Hosts: Ruby & Tim
Genre: Self-Improvement / Education
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[INTRODUCTION]
Ruby: Hey there, English learners! Welcome back to English Podcast with Ruby, your go-to podcast for improving your English in a fun and practical way. I’m Ruby, and of course, I’m joined by my brilliant co-host, Tim!
Tim: Hey, everyone! Excited to be here! Ruby, what’s new with you today?
Ruby: Well, funny story—I spent my afternoon in the university library, trying to get some reading done. You know how libraries have that almost magical silence, where you can hear the faint rustling of pages and the occasional whisper?
Tim: Oh yeah, there’s something peaceful about that kind of atmosphere.
Ruby: Exactly! And I was totally in the zone, flipping through this beautifully written novel, when I came across a word that perfectly captured the feeling of the place. I wanted to remember it so badly, but—poof!—it disappeared from my mind in seconds.
Tim: Ugh, that happens to me all the time! What kind of word was it?
Ruby: It was one of those words that describe something grand yet peaceful—something almost poetic.
Tim: Hmm… majestic?
Ruby: Close! But this word felt more delicate, like something carefully crafted and timeless.
Tim: Ah! What about serene?
Ruby: Not quite—it had more of an artistic touch… Oh! Ethereal! That’s it! The library, the books, the entire atmosphere—it all felt ethereal!
Tim: Yes! That’s the perfect word! And honestly, moments like that are so relatable. You know the word, you feel its meaning, but when you need it the most, it slips away.
Ruby: Exactly! And that’s exactly what we’re talking about today—how to remember new words in a way that actually sticks so you can use them effortlessly in conversations.
Tim: Right! Because let’s be real—learning new vocabulary isn’t just about memorizing definitions. It’s about making them part of your daily thinking and speaking.
Ruby: And to help you do that, we’ve put together something super helpful!
Tim: Yes! We have created the entire content of today’s podcast episode and made it available in the link below in the description. Click on it, and you’ll find both the podcast content and exercises designed for you to learn and practice easily.
Ruby: So, get comfortable, grab your notebook, and let’s dive in!
[SECTION 2: MEMORY AND THE FORGETTING CURVE]
Ruby: Alright, so let’s talk about why we forget words so easily. I mean, we’ve all been there—you learn a cool new word, you use it once, and then… a few days later, it’s gone. Like it just vanished into thin air.
Tim: Yep! And that’s because of how our memory works. Think of your brain like a… hmm, how should I put this… ah! Imagine a whiteboard.
Ruby: Oh, I like where this is going. Keep going!
Tim: Okay, so picture this: Every time you learn a new word, it’s like writing it down on a whiteboard with a dry-erase marker. But here’s the problem—if you don’t go back and rewrite it, the ink starts fading.
Ruby: Ooooh, I see! And eventually, if you don’t reinforce it, it gets completely erased.
Tim: Exactly! This is basically what scientists call the forgetting curve. Research shows that within 24 hours, we forget about 80% of what we’ve just learned—unless we actively review it.
Ruby: Wait, 80%?! That’s insane! So if I learn 10 new words today, by tomorrow, I might only remember 2 of them?
Tim: Yep, unless you do something about it. And that’s where reinforcement strategies come in. If you want words to stick, you have to fight against the forgetting curve.
Ruby: Okay, so just reading a word once and hoping it magically stays in my brain? That’s not gonna cut it.
Tim: Nope! Your brain treats unused information like clutter. If it doesn’t see a reason to hold onto something, it throws it out to make space for more important things—like, I don’t know, your favorite pizza order or your friend’s latest drama.
Ruby: Haha, so you’re telling me my brain remembers what I ate for lunch three weeks ago but forgets an important English word in one day?
Tim: Pretty much! But the good news is, there are proven techniques to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Ruby: And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about next—how to train your brain to store new vocabulary for the long run so you can actually use it when you need it.
[SECTION 3: VOCABULARY RETENTION STRATEGIES]
Ruby: Alright, so now that we know why words disappear from our memory, let’s talk about how to stop that from happening.
Tim: Yes! The key to building a strong vocabulary isn’t just learning words—it’s making sure they stick. And we’re about to share some of the most powerful strategies to help you do just that.
1. Make Words Personal
Ruby: The first and most effective trick? Make words personal! Our brains are really good at remembering things that are meaningful to us, but not so great at holding onto random information.
