Create and review Anki flashcards for miscellaneous problem words/phrases

Create and review Anki flashcards for each problem word/phrase I mention in your OECT exam or 180 presentation feedback according to the directions below:

 

(1) If you mispronounced the problem word/phrase. . .

Create a flashcard like this:

Anki Flashcard Front

usually

Anki Flashcard Back

usually (not “urally” or “uwally”)   [sound:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/En-us-usually.ogg]

And review it like this:

1. Pronounce the problem word/phrase,
2. Flip the card over to check your pronunciation, especially in relation to the problem sound,
3. Think of a sentence including the word/phrase you could potentially use when teaching undergrads or in everyday life¹, and
4. Say this sentence aloud 3 times, paying close attention each time to correctly pronouncing the problem sound. (Do not skip checking your sentence contexts!!!–Although it is frequently easy to pronounce a word/phrase correctly in isolation, the natural tendency is to return to one’s previous (incorrect) pronunciation habit once one puts the word/phrase into context. You can only break incorrect pronunciation habits if your review of Anki flashcards helps you build new correct habits!)
5. If you mispronounced the word at any time during steps 1-4, click “Again” when you rate your performance on the card so Anki will schedule it for more frequent practice.

 

 

(2) If your OECT problem word/phrase was a problem because of its grammar, phrasing, or vocabulary meaning. . .

 

Create a flashcard including whichever definition from one of the online dictionaries below was problematic (i.e. Don’t make a flashcard using a dictionary’s first definition if you had trouble with the third meaning of the word!) and an example sentence using that meaning. (If a word has several meanings that you know (or “almost know”), create a flashcard following the example of Model Flashcard 1. If a word has only one definition — or you know you’ll remember which definition it is that caused you trouble on the OECT — follow the example of Model Flashcard 2):

 

• Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary
• Simple English Wiktionary
• Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
• Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
• Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary

Model Flashcard 1 Front		Model Flashcard 2 Front
function(Vocabulary)2  Definition: “If X is a function of Y, then X exists because of or is affected by Y“(Simple English Wiktionary)2		function(Vocabulary)2
Model Flashcard 1 Back		Model Flashcard 2 Back
function Definition: “If X is a function of Y, then X exists because of or is affected by Y” (Simple English Wiktionary) Example: “When you see Y = f(X), you read it, ‘Y is a function of X.’“ (Simple English Wiktionary)		function Definition: “If X is a function of Y, then X exists because of or is affected by Y” (Simple English Wiktionary) Example: “When you see Y = f(X), you read it, ‘Y is a function of X.’“ (Simple English Wiktionary)

 

And review it like this:

1. Think of a sentence containing the flashcard’s word/phrase appropriate to teaching undergrads your field or appropriate for use in everyday life¹, and
2. Turn the flashcard over and check your planned sentence against the problem word’s definition and example sentence. If your planned sentence appears to use the problem word/phrase correctly, say the sentence aloud 3 times (so your ears/brain learn to hear correct use of the problem word/phrase as correct). If your planned sentence appears not to use the problem word/phrase correctly, use the definition and example sentence to guide your planning of another sentence that does use the word/phrase correctly. Then, say this other sentence aloud 3 times (again, so your ears/brain learn to hear correct use of the problem word/phrase as correct).
3. Finally, if your originally planned sentence appeared to use the problem word/phrase incorrectly, click “Again” when you rate your performance on the card so Anki will schedule it for more frequent practice.

 

¹ Each time you review a flashcard, create a new sentence that you’ve never used before during Anki practice. This will help your brain become automatic at producing standard English much more than reusing your previously created sentences will.

² If your problem with a word/phrase on the OECT was due to grammar or vocabulary rather than pronunciation, remember to include a “(grammar)” or “(vocabulary)” note on the front of your flashcard, so you know when reviewing what to focus on.