TOEFL Essential Vocabulary 100

Master 100 essential TOEFL vocabulary words with definitions, examples, and memorable stories. Learn effectively with our comprehensive study guide and test-taking strategies.
Jan 21, 2025
TOEFL Essential Vocabulary 100

Definitions, Examples & Mini Stories

1. Abandon

  • Definition: To leave something behind; to give up completely
  • Example: The hikers had to abandon their journey due to severe weather conditions.
  • Story: Sarah and Tom had planned their dream vacation for months. However, when a hurricane warning was issued, they had to abandon their plans and stay home. Sometimes, knowing when to abandon a plan is as important as making one.

2. Abstract

  • Definition: Existing in thought rather than physical form; theoretical rather than practical
  • Example: The professor's lecture on quantum physics was too abstract for most students to grasp.
  • Story: In art class, Jenny preferred painting abstract shapes and patterns while her friend Mike liked realistic portraits. Their teacher explained that both styles have their own beauty - one speaks through emotion, the other through representation.

3. Accommodate

  • Definition: To provide space or resources for; to adjust to new conditions
  • Example: The hotel can accommodate up to 500 guests at once.
  • Story: When Lisa's cousin suddenly needed a place to stay, she quickly rearranged her small apartment to accommodate an extra person. She turned her study into a cozy bedroom, showing that with creativity, we can often accommodate unexpected changes.

4. Accomplish

  • Definition: To succeed in doing something; to achieve a goal
  • Example: After years of hard work, she finally accomplished her goal of becoming a doctor.
  • Story: David had always dreamed of running a marathon. Through months of training, early morning runs, and strict diet control, he finally accomplished this feat. His accomplishment inspired his whole family to set their own fitness goals.

5. Accumulate

  • Definition: To gather or collect over time; to increase gradually
  • Example: Dust tends to accumulate quickly in empty rooms.
  • Story: Over thirty years of teaching, Mrs. Johnson accumulated thousands of books in her home library. Each book represented a different story, a different adventure, and a different lesson she shared with her students.

6. Adapt

  • Definition: To modify or adjust to new conditions
  • Example: Many species have had to adapt to climate change.
  • Story: When Mark moved from a small town to New York City, he had to adapt to the fast-paced lifestyle. Within months, he learned to navigate the subway, dodge busy crowds, and even grew to love the city's constant energy.

7. Adequate

  • Definition: Sufficient for a specific need or requirement
  • Example: The room's lighting was adequate for reading.
  • Story: The new restaurant wasn't fancy, but its simple, adequate portions and friendly service made it a neighborhood favorite. Sometimes, being adequate is exactly what's needed.

8. Adjacent

  • Definition: Next to or adjoining something else
  • Example: Our office is adjacent to the coffee shop.
  • Story: Two adjacent bookstores on Main Street competed for years until they realized they could collaborate instead. One specialized in new releases while the other focused on rare books, creating a literary destination.

9. Adjust

  • Definition: To alter or move something slightly to achieve a desired fit or result
  • Example: Please adjust your seat belt for comfort.
  • Story: The new photographer spent hours learning to adjust her camera settings. Each small adjustment taught her something new about light, composition, and timing.

10. Advocate

  • Definition: To publicly support or recommend a particular cause
  • Example: She advocates for environmental protection through her writing.
  • Story: After witnessing ocean pollution firsthand, James became a passionate advocate for marine conservation. His advocacy began with local beach cleanups and grew into a nationwide movement.

11. Aggregate

  • Definition: To combine into a single whole
  • Example: The website aggregates news from various sources.
  • Story: A local food bank found success by aggregating donations from multiple supermarkets. What might have been small individual contributions became a significant resource when combined.

12. Allocate

  • Definition: To distribute for a particular purpose
  • Example: The committee must allocate the budget fairly among departments.
  • Story: The school principal had to carefully allocate limited resources. By involving teachers in the allocation process, she ensured everyone understood and supported the decisions.