Tim: Exactly! If a word has a personal connection, it becomes part of your own story, and that makes it way harder to forget.
Ruby: For example, last week, I learned the word “tranquil”, which means peaceful and calm. And now, every time I hear that word, I immediately think of the time I went hiking in the mountains last summer. The air was crisp, the lake was completely still, and everything felt so… tranquil.
Tim: That’s perfect! I had a similar experience with the word “bittersweet”. I first learned it when I had to say goodbye to my childhood home. It was bittersweet because I was excited for new beginnings, but also sad to leave behind all the memories. Now, whenever I hear that word, I feel that exact emotion again.
Ruby: And that’s the trick! Instead of just memorizing words, attach them to moments in your life. That way, they won’t just be in your brain—they’ll be in your emotions too.
2. Create Visual Associations
Tim: Okay, so personal connections work great, but what if a word isn’t tied to a specific memory?
Ruby: That’s when visual associations come in! Our brains love pictures, so turning words into mental images can help make them unforgettable.
Tim: For example, when I learned the word “majestic”, I pictured a huge waterfall cascading down a mountain with golden sunlight shining through the mist. That image made the word majestic feel larger than life—just like its meaning!
Ruby: Oh, that’s a good one! For me, the word “intricate” (which means very detailed and complex) makes me think of an old-fashioned pocket watch, with all its tiny gears moving together in perfect harmony. That picture helps me remember not just the meaning, but the feeling of the word.
Tim: I love that! And the best part is, the crazier or more unusual your image, the stronger your memory will be.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Ruby: Alright, next up—there’s no way around this one: you have to practice!
Tim: Yep, learning a word once isn’t enough. You need to actually use it.
Ruby: For example, I recently learned the word “vivid”, which means clear and detailed. So I made a rule for myself: I had to use it at least three times that week. I told my friend, “Wow, your description of that movie was so vivid!”, I wrote it in my journal, and I even said it out loud when describing a dream I had.
Tim: That’s smart! I did something similar with the word “quirky”. I kept slipping it into conversations—like, “That café has a quirky design” or “My cousin has a quirky sense of humor.” By the end of the week, I didn’t even have to think about the word anymore—it just came naturally.
Ruby: That’s the goal! The more you use a word, the stronger it becomes in your memory.
4. Active Recall & Spaced Repetition
Tim: Alright, let’s talk brain training! There are two scientifically proven techniques that can take your vocabulary to the next level: active recall and spaced repetition.
Ruby: So, active recall is basically the idea that instead of just rereading a word over and over, you close your book and try to remember it on your own.
Tim: Exactly! Think of it like a memory workout. The more your brain struggles to remember something, the stronger the connection gets.
Ruby: And spaced repetition is all about timing. Instead of reviewing words every five minutes, you spread out your reviews. Maybe you study a word today, then again in two days, then a week later.
Tim: That way, you review the word right before your brain is about to forget it—so it gets locked into long-term memory.
Ruby: There are even apps like Anki or Quizlet that can help automate this process for you.
Tim: Yep! It’s like having a personal trainer for your vocabulary.
5. Learn Words in Context
Ruby: Okay, let’s move on to the next big strategy—learning words in context.
Tim: Yes! If you only memorize words by themselves, they’ll feel random. But if you see them inside real sentences, they suddenly make sense.
Ruby: For example, if I just memorize that “scorching” means very hot, I might forget it. But if I see it in a sentence like “The sun was so scorching that I could feel my skin burning,” it becomes much more real.
Tim: That’s a great one! Another example—if I just learn that “peculiar” means strange, it’s kind of vague. But if I hear someone say, “He has a peculiar way of eating spaghetti—he uses chopsticks!”, now I have a funny mental image that makes the word easier to remember.
Ruby: So the best way to learn words? Read books, watch TV shows, listen to podcasts—surround yourself with real language in action.
6. Teach New Words to Others
Tim: Alright, last but definitely not least—teach the words you learn to someone else!
Ruby: Oh, this one is a game-changer! When you explain a word to someone, your brain has to process it deeply, which locks it into your memory.
Tim: Yep! For example, I once explained the word “hasty” to my little sister. I told her, “Imagine you’re running late and you grab mismatched shoes because you didn’t check—that’s being hasty!” Now, whenever I hear that word, I remember that moment.
Ruby: That’s so good! I did something similar with the word “graceful”. I explained it to my cousin by comparing it to a ballerina gliding across the stage. And now, that image pops into my head every time I hear the word.
