To effectively build vocabulary, ESL students should learn new words in context by reading in English, preferably as a daily habit. The reading material must meet three requirements:
- interesting
- understandable (dictionary not necessary)
- brief
Short stories meet the three requirements whether the format is text, audio or video. Reading along with narrated video short stories strengthens pronunciation, recycles existing vocabulary and introduces the learner to new words which the context makes at least partially understandable (Dr Stephen Krashen coined the term “Free Voluntary Reading”, describing it as “the most powerful tool for developing literacy and language skills in both first and second languages”). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Krashen
A great way to build up your vocabulary is by reading along with narrated video short stories. This channel features ESL videos with easy-to-read text, clear pronunciation and a moderate pace of speech.
Vignettes
Similar to a short story, a vignette can be described as a “mini short story” or “micro story”. Build up your vocabulary with these ESL vignettes, each with 5 vocabulary items, narration and a comprehension quiz.
The Rehearsal
Level: intermediate
Key words: rehearse, upcoming, countless, complex, concertgoers