13. Analyze

  • Definition: To examine methodically and in detail
  • Example: Scientists analyze data to draw conclusions.
  • Story: As a crime scene investigator, Maria learned to analyze every detail. One day, her careful analysis of footprints led to solving a case that had stumped the department for months.

14. Annual

  • Definition: Occurring once every year
  • Example: The company holds an annual meeting in December.
  • Story: The town's annual cherry blossom festival started as a small gathering but grew into a major tourist attraction. Each year brought new traditions to this annual celebration.

15. Anticipate

  • Definition: To expect or predict something will happen
  • Example: We anticipate heavy traffic during rush hour.
  • Story: The experienced chef anticipated the dinner rush by preparing ingredients in advance. His ability to anticipate busy periods made the kitchen run smoothly even on the busiest nights.

16. Approach

  • Definition: To move closer to something; a way of dealing with something
  • Example: We need to approach this problem systematically.
  • Story: When teaching math, Ms. Rodriguez developed a unique approach using games and puzzles. Her innovative approach helped struggling students understand complex concepts by making learning fun and engaging.

17. Appropriate

  • Definition: Suitable or proper in the circumstances
  • Example: His casual attire wasn't appropriate for the formal dinner.
  • Story: During his first business trip to Japan, Mike learned about appropriate business customs. A small mistake in giving his business card taught him the importance of understanding culturally appropriate behavior.

18. Approximate

  • Definition: Close to the actual amount or number; nearly accurate
  • Example: The approximate cost of the project is $5000.
  • Story: The meteorologist could only give an approximate time for the storm's arrival. Though not exact, her approximation helped the community prepare adequately.

19. Arbitrary

  • Definition: Based on random choice rather than reason
  • Example: The rules seemed arbitrary and unnecessary.
  • Story: The new office dress code felt arbitrary to employees - no orange clothes on Thursdays? Once management explained the policy's purpose, what seemed arbitrary became understood.

20. Assert

  • Definition: To state something confidently and forcefully
  • Example: He asserted his innocence throughout the trial.
  • Story: During the debate competition, Emma asserted her points with clarity and confidence. Her ability to assert her views while respecting others' opinions impressed the judges.

21. Assign

  • Definition: To allocate a task or role to someone
  • Example: The teacher assigned different parts of the project to each student.
  • Story: As team leader, Peter learned to assign tasks based on each person's strengths. His thoughtful assignments led to better results and happier team members.

22. Assume

  • Definition: To accept something as true without proof
  • Example: Don't assume everyone knows about the schedule change.
  • Story: The detective learned never to assume anything at a crime scene. What looked like a simple case often revealed surprising complexities upon closer investigation.

23. Attribute

  • Definition: To regard something as being caused by something else
  • Example: Scientists attribute rising temperatures to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Story: The company's success could be attributed to its innovative culture. By attributing achievements to team effort rather than individual brilliance, they maintained strong morale.

24. Authorize

  • Definition: To give official permission for something
  • Example: Only the manager can authorize refunds.
  • Story: After careful consideration, the city council authorized the construction of a new park. This authorization transformed an empty lot into a beloved community space.

25. Automatic

  • Definition: Working by itself with little or no direct human control
  • Example: The lights are automatic - they turn on when someone enters.
  • Story: John's morning routine became so automatic that he once arrived at work without remembering the drive. This made him realize he needed to be more mindful of his daily activities.

26. Available

  • Definition: Able to be used or obtained; free or ready
  • Example: The new smartphones will be available next month.
  • Story: When concert tickets became available online, Sarah's preparation paid off. She had all her information ready and was among the first to secure seats.

27. Aware

  • Definition: Having knowledge or consciousness of something
  • Example: Are you aware of the changes in the company policy?
  • Story: The hiking guide made sure everyone was aware of potential dangers on the trail. This awareness helped the group stay safe throughout their adventure.

28. Bias

  • Definition: Prejudice in favor of or against something
  • Example: The study was criticized for showing bias toward certain results.
  • Story: As a news reporter, Maria worked hard to recognize and eliminate her own biases. Understanding that everyone has biases helped her strive for more balanced reporting.

