. Instead of simply memorizing definitions, learners see how words are used in real-life situations, which enhances their understanding and retention.
2. Enhancing comprehension skills: Placing new words in context allows learners to make connections between words, phrases, and sentences. It helps them decipher the meaning of unknown words based on the context and surrounding linguistic elements, such as other words, grammar structures, or discourse patterns.
3. Improving reading and listening comprehension: When learners encounter new words while reading or listening, understanding the context helps them comprehend the overall message. By figuring out the meaning of unfamiliar words, learners develop better reading and listening skills, enabling them to understand a wider range of texts or audio materials.
4. Building vocabulary range and diversity: Putting new words into context helps learners expand their vocabulary. Through exposure to different contexts, learners engage in active learning and retention. They become more proficient at using and understanding words in various situations, expanding their lexical repertoire.
Now, let's also explain another strategy - using linguistic clues:
When it comes to learning new words, using linguistic clues can be an effective strategy for EFL learners. Linguistic clues refer to hints or information embedded within the language itself that can help learners deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words. Here's an explanation of this strategy:
1. Contextual clues: The surrounding words or phrases can provide hints about the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Learners can pay attention to the words before and after the unknown word, along with the overall sentence or paragraph, to infer the meaning. Contextual clues might include synonyms, antonyms, examples, comparisons, or contrasting ideas.
2. Word formation clues: Analyzing the word's structure and components can give learners insight into its meaning. For example, recognizing prefixes, suffixes, or root words can help learners guess the general meaning or identify word families. For instance, "un-" usually indicates negation or reversal, such as in "unhappy" or "unpleasant."
3. Collocation clues: Studying how words commonly appear together (collocations) can provide clues about the meaning of unfamiliar words. If a new word consistently appears in connection with certain words, learners can infer its meaning based on the pattern. For example, if the word "ravenous" is often used with "appetite" or "hunger," learners can deduce that it means extremely hungry.
By actively looking for and utilizing linguistic clues, learners can decipher the meaning of new words, fostering vocabulary growth and improving their overall language comprehension.