Lesson 5: Learning Words in Chunks
Words That Are Friends
Have you ever learned a new word, but then you don't know how to use it in a sentence? A very powerful strategy is to learn words that are friends—words that often go together. We call these "word chunks". This lesson will teach you how to see and learn these chunks to make your English sound more natural.
Key Vocabulary
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Word Chunk
A small group of words that are often used together.
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Natural
Sounding normal and relaxed, not strange.
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Phrase
A small group of words that are used together as a unit.
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Fluent
Able to speak a language easily and smoothly.
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Collocation
The official grammar name for a 'word chunk'.
Why Learn in Chunks?
Learning words together in a phrase is a great idea.
- It's Faster: You learn two or three words at the same time.
- You Make Fewer Mistakes: You automatically know which words go together. For example, we say "ride a moto," not "drive a moto."
- You Sound More Fluent: Native speakers use these chunks all the time without thinking. This helps you become more fluent.
- It's Easier to Remember: The chunk 'hot weather' is easier to remember than just 'hot' and 'weather' separately.
Common Types of Word Chunks
Look for these common types of word chunks, also called collocations.
1. Adjective + Noun:
- hot weather
- a good idea
- white rice
- a beautiful dress
2. Verb + Noun:
- drink water
- ride a moto
- watch TV
- eat lunch
3. Common Phrases:
- nice to meet you
- see you later
- how are you?
In Conversation
Bora asks his teacher how to speak more naturally.
Bora: Teacher, how can I speak English faster?
Teacher: A good strategy is to learn words in chunks. Don't just learn the word 'drink'. Learn the chunk 'drink water'.
Bora: Ah! So I don't have to think about the two words separately.
Teacher: Exactly! And don't just learn 'hot'. Learn the chunk 'hot weather', because we say that often in Cambodia.
Bora: So for my moto, I should learn 'ride a moto' together?
Teacher: Perfect! Learning the chunk "watch TV" helps you avoid mistakes like "see TV". It helps you become more fluent.
Check Your Understanding
- Which word best completes the chunk: '______ a moto'?
- a) drive
- b) ride
- c) go
Answer: b) ride
- Why is learning in chunks a good idea?
- a) It helps you sound more natural and fluent.
- b) It is slower and more difficult.
- c) It only helps with learning nouns.
Answer: a) It helps you sound more natural and fluent.
- Which of these is a common 'Verb + Noun' chunk?
- a) good student
- b) watch TV
- c) very hot
Answer: b) watch TV
Your Mission
- Find the Chunks: Go back to any past lesson. Read the 'In Conversation' dialogue and find three word chunks. Write them in your notebook.
- My Chunks: Create three of your own word chunks using words you know. (e.g., "eat rice", "my blue shirt", "cold water".)
- Speak in Chunks: Your mission is to use one complete word chunk in a conversation today. For example, instead of just saying "hot," say "Today is hot weather."