29. Brief

  • Definition: Short in duration or length
  • Example: The meeting was brief, lasting only ten minutes.
  • Story: Though their encounter was brief, the conversation with a stranger at the airport changed Tom's perspective on life. Sometimes the briefest moments can have the largest impact.

30. Calculate

  • Definition: To determine by mathematical computation
  • Example: The app helps users calculate their monthly expenses.
  • Story: Before opening her bakery, Lisa had to carefully calculate all costs. Her precise calculations helped her business succeed where others had failed.

31. Capacity

  • Definition: The maximum amount that something can contain or produce
  • Example: The stadium has a capacity of 50,000 people.
  • Story: The small coffee shop owner discovered her true capacity for leadership during a crisis. When a storm left the neighborhood without power, she transformed her café into a community hub, operating at full capacity to serve hot drinks and provide shelter.

32. Category

  • Definition: A class or division of people or things
  • Example: These books are arranged by category in the library.
  • Story: The museum curator created a new category for digital art installations. What started as a small category soon became one of the most popular sections, showing how art forms evolve.

33. Cease

  • Definition: To stop or discontinue
  • Example: The rain finally ceased after three days.
  • Story: When the old factory ceased operations, the town worried about its future. However, the ceased production led to new opportunities as the space was converted into a thriving arts center.

34. Challenge

  • Definition: A difficult task or problem; to question or dispute
  • Example: Learning a new language is always a challenge.
  • Story: The young chess player decided to challenge the city champion. Though she lost the match, the challenge taught her valuable lessons about strategy and perseverance.

35. Characteristic

  • Definition: A typical or distinctive feature
  • Example: Patience is a characteristic of good teachers.
  • Story: The old house had many unique characteristics, from its creaky stairs to its stained-glass windows. These characteristics, though sometimes troublesome, gave the house its special charm.

36. Clarify

  • Definition: To make something clear or easier to understand
  • Example: Could you clarify what you mean by that statement?
  • Story: During the complex project meeting, Susan's ability to clarify difficult concepts proved invaluable. Her talent for clarifying technical jargon into simple terms helped bridge the gap between developers and clients.

37. Classical

  • Definition: Traditional and long-established in style
  • Example: He prefers classical music to modern pop.
  • Story: The young musician blended classical training with contemporary beats. Her classical foundation gave her music a unique depth that set her apart in the modern music scene.

38. Classify

  • Definition: To arrange in categories or classes
  • Example: Scientists classify plants based on their characteristics.
  • Story: The librarian spent years helping children learn to classify books by genre. Her system was so effective that other libraries began to classify their children's sections the same way.

39. Collaborate

  • Definition: To work jointly with others
  • Example: Different departments must collaborate on this project.
  • Story: Two rival restaurants decided to collaborate on a food festival. Their collaboration not only created an amazing event but also turned former competitors into friends.

40. Collapse

  • Definition: To fall down or give way; to fail suddenly
  • Example: The old bridge collapsed during the storm.
  • Story: When the online system collapsed on the busiest shopping day, the IT team's preparation prevented total chaos. They had anticipated such a collapse and had backup systems ready.

41. Collect

  • Definition: To gather together or accumulate
  • Example: She collects vintage postcards from around the world.
  • Story: Over decades, the elderly man collected stories from local residents. His collection became an invaluable archive of the town's history.

42. Combine

  • Definition: To join or merge together
  • Example: The chef combined unusual ingredients to create a unique dish.
  • Story: Two small bookstores combined their resources to compete with larger chains. By combining their strengths, they created a more successful business than either could have achieved alone.

43. Common

  • Definition: Occurring or appearing frequently
  • Example: Headaches are a common complaint during stress.
  • Story: What seemed like a common cold turned out to be the inspiration for a breakthrough in viral research. Sometimes the most common things can lead to extraordinary discoveries.

44. Communicate

  • Definition: To share or exchange information
  • Example: Dolphins communicate using complex sounds.
  • Story: In a multilingual classroom, students learned to communicate beyond words. They developed creative ways to communicate through art, music, and gestures.

