Which vocabulary should I learn?

Depending on how you count words, English has the largest vocabulary in the world. So how do you know which words to learn?

Introducing… the Academic Word List!

There are several well-known lists in circulation, but the Academic Word List is the most popular. Why should you care? Because knowing the words on this list will not only help you improve your writing and speaking, but it will also considerably increase your ability to understand academic texts. This means you can spend less time studying and more time relaxing! Watch the video to find out more.

Depending on how you count words, English has the largest vocabulary in the world. So how do you know which words to learn?

Introducing… the Academic Word List!

Where can I practise?

There are lots of places you can practise the Academic Word List. The websites mentioned in the video are really useful places to start. This is a great way to learn vocabulary in context or to check that you are using enough academic vocabulary; aim to have AWL words for around a tenth of your academic writing.

Create your own gapfill

Flashcards are another useful strategy for vocabulary learning, and there are complete AWL sets you can search for at sites like quizlet or in apps such as flashcardsdeluxe. You can also download the AWL sublists and do exercises at the RMIT Learning Lab.

Search and use ready made AWL sets at quizlet.com.

Is the AWL the only useful vocabulary list?

No. There are others, one in particular worth noting called the Academic Vocabulary List. This list apparently provides double the coverage that the AWL has been measured to give, but it’s newer and less accessible and there are far less materials developed to practise it. However, there is an excellent tool based on the list where you can search a word or phrase or analyse a whole text which will give you information about academic word frequency, synonyms, and collocations (words that go together). This is extremely important to know when learning vocabulary, particularly as collocations are very common in English and not using them can change the meaning of what you say.

So what are you waiting for!? Comment below with a sentence using an AWL word if you want to check you’ve used it correctly, and enjoy trying the different AWL sites.

Blog post

03 May 2021

Vocabulary
Listening
Study English
Speaking
Writing

RMIT Training is a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

23 Mar 2022

RMIT Training is proud to announce that in 2022, we have joined the Circle Back Initiative to show our commitment to ensure every candidate who applies for a role in our company receives an outcome response. 

Shot from behind people's heads at lecture theatre

RMIT English Worldwide announces partnership with COLFUTURO

22 Mar 2022

RMIT Training is thrilled to announce that RMIT English Worldwide (REW) has signed an ELICOS agreement with the prestigious Colombian scholarship body COLFUTURO (the Foundation for the Future of Colombia).

Jake Heinrich appointed Chief Executive Officer of RMIT Training

07 Sep 2021

Experienced international education leader, Jake Heinrich has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of RMIT Training. Heinrich brings extensive experience in the global education sector including more than 25 years of working across Asia, Mexico and Australia.

View all

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information

Acknowledgement of Country

More information

Which vocabulary should I learn?