Whether you are looking to improve your grades, seem smarter at work, or simply wanting to impress your friends, these tips will help you achieve your goal of an increased vocabulary.

You Will Need

Reading material
Dictionary
Notebook
Note cards
Word-a-day calendars
Internet access
Crossword puzzles
Address book (optional)

Step 1: Read as much as you can（扩大你的阅读量）
Read as much as you can to encounter words that you don’t already know.

Step 2: Look up the definitions unfamiliar words（在字典上查出不认识单词的释义）
Use a dictionary to look up the definitions of the unfamiliar words that you come across in your reading.
Remember a word can have different meanings. Note all of the definitions for your word.

Step 3: Keep a list of your new vocabulary words（用一个单子列出自己的新词汇）
Use a notebook to keep a list of your vocabulary words. Write the definition as well as a sentence using the word to help you remember the context.

Use an address book to keep an alphabetical list of your words.

Step 4: Make vocabulary flash cards（制作单词卡片）
Create flashcards to reinforce your new words. Write the word on one side of a note card and the definition on the other. Quiz yourself by looking at the word and remembering the definition.

Step 5: Use word-a-day calendars and web sites（找一个日历或者网站，尽量做到每天一个新词）
Make efforts to learn a new word every day. Use a word-a-day calendar and web sites to introduce you to new words.
Learn common prefixes and suffixes. These parts that come together to create words can help you figure out what a word means.

Step 6: Play word games（玩单词游戏）
Play word games. Use computer games or crossword puzzles to grow your vocabulary and help reinforce the words you are learning.

Step 7: Use your new words in daily conversation（在日常对话中运用自己新学到的词语）
Use your new words in your daily conversations. Continue using and reviewing your words to reinforce what you’ve learned.