45. Compare

  • Definition: To examine similarities and differences
  • Example: Compare these two versions of the document.
  • Story: The food critic loved to compare traditional and modern versions of classic dishes. His comparisons helped readers appreciate both innovation and tradition.

46. Compatible

  • Definition: Able to exist or work together harmoniously
  • Example: The new software isn't compatible with older systems.
  • Story: Despite their different personalities, the two business partners were surprisingly compatible. Their compatibility came from their shared values and complementary skills.

47. Compensate

  • Definition: To provide payment or rewards for service or loss
  • Example: The company will compensate employees for overtime work.
  • Story: When the flight was canceled, the airline compensated passengers with free hotels. This compensation turned an inconvenience into an unexpected mini-vacation for some travelers.

48. Compile

  • Definition: To gather material from various sources
  • Example: She compiled a list of references for her research paper.
  • Story: The historian spent years compiling stories from World War II veterans. The compiled accounts provided unique perspectives that hadn't been documented before.

49. Complement

  • Definition: To complete or enhance by providing something additional
  • Example: The wine perfectly complements the flavors in this dish.
  • Story: The quiet accountant and the outgoing sales manager complemented each other perfectly at work. Their complementary skills made them an unbeatable team.

50. Complex

  • Definition: Complicated or intricate
  • Example: The human brain is incredibly complex.
  • Story: What started as a simple puzzle became increasingly complex as more pieces were revealed. The complexity challenged the solver but made the final solution more satisfying.

51. Compose

  • Definition: To create or write something
  • Example: Mozart composed his first symphony at age eight.
  • Story: The young writer spent months composing her first novel. Each day, she composed a few pages, until her collection of words became a complete story that touched readers' hearts.

52. Comprehensive

  • Definition: Complete and thorough
  • Example: The doctor performed a comprehensive medical examination.
  • Story: The detective's comprehensive investigation left no stone unturned. His comprehensive approach helped him notice a tiny detail that solved the case.

53. Comprise

  • Definition: To consist of or be made up of
  • Example: The United Kingdom comprises four countries.
  • Story: The winning team comprised players from six different countries. Their diverse backgrounds comprised their greatest strength.

54. Concentrate

  • Definition: To focus one's attention or efforts
  • Example: It's hard to concentrate with all this noise.
  • Story: The young surgeon learned to concentrate despite the chaos of the emergency room. Her ability to concentrate under pressure saved many lives.

55. Concept

  • Definition: An abstract idea or general notion
  • Example: The concept of time is difficult to explain to children.
  • Story: The architect's unusual concept for the building seemed impossible at first. However, this innovative concept eventually revolutionized urban design.

56. Conclude

  • Definition: To bring to an end; to reach a decision
  • Example: The researchers concluded that the experiment was successful.
  • Story: After months of debate, the council finally concluded their discussion on the new park. Their conclusion satisfied both environmental and recreational needs.

57. Concurrent

  • Definition: Existing or happening at the same time
  • Example: He managed several concurrent projects.
  • Story: The festival featured concurrent performances on three stages. These concurrent events created an exciting atmosphere where audiences could move between different experiences.

58. Conduct

  • Definition: To direct or manage; to behave
  • Example: The professor conducts research on marine biology.
  • Story: The orchestra conductor learned to conduct not just the music, but the emotions of both musicians and audience. His way of conducting transformed each performance into a unique experience.

59. Confer

  • Definition: To discuss something important; to grant or bestow
  • Example: The committees confer regularly about policy changes.
  • Story: The university would confer honorary degrees on distinguished citizens each year. The ceremony where they conferred these honors became a celebrated community event.

60. Configure

  • Definition: To arrange or set up for operation
  • Example: You need to configure the software before using it.
  • Story: The IT specialist spent hours configuring the new network. His careful configuration ensured smooth operations for months to come.

61. Confirm

  • Definition: To establish the truth or correctness of something
  • Example: Please confirm your attendance by email.
  • Story: The astronomer waited anxiously for other observatories to confirm her discovery. When they confirmed the existence of the new planet, her years of research were validated.

