How many English words do I need to know?
Research by Nation shows: 1,000 words gives 85% coverage of spoken English; 2,000 words covers 95% of everyday speech; 8,000 to 9,000 word families enables comfortable reading of most authentic texts. For IELTS band 7, 6,000 to 9,000 words is the typical range. Native speakers have passive vocabularies of 15,000 to 20,000 word families. Each level in the vocabulary exercises introduces words appropriate to the CEFR stage, building systematically from common to academic vocabulary.
What is spaced repetition and why does it work?
Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you review material at increasing time intervals: first after 1 day, then 3 days, then 7 days, then 14 days. This exploits the psychological spacing effect discovered by Ebbinghaus: reviewing a word just as you are about to forget it strengthens the memory trace more than re-reading it immediately. Flash Cards on LexFizz use this principle, presenting words that were answered incorrectly more frequently until they are consolidated in long-term memory.
What is the difference between active and passive vocabulary?
Passive (receptive) vocabulary is words you can understand when you read or hear them. Active (productive) vocabulary is words you can use spontaneously in speech and writing. Passive vocabulary is always larger than active: you may recognise 'ubiquitous' when you read it but not produce it in conversation. Flash Cards and Match Up primarily build recognition (passive) vocabulary; Crossword and Anagram require production (active) recall. A complete vocabulary practice routine should include both recognition and production exercises.
Should I learn vocabulary in lists or in context?
Both approaches have value, but contextual learning produces more durable retention. Learning a word in isolation (list study) gives you the definition; encountering it in a sentence shows you collocation, register, and typical usage. The most effective approach combines both: use Flash Cards to build initial recognition of a word, then encounter it in Cloze Dropdown or Complete the Sentence exercises in context. Flip Tiles combines both approaches in one exercise by showing the word with an example sentence on the reverse.
How many new words should I try to learn per day?
Research suggests 10 to 15 new words per day is a sustainable rate for most learners when using spaced repetition. Learning too many words at once reduces consolidation time and increases forgetting. Focus on high-frequency words first: the most common 2,000 English words cover 95% of everyday speech, so investing in these words has the highest return. After that, focus on vocabulary relevant to your specific goals — IELTS Academic Word List items, or vocabulary for your professional field.
What is collocation and why should I learn it?
A collocation is a pair or group of words that naturally occur together in English: do homework (not make homework), make a decision (not do a decision), heavy traffic (not strong traffic). Native speakers use collocations automatically, but learners often produce grammatically correct but unnatural-sounding combinations. Learning words as collocations rather than in isolation is especially important at B2 and above. Flip Tiles on LexFizz is specifically designed to present vocabulary with collocational information.
How does Matching Pairs improve vocabulary memory?
Matching Pairs uses the memory game format: cards are placed face down and turned over in pairs to find matches. This requires holding words and their meanings in working memory while searching, which strengthens the associative link between form and meaning. The memory challenge element also increases engagement and motivation compared to passive re-reading. Research on test-enhanced learning (the testing effect) confirms that trying to retrieve a word from memory — even when you fail — strengthens retention more than re-studying it.
Is Crossword good for advanced vocabulary practice?
Yes, particularly for B2 to C1 learners. Crossword clues at advanced levels require reading comprehension of a short definition or synonym, then recalling and spelling the target word precisely. The grid constraint means you must also count letters and integrate crossing letters, adding a problem-solving dimension. Advanced crosswords on LexFizz include collocations, phrasal verbs, and Academic Word List items, making them an effective tool for consolidating vocabulary that has been introduced elsewhere.
What vocabulary topics should beginners focus on first?
Beginners should prioritise the most frequent English words first: numbers (1–100), days and months, colours, basic verbs (be, have, go, make, do, say, get, take), common adjectives (big, small, good, bad, new, first), question words (who, what, where, when, why, how), family words (mother, father, sister, brother), food and drink, body parts, and classroom objects. These high-frequency items give maximum communicative return for the learning investment and form the foundation for all subsequent vocabulary growth.
How do I move vocabulary from recognition to active use?
The key to activating passive vocabulary is repeated production practice. After recognising a word with Flash Cards, force yourself to use it: write a sentence using the word, speak a sentence aloud, or find the word in a Crossword that requires you to produce it. Flip Tiles accelerates this by showing example sentences that model the word in natural usage. The goal is to encounter the word in at least 10 to 15 different contexts before it moves reliably into active vocabulary.