Complete the sentence: One way to learn new words is by ___.

• A. Repetition
• B. Practice
• C. Reading
• D. Guessing

Answer: (A)

Repeating new words helps cement them in memory, making repetition a particularly effective way to learn vocabulary. When you say a word aloud, write it, and use it in sentences again and again, you reinforce its sound, spelling, and meaning. This repeated exposure strengthens the neural connections that store the word, so you’re more likely to recall it later and use it correctly. Spaced repetition, spreading practice over time, further improves retention by giving your brain just enough time to consolidate the memory before revisiting it.

Practice in general can be broad and include activities that don’t specifically focus on repeated exposure to the same word. Reading exposes you to words in context, which helps you infer meaning and see usage, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll remember a word unless you also revisit it. Guessing from context can help you guess meanings, but it isn’t a reliable way to build strong, lasting memory without subsequent repetition and confirmation.