Tim: So the next time you learn a new word, find a friend—or even your pet—and try explaining it. If you can teach it, you truly own it.
Ruby: Alright, we just covered a ton of great strategies, but now the question is—how do you actually use them in your daily life?
Tim: That’s what we’re going to dive into next! Stay tuned!
[SECTION 4: VOCABULARY BREAKDOWN]
Ruby: Alright, we’ve talked about how to remember new words, but now it’s time to make sure you can actually use them confidently in real conversations.
Tim: Exactly! To help you with that, we’ve carefully prepared a video lesson covering 10 powerful words from today’s episode.
Ruby: Yes! Watch closely, take notes, and try to use these words in your own sentences. The more you practice, the more natural they’ll become.
1. Mesmerizing (adj.)
- Meaning: So fascinating or captivating that you can’t look away.
- Example: The way the fireflies lit up the night sky was absolutely mesmerizing.
- Tip: Use this word when something is so beautiful or intriguing that it grabs your full attention.
2. Brisk (adj.)
- Meaning: Cool, fresh, and slightly fast-moving (often referring to weather or movement).
- Example: We took a brisk walk in the morning to wake ourselves up.
- Tip: You’ll often hear this word in weather reports or when talking about quick, refreshing movement.
3. Whimsical (adj.)
- Meaning: Playfully unusual, imaginative, or charming in a fun way.
- Example: The little bookstore had a whimsical design, with floating bookshelves and hidden reading nooks.
- Tip: Use this word to describe something that feels magical or dreamlike.
4. Tedious (adj.)
- Meaning: Long, slow, and boring.
- Example: Filling out all the paperwork for my visa was such a tedious process.
- Tip: If something takes forever and feels tiring, this is the perfect word to describe it.
5. Jittery (adj.)
- Meaning: Nervous, anxious, or unable to stay still.
- Example: Before my big presentation, I felt so jittery that I couldn’t stop tapping my foot.
- Tip: If you feel shaky or nervous, this is a great word to use!
6. Grandiose (adj.)
- Meaning: Impressive, large-scale, or overly ambitious.
- Example: The billionaire’s house was so grandiose, it looked like a palace.
- Tip: This word is perfect for describing something extravagant, sometimes excessively so.
7. Wistful (adj.)
- Meaning: Feeling slightly sad while remembering something from the past.
- Example: She had a wistful smile on her face as she looked at old childhood photos.
- Tip: Similar to nostalgic, but with a deeper sense of longing or bittersweet emotion.
8. Diligent (adj.)
- Meaning: Hardworking and paying close attention to details.
- Example: He was a diligent student who always completed his assignments on time.
- Tip: This is a great word to describe someone who works carefully and responsibly.
9. Unruly (adj.)
- Meaning: Difficult to control, messy, or wild.
- Example: After the kids played outside all day, their hair was completely unruly.
- Tip: Can describe people, hair, crowds, or anything that refuses to stay in order.
10. Radiant (adj.)
- Meaning: Glowing with happiness, beauty, or light.
- Example: Her face was radiant with excitement when she won the competition.
- Tip: Often used to describe people who look especially happy or beautiful.
Ruby: That was amazing, I especially love the word “mesmerizing”—I think I’ll start using it whenever I see something breathtaking.
Tim: Same here! And I’m definitely adding “jittery” to my list—I get so jittery before public speaking!
Ruby: See? That’s exactly how learning vocabulary should work—find words that connect to your life, and they’ll stick with you forever!
Tim:
And if you want to review these words later, don’t forget—we have a link below where you can revisit them. Check the link in the description to access all the details!
[SECTION 5: CONCLUSION]
Ruby: Wow, we’ve covered so much today! Let’s do a quick recap before we wrap up.
Tim: Yes! Today, we talked about how our memory works and why we forget new words so easily. But more importantly, we shared five powerful strategies to help you remember and use vocabulary effortlessly.
Ruby: Let’s go over them one more time:
- Make words personal—Connect them to your own experiences so they become meaningful.
- Create visual associations—Turn words into mental images to make them unforgettable.
- Practice, practice, practice—Use new words in conversations, writing, or even self-talk.
- Active recall & spaced repetition—Review words at strategic intervals to reinforce them.
- Learn words in context—Expose yourself to real-life examples through reading, listening, and storytelling.
