the analysis of the ways to memorize english vocabulary

組別：英文組

類別：論文類

The Analysis of the Ways to Memorize English Vocabulary

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Abstract

Our subject is to explore the ways to memorize English vocabulary and to

analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these ways. As expanding English

vocabulary plays an essential role in mastering the English language, we research into

four methods: Prefixes, Word roots and Suffixes, Compound Word, Pictorial

Mnemonics, and Similar Association. Through the in-depth investigation of the

books and Internet resources, and the analysis of the questionnaires distributed to the

students and the teachers in our school, the result of the survey is to provide some

beneficial techniques for helping students broaden their English vocabulary.

Keywords：”the ways to memorize English vocabulary”, “Prefixes, Word roots

and Suffixes”, “Compound Word”, “Pictorial Mnemonics, and Similar

Association”

摘要

我們的主題是探討記憶英文單字的方法，並且分析這些方法的優缺點。這些

方式，作為擴大英文詞彙量有著至關重要的作用。我們的研究分為四個方法：字

根字尾記憶法、複合字記憶法、圖像記憶法、以及聯想法。透過書籍和網路的資

源來做深入調查，並且分析我們提供給在校學生以及老師的問卷，這調查結果提

供了我們一些有益的方法，來幫助學生擴展他們的英文詞彙。

關鍵字：記憶英文單字的方法、字根字尾記憶法、複合字記憶法、圖像記憶法、

以及聯想法。

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Table of Contents

Abstract -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------i

Table of Content ---------------------------------------------------------------------------ii

I. Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

I.1. Background of the research---------------------------------------------------------1

I.2. Motivation of the research----------------------------------------------------------1

I.3. Purpose of the research -------------------------------------------------------------1

II. Methods-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

II.1.Participant------------------------------------------------------------------------------2

II.2.Instrument------------------------------------------------------------------------------2

III. Findings---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-8

III. 1.Definitions and comparisons of advantages and disadvantage --------------3-5

III. 2. Results of Graphic Analysis ----------------------------------------------------5-8

IV. Conclusion ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------9

V. References -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----10

VI. Appendix------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11-15

VI.1.The questionnaires for students--------------------------------------------------11-12

VI.2.The questionnaires for teachers--------------------------------------------------12-15

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I. Introduction I.1. Background of the research

Vocabulary is one of most basic elements of mastering the English language.

Without vocabulary, we can’t express anything in English, not to say write a good

article or talk with foreigners in English. Therefore, the research is to explore four

effective ways to memorize vocabulary in hopes to help students learn English well.

II.2. Motivation of the research

As everyone knows, English is one of the major international languages widely

used in the world. We, as students, all know the importance of learning English well.

However, memorizing vocabulary has been a big difficulty making students lose

interest in the process of learning English. As a result, we would like to find some

productive ways to expand words and discuss the advantages and disadvantages for

reference.

III.3.The purpose of the research

1. To provide four effective ways to memorize English vocabulary.

2. To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these ways.

3. To know about which method is more preferable to students in our school.

II. Methods In order to explore the best ways to memorize vocabulary, we read some books

in our school library and surfed on the Internet to find out some methods. After a

lengthy and full discussion of our team, we chose the four useful ways, analyzed both

good and bad points of each ways, and designed the questionnaires so as to

understand which way is more preferable to students in our school.

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II.1. Participants

We distributed 190 anonymous questionnaires to students in our school. Valid

ones were 183; invalid were 7. However , we also distributed 30 anonymous

questionnaires to teachers in our school. Valid ones were 29; invalid was 1.

II.2. Instrument

Two different questionnaires were devised as the instrument of the research,

including questionnaires for teachers and students.

II.2.1. The questionnaires for teacher

There are two parts in the questionnaires, the first part is the background

information of teachers. We investigate their gender and the teaching subjects. The

second part is their opinions and views about the ways to memorize English

vocabulary. This part aims to know which way teachers prefer to use in the class

and their agreement which the advantage and disadvantage proposed in the study.

II.2.2.The questionnaires for students

There are two parts in the questionnaires , the first part is student background

information. We investigate their gender and department. The second part is

students’ opinions and views about the ways to memorize English vocabulary.

This part aims to explore which way students prefer to use when learning

vocabulary.

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III. Findings III.1.The definitions of the four ways and the comparisons of their

advantages and disadvantages

III.1.1. Prefixes, word roots and suffixes

(1). Definition

English words are all made up of prefixes, word roots and suffixes. For

example, the prefixes “in, im, ir, and il” have the meaning of “not”, like

incorrect and impossible. The prefix “in” is placed in front of the word

“correct”. Furthermore, the suffix “-er” has the meaning of persons and things.

Take the word “teacher” for example. The suffix “-er” is placed at the end of

“teach”. The word root “ped” means foot. The word “centipede” is one of

the examples.

