Get Interested in Words and CollocationsWhen you come across a new word in your reading it is tempting to work out the meaning from the context, and then move on. This is actually a good strategy, and usually works. But not always. Sometimes you need to dig deeper.
When taking an exam like the CPE - and when learning any language at an advanced level - it pays to get interested in words.
For looking up new words, you might find online dictionaries useful. My favourite is the Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary. This gives you a number of search options, including idioms and phrasal verbs.
However, there are many more. See here for my review of the top online dictionaries.
For collocations - words that work in particular verbal contexts but not in others - you might like to try some online exercises like these which give you immediate feedback (see the 'Use of English' practice tests).
Also, at the same site, try the excellent daily exercises at the CPE Word Bank.
In a way, collocation is more significant than grammar when you are trying to perfect your language at an advanced level. To take an easy example, see the different ways in which the verb 'get' collocates:
To get you thinking about collocation, you might like to spend some time at the amazing Visual Thesaurus. This is a great place for expanding your word power (but warning: it's a bit addictive!).Above all: look around you, take note of words and how they are used, and consciously try to expand your vocabulary in speech and writing.
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