Tim: And of course, we also went through 10 fantastic words that you can start using today!
Ruby: Yes! If you want to review everything we covered in this episode, we’ve put all the key points and exercises on our website.
[Test your knowledge]
Ruby: Alright, before we wrap up, we have a little challenge for you! To make sure you truly understood today’s episode, we’ve prepared a short quiz for you.
Here’s how it works:
- I’m going to ask 10 questions based on what we covered today.
- Try to answer them in the comments section before checking the correct answers.
- This is a great way to test your memory and reinforce what you’ve learned.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
10 QUESTIONS (HOMEWORK QUIZ)
1. What is the Forgetting Curve?
A) A technique to remember words better
B) A scientific principle that explains why we forget things over time
C) A type of memory used for vocabulary learning
D) A list of difficult words
2. What is one way to make words more memorable?
A) Reading them once and moving on
B) Connecting them to personal experiences
C) Memorizing them without using them
D) Avoiding difficult words
3. Which of these is an example of Active Recall?
A) Reading a word list over and over
B) Testing yourself by trying to remember words without looking
C) Highlighting words in a book
D) Listening to a word once and hoping it sticks
4. Why is Spaced Repetition important?
A) It helps you remember words for the long term
B) It makes learning faster, even if you never review words
C) It only works for easy words
D) It is the same as cramming before a test
5. What does the word “mesmerizing” mean?
A) Boring and repetitive
B) Extremely fascinating and captivating
C) Quick and effortless
D) A difficult challenge
6. Which of these is an example of learning words in context?
A) Memorizing words without sentences
B) Studying words from real-life books, movies, and conversations
C) Writing words in a list and never using them
D) Avoiding new vocabulary
7. Which technique involves using mental images to remember words?
A) Passive reading
B) Creating visual associations
C) Spaced repetition
D) Listening to music while studying
8. What does the word “diligent” mean?
A) Lazy and careless
B) Working hard and paying attention to details
C) Quick but messy
D) Something temporary
- Answer: B – “Diligent” means being hardworking and careful with what you do.
9. Which of these is a good way to practice new words?
A) Using them in daily conversations and writing
B) Memorizing them but never saying them out loud
C) Only studying once and never reviewing
D) Avoiding difficult words
10. What should you do if you want to reinforce what you learned today?
A) Watch this episode again and practice the new words
B) Forget everything and move on to another lesson
C) Only study for five minutes and stop
D) Never review the material again
Ruby: Awesome! Now, here’s what you need to do:
Drop your answers in the comments before checking the correct ones!
Want to review this lesson? Check the link in the description to access the full episode content and extra exercises on our website.
Tim: And don’t stop here—keep practicing, keep learning, and we’ll see you in the next episode of English Podcast with Ruby!
The correct answer:
1. What is the Forgetting Curve?
Answer: B – The Forgetting Curve explains how quickly we forget new information if we don’t review it.
2. What is one way to make words more memorable?
Answer: B – Making words personal helps create strong mental connections, making them easier to remember.
3. Which of these is an example of Active Recall?
Answer: B – Active Recall means forcing your brain to retrieve information instead of passively reviewing it.
4. Why is Spaced Repetition important?
Answer: A – Spaced Repetition reinforces words at the right time to prevent forgetting.
5. What does the word “mesmerizing” mean?
Answer: B – “Mesmerizing” describes something so fascinating that you can’t take your eyes off it.
6. Which of these is an example of learning words in context?
Answer: B – Learning in context helps words stick better because you see them in real situations.
7. Which technique involves using mental images to remember words?
Answer: B – Visual associations help your brain retain words longer by linking them to strong mental images.
8. What does the word “diligent” mean?
Answer: B – “Diligent” means being hardworking and careful with what you do.
9. Which of these is a good way to practice new words?
Answer: A – The best way to retain vocabulary is to use it in real-life situations.
10. What should you do if you want to reinforce what you learned today?
Answer: A – Reviewing lessons, practicing words, and actively engaging with the content strengthen your memory.
Learn more English Podcast: Click here
Watch more video:
- The Secret to Transforming Your English Skills for Beginners : Click here
- How to Master English Listening Skills: Click here
- First Date Tips & Real Conversations: Click here
- Speak English Confidently in Just 2 Months: Click here
- I Can Understand English, But I Can’t Speak: Click here
- Are You Really Using Your Time Wisely?: Click here
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