(2). The comparison of the advantages and disadvantages.

advantages disadvantages

(1) Easy to classify words and effective

to broaden vocabulary.

(2) It id easy to guess the meaning of

the words.

(1) There are too many prefixes,

word roots and suffixes to memorize

all of their meaning.

(2) Easy to get confused

III.1.2. Compound words

(1). Definition

A compound word is composed of two words to form a new word. We all

know that the word “notebook”, which, for instance, notebook is a word which is

made up of two words “note and book”.

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(2). The comparison of the advantages and disadvantages

Advantages disadvantages

(1). Easy to memorize the words.

(2) .Faster to learn the words.

(1). If one segment of a compound word

is unknown, the meaning of the word is

probably not easy to learn.

III.1.3. Pictorial Mnemonics

(1) Definition

The method is to utilize pictures and images to build one’s vocabulary. One

of the most commonly used examples is that we choose some pictures and make

up English story according to these pictures. The pictures efficiently aid memory

of the vocabulary in the content of the story.



(1).It helps the brain to master the

words faster and firmly.

(2). It’s easy to retain the story as well

as words for the long-term memory

(1). For the people of weak ability to

create or imagine, it may not be easy to

make up a story.

(2). The amounts of vocabulary is limited.

III.1.4. Similar Association

(1) Definition

This method suggests that we can associate a wood from one to another. For

example, the word “water” can be connected with long lists of words, such as

“river, sea, spring, and waterfall”.

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(1). It is much more memorable.

(2). It enlarges vocabulary much more by

associating many separate words.

(1). It’s hard to classify words in

accordance with pronunciations or

word formation rules.

III.2. The Results of graphic analysis

The results of graphic analysis include two parts. One is the questionnaires for

students and the other is for teachers.

III.2.1 The questionnaires for students

According to the questionnaires completed by students, the researchers mainly

investigate which way is the most commonly used, which way helps to memorize

words fastest, easiest, most firmly and most effectively.

Figure 1. The most commonly used way

In the questionnaires distributed to students, 40% of students chose “Compound

words“, 30% of students chose “Prefixes, word roots and suffixes“, 8% of students

chose “Pictorial mnemonics“, and 22% of students chose “Similar association“ as the

most commonly used way.

The most commonly used way

40%

8%30%22%

Prefixes,word roots and suffixes Compound wordPictorial mnemonics Similar association

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Fugure2. The fastest which helps to memorize words

27% of students chose “Compound words“, 48% of students chose “Prefixes,

word roots and suffixes“, 13% of students chose “Pictorial mnemonics“, and 12% of

students chose “Similar association “ as the fastest way which helps to memorize

words.

Fugure3. The easiest way which helps to memorize words



students chose “Similar association“ as the easiest way which helps to memorize

words.

The fastest way which helps to memorize words

27%

13% 48%12%


The easiest way which helps to memorize words

43%

17%

15%25%


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Fugure4. The way which helps to memorize words most firmly



students chose “Similar association“ as the way which helps to memorize words most

firmly.

Fugure5. The most effective way to memorize words



students chose “Similar association“ as the way which helps to memorize words most

firmly.

The way which helps to memorize words most firmly

35% 45%

10%10%


The most effective way to memorize words

43%17%

15%25%


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III.2.2 The questionnaires for teachers

According to the questionnaires completed by teachers, the researchers

mainly investigate which way teachers prefer to use in the class.

Fugure6. The way which teachers most prefer to use in the class

Accordding to the result of the above graphic analysis, 68% of teachers chose

“Prefixes, word roots and suffixes“, 20% of teachers chose “Compound words“, 2%

of teachers chose “Pictorial mnemonics“ and 10% of teachers chose “Similar

association“ as the way which teachers most prefer to use in the class.

The way which teachers most prefer to use in the class

2%10%

68%20%


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IV. Conclusion There is no doubt that ways to memorize English vocabulary have been being a

critical key to have a good command of English. In accordance with of the results of

the study, the four methods discussed have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Among these methods, “Compound word” is, as a result of the survey, the most

preferable for the students in our school because of its advantage that it helps one not

only learn the words easily and firmly but also enlarge vocabulary. Moreover, the

teachers in our school regarded “Prefixes, word roots and suffixes“ as the most

preferable way to teach in the class. Based on the study, we expect it to provide

English learners with best ways to expand English vocabulary so that they can

successfully acquire the foreign language.

