Vocabulary generally means the words within a specific language. With that being said, the English language probably has the most complex vocabulary since it is spoken in different parts of the world. This is also one reason why many people get confused, resulting in poor English vocabulary. However, if you want to expand your vocabulary significantly, then you can read the dictionary or create a vocabulary mind map. Using the latter will significantly improve your learning capabilities and information retention. On that note, you can check the guide below to see some sample mind map about vocabulary and its components.
Step by Step to Make Vocabulary Mind MapsEdit this example
- Select specialized vocabulary words to map
There is no point in mapping every word that you already know. That is why it is highly advisable to create a vocabulary mind map example of words that you don’t usually encounter in a regular conversation. This way, you will be able to remember and know when you should use them.
- Check the dictionary for word meanings and pronunciation
Check the vocabulary’s connotation, synonyms, and collocations in the dictionary. Don’t be afraid of a large number of extensive implications. Researching beforehand will surely benefit you once you decide to make your vocabulary word map in the future.
- Visualize it with mind maps
Get started with GitMind, a free mind mapping maker. With the flexible use of GitMind, you are able to accomplish the making process in a few minutes and enhance your comprehension level of the target language.DOWNLOAD
Use of Vocabulary Mind Maps
Mind Maps for SynonymsEdit this example
Have you ever been trapped in a situation where you are racking your mind to articulate something clearly and accurately? You will find several terms in all languages that mean almost the same thing – they are “Synonyms”. Collecting synonyms on a vocabulary mind map will help you delve deeper into their origins and absorb their complexities. Put the word LIVE as the central node of your mind map, and then add its synonyms to enlarge the branches that need detailed explanation. The following is a mind map for synonyms of “live” by GitMind.
Another vocabulary mind map example about synonyms can be found on Mindmeister. As the example provides, it shows the word “Curve” at the center. After that are some words that have the same meaning as the main word which is “Curve.” Apart from that, it also shows the different usage of these words in a sentence. You can check this mind map template from the link provided.
Mind Maps for Collocations
Collocations are two or more words that are often used together in a way that happens more often than by accident. For example, “do homework” and “save time” are common collocations we used usually. While we don’t use “write homework” and “economize time”. Using collocations correctly shows an outstanding command of the language and the ability to speak the language well can impress others. In order to make a mind map of collocations, you need to first work out the term you want to collocate with or the certain scene you need collocations for. The following vocabulary concept map template is about the collocations with “live”.
Phrasal Verbs are combination of two or more verbs, noun + adjectives or prepositions, or both. This is still one way of using action words but in a more complex form. Although created by using different words, the meaning of Phrasal Verbs differ from the terms used to create them. Above is an example of vocabulary concept map of phrasal verbs and collocations created by Mind42 to help you further understand.
Mind Maps for Combinations
All of us know that words have different combinations in English grammar, resulting in different grammatical constructions. Verbs occur most often, so here is a mind map on the common combination categories. You can pick one of the divisions as the central topic to make a vocabulary mind map easier. It’s better to make more maps of mind than gather them in one map.
The vocabulary word map above is from Mindmanager. It provides the different noun combinations and their corresponding usage. You can download this template from the official website of Mindmanager.
Expanding one’s vocabulary mostly relies on reading and studying. However, it never hurts to use a vocabulary mind map now and then to expedite the learning process. Additionally, a dictionary is one of the most useful books that you can use to learn new words and their proper usage. On that note, the vocabulary mind map examples mentioned above will guide you toward faster learning. Now that you understand the use of vocabulary mind maps, you will need some help on How to Create A Beautiful Mind Map -Tips & Principles. Let’s learn English vocabulary effectively!