If you or your teenagers would like to improve your vocabulary, give the Just Vocabulary podcast a try. They have over 400 podcast episodes, each featuring two different words from sources like the GRE test list.
Each podcast covers two different words, one at a time. The word is repeated several times, then spelled. Several example sentences are spoken, using the word in context. The listener is told what kind of word this is – noun, verb, adjective. And if the etymology is helpful, they will explain where the word was derived from. Alternate meanings and usages are also stated, followed by more example sentences. Synonyms, words that mean the same, and antonyms, words that are opposite, are also listed and explained. Throughout all these examples the featured word is repeated more times. Then
By the end of this five minute podcast the listener has a really good concept of what the words mean, how they are pronounced, and how to use them in a sentence. The two words of the day are followed by a quick review of a previous word. The review has the meaning and a few example sentences. It also lists the podcast number so that you can refer to the original episode if you need further review.
The host of the Just Vocabulary podcast is Jan Folmer. English is his second language. The podcast is actually aimed toward English as Second Language students. I’m sure it would be wonderful for people just learning the English language. But it is also a great resource for native English speakers, particularly teenagers facing SAT tests.
Recent vocabulary words covered on the Just Vocabulary podcast are fervid, malinger, insulate, scanty, nefarious, tirade, whet, nebulous, and malleable. This free show is produced several times a week. It’s a fun, easy way to build up vocabulary.
Also See:
Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing – Podcast Review