What is VOCABULARY?
Vocabulary is a basic building block for learning a foreign language. By learning just a few words, you can start to communicate in Spanish right away! You will probably find it easier to understand words you hear or read than it is to use them yourself. But with a little practice, you will start to produce the right words in the right context. Soon you will be able to carry on conversations with other Spanish-speakers.
How do I study VOCABULARY?
- First Steps. Read all of the new words in blue on the Vocabulary presentation page in your textbook. Point to each word as you say it out loud.
- Be Creative. Make flashcards with your new vocabulary words. You could also draw pictures of the words on the back of the flashcards. Group vocabulary words by theme. Add other words that fit the categories you've learned.
- Make It Personal. Use vocabulary words to write original sentences. Label everyday items in Spanish. Create reminders for difficult words. See it, and say it to yourself!
- Practice Makes Perfect. Say your vocabulary words out loud and repeat each word several times. Write each word five times, keeping its meaning in mind.
- Create Your Own System. Practice a little bit every day. Many short sessions are better than one long one. Focus on the words that are hardest for you. Keep a vocabulary notebook and update it regularly.
What is GRAMMAR?
Some people think of grammar as the rules of a language, rules that tell you the "correct" way to speak a language. For instance, why do you say big red house, not red big house? Why do you say how much money do you have instead of how many money? If English is your first language, you probably don't think about the rule. You make the correct choice instinctively because it sounds right. Non-native speakers of English have to learn the rules. As you begin your study of Spanish, you will need to learn the grammar rules of Spanish.
Grammar helps you to communicate. Using the right tense makes it clear when something happens. Using subject pronouns lets you know who is performing the action. Using correct grammar when speaking Spanish will help you communicate successfully with native speakers of Spanish.
How do I study GRAMMAR?
- Read the English Grammar Connection before each grammar explanation. Think about how you use the same type of grammar in English. Understanding your own language will help you to better understand Spanish.
- Practice the new forms that you are learning. Completing the practice activities in your student book and workbook will help you to learn the correct way to say things.
- Use the Spanish you know as often as you can. After all, that's how you learned to speak English, by hearing and speaking it every day.
