Expanding vocabulary is important for improving both reading and writing. Learning new words not only involves knowing the different meanings of words but also their different forms, when they can be written as a noun, verb, adjective or adverb, and how to use them in a sentence. It is advisable to keep a notebook next to you when reading, so you can note down any new words for which you cannot work out the meaning based on the context. Once or twice a week, look up the words in a dictionary and try using them in a sentence of your own. Students at Amanda Dixon PhD complete vocabulary exercises and also have a designated vocabulary workbook, spending a few minutes each week reviewing any new words and checking they have used them correctly in a sentence.