VocabularyIt has long been believed that if one reads enough, vocabulary will naturally grow. Students are taught that using context clues when words are not understood is perfectly workable. Everyone knows that you don't need a dictionary! The author has left clues for you to be able to figure out what words mean. Really? Authors have extensive vocabularies. They're not leaving clues for the illiterate.
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ReadingUnfortunately, after third or fourth grade reading lessons stop. Unless, you're reading books regularly your vocabulary is limited by a few memorized definitions from lesson books. Students entering college are in for a shock when they're expected to read hundreds of pages each week. Success in college is paramount to having an extensive vocabulary.
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Writing and GrammarMemorizing the DMV handbook does not make one a competent driver. Memorizing grammar rules doesn't necessarily make for good writing either. A full vocabulary in any language is needed for effective communication. Writing is about communicating. Like painting, if you have large color palette one can create beautiful pictures. The same is true for writing.
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