62. Conflict

  • Definition: A serious disagreement or incompatibility
  • Example: There's a conflict between the two versions of events.
  • Story: What began as a small conflict over parking spaces evolved into a neighborhood improvement project. The resolution of their conflict brought the community closer together.

63. Conform

  • Definition: To comply with rules or standards
  • Example: All products must conform to safety regulations.
  • Story: The rebellious artist struggled to conform to traditional gallery expectations. Instead of conforming, she created her own exhibition space that celebrated uniqueness.

64. Confront

  • Definition: To face or deal with a difficult situation
  • Example: We must confront these problems directly.
  • Story: When the student confronted his fear of public speaking, he discovered a hidden talent. Confronting his fears became the first step toward becoming a motivational speaker.

65. Consecutive

  • Definition: Following continuously without interruption
  • Example: She won the championship three consecutive years.
  • Story: The mail carrier hadn't missed a day of work in twenty consecutive years. His consecutive service record became legendary in the postal service.

66. Consent

  • Definition: Permission for something to happen
  • Example: Parents must give their consent for school trips.
  • Story: Before the experimental treatment, doctors carefully obtained consent from each patient. This process of gaining consent ensured that everyone understood the risks and benefits.

67. Consequent

  • Definition: Following as a result or effect
  • Example: The storm and its consequent flooding caused widespread damage.
  • Story: The invention of the smartphone and the consequent changes in communication transformed society. These consequent effects reached far beyond what anyone had predicted.

68. Consider

  • Definition: To think carefully about something
  • Example: Please consider our proposal carefully.
  • Story: Before making any decision, the judge would consider all perspectives. His habit of considering every detail made him known for his fair rulings.

69. Consistent

  • Definition: Acting or behaving in the same way over time
  • Example: The team's performance has been consistent all season.
  • Story: The baker's consistent quality made her shop famous. Her consistent attention to detail ensured that every pastry was perfect.

70. Constant

  • Definition: Occurring continuously over time
  • Example: The constant noise from construction was disturbing.
  • Story: The lighthouse provided constant guidance to ships through stormy nights. Its constant beam became a symbol of hope for sailors.

71. Constitute

  • Definition: To be or be considered as something
  • Example: These findings constitute a breakthrough in cancer research.
  • Story: Various small actions constituted a major change in company culture. What constituted success had evolved from profit alone to include employee satisfaction.

72. Construct

  • Definition: To build or make something
  • Example: They plan to construct a new bridge next year.
  • Story: Children used blocks to construct imaginary cities. Their constructed worlds revealed incredible creativity and planning skills.

73. Consult

  • Definition: To seek advice or information from
  • Example: You should consult a doctor about those symptoms.
  • Story: Before starting her business, Maria consulted experienced entrepreneurs. The advice she received while consulting them proved invaluable.

74. Consume

  • Definition: To use up or eat or drink something
  • Example: The car consumes less fuel than older models.
  • Story: The small town consumed more coffee per capita than anywhere else in the country. Their consuming passion for coffee attracted artisan roasters from around the world.

75. Contact

  • Definition: To communicate with or get in touch with
  • Example: Please contact us if you have any questions.
  • Story: After losing contact during the war, the brothers finally reconnected forty years later. Their first contact brought tears to everyone present.

76. Contemporary

  • Definition: Belonging to or occurring in the present
  • Example: The gallery specializes in contemporary art.
  • Story: The ancient temple was renovated with contemporary materials. This blend of contemporary and traditional elements created a unique architectural statement.

77. Context

  • Definition: The circumstances that form the setting for an event
  • Example: The quote makes more sense in context.
  • Story: Understanding the historical context helped students appreciate the novel more deeply. The context provided insights that transformed their reading experience.

78. Contract

  • Definition: A written or spoken agreement
  • Example: Both parties signed the contract.
  • Story: What began as a simple contract between neighbors to share garden tools grew into a community-wide sharing program. Their initial contract inspired others to collaborate.

