TESTS4U

Method: A Systematic Approach to Vocabulary Mastery

My vocabulary development approach categorises words by length and aligns them with grade levels. This structured method ensures learners build their vocabulary systematically.

Word length often correlates with syllabic complexity, making it a practical starting point for scaffolding vocabulary acquisition.

By using dictionaries, thesauruses, and collocation dictionaries, learners gain a deeper understanding of words—their meanings, roots, synonyms, usage, and natural pairings. This process fosters linguistic intuition and encourages meaningful engagement with English-language texts.

Whilst the focus is on word length, incidental learning naturally occurs because words belong to families, and studying synonyms expands learners’ vocabulary. Whilst organic vocabulary acquisition through extensive reading is valuable, this systematic approach ensures predictable progression and mastery of nuanced meanings.

Educators and linguists recognise the value of systematic vocabulary instruction. It provides clarity and structure, ensuring that learners, parents, and teachers can maintain an optimal pace of progression along a predetermined path.

Aligning vocabulary acquisition with grade levels and word sizes creates a predictable roadmap for steady growth, preventing learners from feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, this structured approach facilitates the discovery of polysemic words—words that look identical but have multiple meanings due to their distinct etymological origins.

Understanding Polysemic Words: The Case of ‘Scale’

The five-letter word ‘scale’ holds three distinct meanings:

1. Scale (as in fish scales or skin flakes) – Derived from Old English scealu, meaning ‘shell’ or ‘husk.’
2. Scale (as a weighing instrument) – Originated from Old Norse skal, meaning ‘bowl’ or ‘drinking cup.’
3. Scale (as in a measurement system or climbing) – Rooted in Latin scala, meaning ‘ladder’ or ‘steps.’ Scaling a wall or using a musical scale both derive from this Latin root.

Studying words systematically allows learners to grasp nuances rather than relying on surface-level or vague understanding, which enhances comprehension.

Building Depth in Vocabulary Learning

Students should document polysemic words in journals, including example sentences, synonyms, and collocations.

A collocation dictionary helps learners understand how words naturally pair to create distinct meanings. For example, observe how the verb ‘make’ forms different expressions:

• Make progress
• Make music
• Make advances
• Make money
• Make merry
• Make a difference

Recognising collocation patterns improves fluency, helping learners understand how words function naturally within sentences.

Grade-Level Word Size Progression

By systematically advancing from shorter words to longer, more complex vocabulary, learners build confidence while mastering multiple meanings and intricate language structures.

This approach aligns with cognitive linguistics, language acquisition research, and structured learning principles. Incorporating reading activities ensures organic vocabulary absorption, fostering deep comprehension, creativity, and language mastery.

Interactive and Certified Learning

To make learning engaging and effective, vocabulary testing on TESTS4U provides instant feedback.

• Green frame for correct answers – Encourages positive reinforcement
• Red frame for incorrect answers – Guides learners toward improvement rather than discouragement

Errors serve as valuable learning opportunities rather than obstacles.

Additionally, by arrangement with a school, learners may request to sit for two three-hour online vocabulary exams, under invigilation. Those who pass will receive a certificate, which aligns with language proficiency frameworks and can enhance university entrance applications.

This gold-standard approach ensures structured, meaningful vocabulary development—empowering learners for life and giving them a competitive edge in competitive scenarios! Remember thousands of graduates spend years searching for employment.

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ONLINE TESTING

FREQUENCY

Learners take three half-hour tests per week, graded from A to D.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

To prepare effectively, students should have access to:

• A dictionary
• A thesaurus
• A collocation dictionary

If hard copies are unavailable, the following online resources can be used:

• Reverse Dictionary
• The Free Dictionary

TEST STRUCTURE

Each test consists of five sections, with 10 items per section.

QUESTION FORMATS

• Matching
• Multiple Select
• Fill in the Blanks
• True or False

ANSWER VALIDATION

• A green frame indicates a correct answer.
• A red frame indicates an incorrect answer.

