What can I learn in the next ten minutes about English vocabulary which will always be helpful in my distant future?

原文地址：https://www.quora.com/What-can-I-learn-in-the-next-ten-minutes-about-English-vocabulary-which-will-always-be-helpful-in-my-distant-future/answer/Mikhail-Kotykhov

It will take less than ten minutes. :)

If you are learning English vocabulary, you need to realize one important thing.

If you are trying to learn just words, without any context or examples, you will need to learn it a dozen times before it will get into your memory.

This effort is not necessary.

You can make your learning more efficient by using this simple technique.

If you have a new word to remember, for example:

to adjust

Don't try to write and re-write the word itself on flashcards. It is not likely to work.

Your brain is not a sponge that can absorb anything. It is a tool that needs a thinking process (even on a subconscious level) to memorize things.

Write your own sentence using this word in a meaningful context.

For instance:

I need to adjust my schedule.

Think about your electronic schedule and imagine yourself making changes to it.

By the way, this is exactly the image in my mind as I write this example. :)

It takes time to adjust to this new environment.

Imagine a freshman in College struggling to adjust to new life as a student.

Write at least 3-5 sentences using the word in some meaningful context.

Use this word again and again.

You will see that you don't forget it nor need to re-learn it.

Your efforts to learn English will be more effective.