79. Contradict

  • Definition: To deny or oppose the truth of something
  • Example: The new evidence contradicts the witness's statement.
  • Story: The young scientist's findings seemed to contradict accepted theories. However, these contradicting results led to important new discoveries.

80. Contrast

  • Definition: To compare showing clear differences
  • Example: The two paintings contrast sharply in style.
  • Story: The twins' personalities contrasted dramatically despite their identical appearance. Their contrasting traits made them a perfect team in their family business.

81. Contribute

  • Definition: To give something to help a person or cause
  • Example: Many people contributed to the disaster relief fund.
  • Story: Each student contributed one ingredient to the class feast. Their individual contributions created an amazing international buffet.

82. Control

  • Definition: To have power over something
  • Example: The pilot maintained control of the aircraft despite the storm.
  • Story: The gardener learned that some things were beyond her control, like the weather. Accepting what she couldn't control made her a better gardener.

83. Conventional

  • Definition: Based on or according to what is generally done
  • Example: They chose a conventional wedding ceremony.
  • Story: The chef's unconventional approach to conventional dishes earned him fame. He proved that breaking conventional rules could lead to innovation.

84. Convert

  • Definition: To change from one form to another
  • Example: The company plans to convert to renewable energy.
  • Story: An old warehouse was converted into modern apartments. The conversion preserved the building's character while creating new homes.

85. Coordinate

  • Definition: To organize different elements to work together
  • Example: She coordinates events for the community center.
  • Story: Coordinating the international conference required attention to many details. The coordinator's ability to manage multiple time zones and cultures made the event successful.

86. Core

  • Definition: The central or most important part
  • Example: Mathematics is a core subject in schools.
  • Story: At its core, the company's success came from its strong values. These core principles guided every decision they made.

87. Correspond

  • Definition: To match or be similar to; to communicate by exchanging letters
  • Example: His version of events doesn't correspond with hers.
  • Story: Two students began to correspond as pen pals in elementary school. Their correspondence continued for fifty years, spanning continents and generations.

88. Create

  • Definition: To bring something into existence
  • Example: The artist creates sculptures from recycled materials.
  • Story: Children created an imaginary world during recess. Their creative play transformed the playground into new adventures each day.

89. Credit

  • Definition: To acknowledge someone's contribution; trust in financial matters
  • Example: Remember to credit your sources in research papers.
  • Story: The humble scientist always credited his team for their discoveries. His habit of sharing credit built strong loyalty among his researchers.

90. Criteria

  • Definition: Standards used to judge something
  • Example: The scholarship has strict eligibility criteria.
  • Story: The restaurant critic developed specific criteria for reviewing street food. These criteria helped readers find hidden culinary gems in the city.

91. Culture

  • Definition: The customs and beliefs of a particular group
  • Example: Travel helps people understand different cultures.
  • Story: The office culture changed when they hired employees from around the world. This cultural diversity brought new perspectives and ideas.

92. Cycle

  • Definition: A series of events that regularly repeats
  • Example: The water cycle is crucial for life on Earth.
  • Story: The farmer understood the natural cycles of the seasons. Working with these cycles, rather than against them, improved his harvests.

93. Data

  • Definition: Facts and statistics collected for reference
  • Example: The scientists analyzed the data from their experiments.
  • Story: What seemed like random data revealed a fascinating pattern. This discovery in the data led to a breakthrough in weather prediction.

94. Debate

  • Definition: To discuss or argue about different views
  • Example: Politicians debated the new law for hours.
  • Story: What started as a classroom debate evolved into a school-wide discussion. The debate encouraged students to think critically about important issues.

95. Decline

  • Definition: To decrease or deteriorate; to refuse politely
  • Example: The population of wild tigers continues to decline.
  • Story: When the old factory declined, the town faced hard times. However, they refused to let their community decline further and worked together for renewal.

96. Dedicate

  • Definition: To devote time or effort to a particular task
  • Example: He dedicated his life to helping others.
  • Story: The teacher dedicated thirty years to special education. Her dedication transformed countless lives through patient, persistent support.