Errors should be recorded in a book before proceeding.

PRICING

• 50 cents per test
• R25.00 for 50 tests over four months
• R50.00 for one year (100 tests)
• R200.00 for full four-year program (400 tests)

Pricing is kept low to ensure accessibility for all learners.

BLOCK TESTING

Schools can arrange block testing upon request.

PROGRAM DURATION

Each level consists of 100 tests. Ideally, learners should complete one level per year. With four levels, the full program spans four years.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Twitter: @faroukee
• Facebook: TESTS4U.COM

THE LOVE OF LANGUAGE

“To fall in love with words is to fall in love with life.”

Mastering language transforms the way we read, speak, write, and think, making communication effortless and enjoyable.

English is a fascinating language, rich in borrowed words. Misty Davidson’s essay, Borrowed Words – How English Borrows from Other Languages, breaks down the borrowing ratio:

• Latin – 29%
• French – 29%
• Greek – 6%
• Other languages – 6%
• Proper names – 4%

That means only 26% of English words are truly English!

LARGEST ENGLISH DICTIONARY

The Oxford English Dictionary is the most comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Its 1989 printed edition spans 21,543 pages in 20 volumes, containing over 231,000 main entries.

Did you know? The word “set” has 430 different senses in this dictionary—quite a linguistic marvel!

Our lives are inestimably richer for the words we have at our command.

Joseph Conrad: “My task, which I am trying to achieve, is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel—it is, before all, to make you see.”

App Access

To get intimately acquainted with a dictionary and a thesaurus is to experience liberation.

Vocabulary Expansion: A dictionary provides definitions, pronunciation, and usage examples for words. It allows for precision and freedom in expressing one’s ideas, thoughts and feelings.

Word Choice: A thesaurus suggests synonyms and antonyms, helping one to choose the most fitting words. It prevents repetition and adds variety to one’s writing or speech.

Precision: Dictionaries clarify meanings, ensuring one uses words accurately. Thesauruses, on the other hand give us a range of words to highlight subtle differences in shades of meaning and achieve the right nuance.

Language Mastery: Regular use of these books will enhance one’s understanding of language and develop more effective communication skills.

Remember, intimacy with language fosters eloquence and clarity! 

The cost for 50 tests over four months is just one single payment of ZAR25.00 or $2.00. Isn’t that almost free!

Trying out the free 12 quizzes will give learners insight into their vocabulary strength and help determine whether additional support and remediation are needed.

This platform offers 400 half-hour quizzes, covering approximately 20,000 words. Each quiz falls into one of four difficulty levels (A–D).

The quizzes are presented in alphabetical order to ensure that learners become immersed in both a dictionary and a thesaurus, two of the most crucial vocabulary-building tools.

While the primary focus is on collocations, synonyms, and definitions, learners will also engage with parts of speech and polysemy, broadening their language mastery.

The standard program runs for four years.

Learners can try the first 12 quizzes for free. After that, for just $2.00 (R25), they can access 50 additional tests, making each quiz a highly affordable 50 cents.
While many educational services are expensive and often inaccessible, this pricing model ensures maximum value at minimal cost.

Students should aim to complete three quizzes per week, with flexibility to schedule their own learning. Improvements in comprehension, communication, and overall learning ability will be noticeable within a year.

Best of all, parents can track vocabulary growth in real-time, seeing their child’s progress unfold before their eyes.

Language deficiency is a major challenge in South African high schools, affecting students’ ability to learn across subjects. A key issue is the gap between home languages and the language of instruction.

Moreover, high-level multilingualism is not widespread, preventing many learners from fully engaging with their education. This platform bridges that gap, empowering students with stronger language skills for success across all academic disciplines.

Regular testing

INTRODUCING A NEW ONLINE PLATFORM FOR RAPID VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT

Bringing technology into play

A mobile device or a computer that links to the internet will work, provided that there is access to data.