If you're learning English and want to grow your vocabulary faster, one of the best ways to remember new words is by testing yourself regularly. Vocabulary quizzes and self-testing methods help your brain actively recall information, making it easier to remember words over time. In this guide, you'll learn how to create fun, effective ways to test your vocabulary and make your learning routine more exciting.
Why self-testing works for vocabulary learning
When you read or listen to new words, you recognize them. But when you test yourself, you recall them—this is much more powerful for long-term memory. Testing also helps you figure out which words you know well and which ones you need to review.
Method 1: Make your own vocabulary quizzes
Creating your own quizzes is a great way to focus on the words you're currently learning. You can use a notebook, flashcards, or digital tools.
How to do it:
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Write the English word on one side and the definition or a translation on the other.
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Test yourself daily. Cover one side and try to remember the word or meaning.
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Mix up the order to avoid memorizing based on position.
Example:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Generous | Willing to give or share |
| Confuse | To make someone uncertain or unsure |
What does “generous” mean?
a) Angry
b) Rich
c) Willing to give or share
d) Tired
Correct answer: c
Method 2: Use online quiz tools and apps
There are many apps and websites where you can create or take vocabulary quizzes. Some popular tools include:
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Quizlet
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Kahoot
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Anki
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Memrise
These tools allow you to track your progress, use spaced repetition, and even add audio or images to your flashcards.
Tip: Join public flashcard sets shared by other learners or teachers. It's a great way to learn common vocabulary quickly.
Method 3: Self-testing through writing and speaking
Testing doesn’t always mean answering questions. You can also test yourself by using new vocabulary in writing or speaking.
Try this:
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Pick 5 new words from your list.
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Write a short story or a paragraph using all 5 words.
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Record yourself saying a sentence with each word.
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Check if you’re using the words correctly with an AI assistant, a teacher, or a learning app.
Example:
Vocabulary: generous, confuse, effort, succeed, challenge
"It was a real challenge to understand the lesson at first, but I made an effort to study every day. My generous friend helped me when I was confused, and in the end, I succeeded."
Method 4: Test in context with gap-fills
You can test your understanding of vocabulary with fill-in-the-blank (gap-fill) exercises.
Example:
She gave a __________ donation to the school. (Answer: generous)
The instructions were hard to follow and left me __________. (Answer: confused)
You can create your own gap-fills from stories or articles you’ve read. Just replace key words with blanks and try to guess them again later.
Bonus tips for better results
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Use spaced repetition: Review difficult words more often until you remember them easily.
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Mix old and new words: Include previously learned vocabulary in your quizzes to keep them fresh in your memory.
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Set weekly goals: Aim to master 10–15 new words per week with testing.
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Reward yourself: Turn vocabulary quizzes into a game and give yourself a small reward when you reach a goal.
Testing your vocabulary doesn’t have to be boring. With creative quizzes, speaking challenges, and the right tools, you’ll boost your memory and feel more confident using English in daily life. The key is consistency—test a little each day, and you’ll see big improvements over time.
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