97. Define

  • Definition: To state or describe exactly what something is
  • Example: How would you define success?
  • Story: Each generation must define its own path. How they defined progress shaped their choices and legacy.

98. Demonstrate

  • Definition: To show or prove how something works
  • Example: The chef demonstrated proper knife techniques.
  • Story: The quiet student demonstrated leadership during the crisis. His demonstrated abilities surprised everyone, including himself.

99. Denote

  • Definition: To be a sign of something; indicate
  • Example: Dark clouds denote approaching rain.
  • Story: The ancient symbols denoted more than simple directions. What they denoted revealed a complex understanding of astronomy.

100. Derive

  • Definition: To obtain something from a specified source
  • Example: The word 'philosophy' derives from Greek.
  • Story: The scientist derived inspiration from watching falling leaves. This simple observation derived a revolutionary theory about air resistance.

Study Tips

  1. Use the stories to understand words in context
  1. Practice using each word in your own sentences
  1. Read the examples aloud to improve pronunciation
  1. Study 5-10 words per day for better retention
  1. Create your own stories using these words
 

How to Use This Guide

Before diving into the vocabulary list, here's how to make the most of this resource:
  1. Progressive Learning: Study 5-10 words per day instead of trying to memorize all at once
  1. Active Usage: Try to use each new word in your own sentences
  1. Story Connection: Relate the example stories to your own experiences
  1. Regular Review: Return to previously learned words regularly
  1. Context Learning: Pay attention to how words are used in different contexts

Study Strategies

1. Memory Enhancement Techniques

  • Create mind maps connecting related words
  • Use the keyword method (connecting English words to similar-sounding words in your native language)
  • Make your own stories using multiple vocabulary words
  • Draw simple sketches to visualize word meanings

2. Practice Methods

  • Writing Practice: Write a short paragraph using 3-4 new words
  • Speaking Practice: Record yourself using the words in sentences
  • Reading Connection: Keep a log of these words when you spot them in your reading
  • Group Study: Quiz each other on definitions and usage
  • Real-world Application: Try to use at least one new word in conversation each day

3. Review Schedule

  • Day 1: Learn new words
  • Day 2: Quick review
  • Day 4: Practice using in sentences
  • Day 7: Comprehensive review
  • Day 14: Final check
  • Monthly: General review of all learned words

Common Word Patterns

Word Families

Understanding word families can help you learn related words quickly:
  • Create → Creative → Creation → Creator
  • Analyze → Analysis → Analytical → Analyst
  • Demonstrate → Demonstration → Demonstrative → Demonstrable

Prefix Patterns

Common prefixes and their meanings:
  • con-: together (conform, connect)
  • de-: down/away (decline, derive)
  • pre-: before (predict, prevent)

Suffix Patterns

Common suffixes and their meanings:
  • tion: the action or result (creation, demonstration)
  • ive: having the nature of (creative, demonstrative)
  • able/-ible: capable of being (adaptable, compatible)

Test-Taking Tips

Using Vocabulary in TOEFL Sections

  1. Reading:
      • Look for context clues around difficult words
      • Pay attention to transition words and academic vocabulary
  1. Listening:
      • Focus on how vocabulary is used in academic lectures
      • Note words that signal important information
  1. Speaking:
      • Use these words to express your ideas clearly
      • Practice incorporating academic vocabulary naturally
  1. Writing:
      • Include relevant vocabulary from this list in your essays
      • Use varied vocabulary to demonstrate language proficiency

Progress Tracking

Create a simple tracking system:
  • ⭐ - Fully mastered
  • ✓ - Comfortable using
  • 🔄 - Need more practice

Conclusion

Remember, learning vocabulary is a journey, not a race. Focus on understanding and using these words naturally rather than just memorizing them. Regular practice and review will help you internalize these words and use them effectively in your TOEFL exam and beyond.

Additional Resources

  • Create digital flashcards using these words
  • Practice with online TOEFL vocabulary quizzes
  • Join study groups to practice using these words in conversation
  • Read academic articles to see these words in context
Happy studying! 📚✏️
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