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V. References 1.許章珍（2004）。單字記憶王。臺北市﹕Im 我識。

2.黃玫琪、陳榮修（1997）。最重要的100個英文字首字根增訂版。臺北市﹕書

林。

3.許章珍（2004）。六大超強記憶法。單字記憶王。2010,11,14，取自

http://raken.myweb.hinet.net/eng.htm

4. 素材世界。2011,02,18。取自http://www.sssccc.net/source/35484.shtml

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VI. Appendix

A. The questionnaire of Student’s View on The Analysis of

Ways to Memorize English Vocabulary. Hello:

We are the ○○ Home economics & commercial high school students. Our research, " The Analysis of the Ways to Memorize English Vocabulary" studies. The questionnaires were designed to investigate which way students prefer to use when learning English vocabulary. Thank you for your assistance. 【The definitions of the ways of English vocabulary】 Pictorial Mnemonics: The method is to utilize pictures and images to build one’s vocabulary. Compound words: A compound word is composed of two words to form a new word. Prefixes, word roots and suffixes : Make use of prefixes, word roots and suffixes to memorize vocabulary. Similar association: This method suggests that we can associate a wood from one to another.

Part Ⅰ：The background information

1. Gender: 1. □ Male □ 2.Female

2. The department: □1.Applied Foreign Language Department □ 2.Tourism Department

Part Ⅱ：The content of the questionnaire

1. Which ways have you been used？

□ 1. Prefixes, word roots and suffixes□ 2.Compound words

□ 3. Pictorial Mnemonics □ 4. Similar association

2. Which ways do you think is most commonly used?

□ 1. Prefixes, word roots and suffixes□ 2.Compound words


3. What is the advantage of the above way you choose？

□ 1.It is the fastest way to memorize words

□ 2. .It is the easiest way to memorize words

□ 3. It helps to memorize words most firmly

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□ 4. It is the most effective way to memorize words

4. What is the advantage of Prefixes, word roots and suffixes ?





5. What is the advantage of Compound words?





6. What is the advantage of Pictorial Mnemonics?





7. What is the advantage of Similar association?





Thank your assistance.

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B. The questionnaire of Teacher’s View on The Analysis of

Ways to Memorize English Vocabulary. Hello:

We are the ○○ Home economics & commercial high school students. Our research, " The Analysis of the Ways to Memorize English Vocabulary " studies. The questionnaires was designed to investigate which way teachers prefer to use in the class and their agreement which the advantage and disadvantage proposed in the study Thank you for your assistance. 【The definitions of the ways to memorize English vocabulary】 Pictorial Mnemonics: The method is to utilize pictures and images to build one’s vocabulary. Compound words: A compound word is composed of two words to form a new word. Prefixes, word roots and suffixes: Make use of prefixes, word roots and suffixes to memorize vocabulary. Similar association: This method suggests that we can associate a wood from one to another.

Part Ⅰ：The background information

1. Gender: □ 1.Male □ 2.Female

2. Teaching subject:

□ 1. English teacher □ 2. Hospitality teacher □ 3. Sightseeing teacher

Part Ⅱ：The content of the questionnaire

1. Which way have you used to teach in the class?

□ 1. Prefixes, word roots and suffixes □ 2.Compound words


2. Which ways do you prefer to teach in the class?



3. Referring to question 2, why do you prefer to use this way?

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4. Do you teach the ways to memorize English vocabulary before starting the

class? □ 1.Yes □ 2.No

5. Which ways do you not recommend students to use?



6. Referring to the question 5, why do you not recommend?

7. What is the advantage of Prefixes, word roots and suffixes ?

□ 1.It is easy to classify the words

□ 2.It is effective in broadening vocabulary

□ 3.It can memorize more vocabularies □ 4.Others________

8. What is the advantage of Compound words ?

□ 1.It is easy to memorize the words.

□ 2.It is faster to learn the meaning of words.


9. What is the advantage of Pictorial Mnemonics ?

□ 1. It helps the brain to master the words faster

□ 2.It is easy to retain the words


10. What is the advantage of Similar association ?

□ 1. For the people are good at association, it can easy to retain the words so

that broaden vocabulary.

□ 2.It enlarges vocabulary much more by associating many separate words.

□ 3.Others_____

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11. What is the disadvantage of Prefixes, word roots and suffixes ?

□ 1.There are too many prefixes, word roots and suffixes to memorize all of

their meaning .

□ 2. It is easy to get confused. □ 3.Others_____

12. What is the disadvantage of Compound words ?

□1.If one segment of a compound word is unknown, the meaning of the word

is probably not easy to learn.

□ 2.Others

13. What is the disadvantage of Pictorial Mnemonics ?

□ 1.For the people of weak ability to create or imagine, it may not be easy to

make up a story.

□ 2.The amounts of vocabulary is limited. □ 3.Others________

14. What is the disadvantage of Similar association ?

□ 1.It’s hard to classify words in accordance with pronunciations or word

formation rules.

□ 2. It is hard to retain the words

□ 3.It is hard to associate and memorize words

□ 4. It is slowly to memory □ 5. Others_______

Thank your assistance.

the analysis of the ways to memorize english vocabulary

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