The vocabulary test guide: learning tips and free template
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Why do you write a vocabulary test?
If you practice vocabulary regularly, you have better Chances of success in language learning. Because vocabulary is the backbone of the language: If you know too few words, you can't or only with difficulty communicate. But anyone who sticks with it will be rewarded with a good understanding of the text, the ability to translate and write freely. While grammar tends to be faster to learn, poor vocabulary can only be made up with difficulty and takes considerable time.
📌 Do you need to learn a lot of vocabulary? Read our tips on how to do it here.
Practicing vocabulary is therefore a “permanent homework”. At school, more and more vocabulary in English, Latin, etc. is added every week, which must be learned. A vocabulary test may seem annoying, but it provides motivation, feedback and control. He checks the level of learning and shows whether new vocabulary has been understood and internalized. So will Knowledge gaps revealedto be able to make targeted improvements.
How do I study for a vocabulary test?
There are many different ways to prepare for a vocabulary test. One of the most important commandments is that regularly must be learned. If you try to get everything in your head one day before the vocabulary test, you'll forget most of the vocabulary again afterwards. So it's best to start early enough!
More tips for studying for the vocabulary test
- If you want to learn with your smartphone or tablet, use a Vocabulary trainer app. This allows you to learn the correct spelling of vocabulary with pictures, listening and training.
🚀 It couldn't be easier: Learn vocabulary with the CABUU app
- Another option is classic learning with flashcards. Activate your senses here too and use images, colors and example sentences on the cards and say the vocabulary aloud.
- Repeat the vocabulary diurnal. This will securely anchor them in your long-term memory and will be even more relaxed before the vocabulary test.
- Avoid learning directly from the book. Not only is this boring, but you will also automatically learn the sequence by heart. In the test, this could get you into trouble if the vocabulary suddenly appears in a different order.
- Do you have to catch up on a lot of vocabulary and don't know where to start? On the Internet, you can find many Basic vocabulary liststhat you can start with.
🔥 Start learning now and discover our popular vocabulary lists to download for free.
- Are you learning two different languages that are similar to each other? Then avoid learning them one after the other. Otherwise, the resemblance could cause your brain to have difficulty clearly separating what you've learned. This phenomenon is called”similarity inhibition”. It's better to take breaks between languages and also make sure that you always learn vocabulary in context, for example with sentences or dialogue.
💡 Do you need any more tips? Avoid these 8 mistakes when learning vocabulary with children
Which vocabulary app do I use to study for the vocabulary test?
A vocabulary trainer app is a great tool that helps you learn effectively and regularly. You'll find a few programs in the app stores. We present our CABUU app to you here.
Your benefits with the vocabulary trainer app cabuu
- You learn not only with text, but also with audio, pictures, and varied exercises. When you Learn with your senses, do you remember the vocabulary better.
- The vocabulary query automatically adapts depending on how well you already know a word. More difficult vocabulary is therefore interrogated more intensively. This avoids unnecessary repetitions and saves time.
- Adding vocabulary is very easy: You can either scan your lists with your mobile phone or tablet camera or get ready-made lists from our School book shop.
- Learning vocabulary can be really boring with the wrong learning method. In Cabuu, we therefore have an extra portion motivation built-in: You collect points and unlock profile pictures and rewards.
- With the vocabulary query, you can practice emergencies and take the vocabulary test with confidence.
👉 Learn your vocabulary easier than ever! Click here to discover the vocabulary trainer app cabuu.
How many words should you learn per day?
It's a great start if you want to learn every day. Die regularity will help you do really well on the next vocabulary test. The exact number of how much you should learn each day depends on your Memorization and how many words are added to school every week. It is also the case that language beginners are less able to remember than someone who already speaks the language well.
Here are a few guidelines:
- Beginners should learn around 10 new words per day
- Advanced around 20
- and professionals 20 to 40 words.
- In addition to these newly learned words, you should also repeat the vocabulary from previous days.
You can adjust the number flexibly: On some days, learning works really well, and if you're having a bad day, it's also okay to focus on less vocabulary. The most important thing is the regularity! Before the exam, you may of course have to repeat significantly more. But if you've stuck with it regularly over the weeks before, you won't have as much stress before the exam.
How long does a vocabulary test take?
Basically, a vocabulary test is not as extensive as a school assignment or class assignment. The duration depends on the type of query and also on how many words your teacher queries. Some just want to do a quick homework check, which then only takes a few minutes. Others want to test students very thoroughly with a vocabulary test. A typical test takes between 10 and 30 minutes.
👉 Are you a teacher looking for a reliable vocabulary trainer for your class? Click on the link to discover our offers for schools and study groups.
What are the task formats for vocabulary tests?
A vocabulary test can include a range of task formats that test different skills: spelling, meaning, application, or translation of vocabulary. In addition to the classic “Vocabulary → Translation” format, there are also many other ideas if you want to add some variety.
The most common task formats for vocabulary tests
Translation tasks
A vocabulary or sentence is specified and students must provide the appropriate translation. The direction of the query may differ between foreign language and mother tongue.
Gap text
A sentence or an entire passage of text is specified in which the missing vocabulary must be used appropriately.
Assignment tasks
The vocabulary is listed in two columns, and two suitable terms must be combined.
Multiple Choice
There are several answer options for a word, from which the correct one must be selected.
Combination of blank text and multiple choice
Students choose the appropriate word for the gap from given options.
Find opposites or synonyms
Students give synonyms or antonyms to a given vocabulary.
crosswords
A more imaginative way to query vocabulary. Students must enter the correct vocabulary in a word grid.
Free text tasks
It is only specified which vocabulary should be used in a sentence. An example sentence is then formulated.
Listening
The vocabulary is read out and then written down by the students, including the correct meaning.
Label images
The correct vocabulary must be written down for a picture or photo.
🚨 Do you have an emergency? Read our 10 tips for good grades here.
How much does a vocabulary test count?
The weighting of a vocabulary test for the overall grade varies depending on the teacher or school. In most cases, a vocabulary test is not as important as a class assignment or an exam. For example, a weighting of the overall grade in the certificate could look like:
- Written performance records include 40% — this includes school assignments, classwork or exams.
- Verbal performance records Make up 60% of the certificate grade and consist of
- Teaching contributions (50%)
- Vocabulary and grammar tests (50%)
💡 Note that this is just an example — it may well be different at your school. It makes the most sense to simply ask your teacher or take a look at the evaluation plan, which you may even find on your school's website.
How is a vocabulary test graded?
A vocabulary test is scored based on the correct answers, with points deductions for spelling mistakes or inaccurate translations.
Grading with a points system
A specific number of points is awarded for each correct answer (for example, one point per correct answer). Some teachers also award partial points if the answer is partly correct and contains only a minor spelling mistake. The score achieved is then divided by the maximum possible score and then converted into a grade.
A calculation example:
In the vocabulary test, a student scored 24 out of a possible 30 points. That means she's scored 80% of the points.
The teacher's grading code is as follows:
1 (very good): 90% - 100%
2 (good): 80% - 89.9%
3 (satisfactory): 70% - 79.9%
4 (sufficient): 60% - 69.9%
5 (deficient): 50% - 59.9%
6 (insufficient): 0% - 49.9%
Based on this grading key, the student therefore has a grade of 2.
💡 The grading code is not uniformly regulated, but differs depending on the teacher. Some also award additional points for particularly difficult tasks.
Error-oriented system
It is also possible to rate the vocabulary test based on mistakes instead of on points. The grade is then calculated based on the total number of words.
example:
The vocabulary test comprises 40 words, the student has made 6 mistakes. He therefore answered 85% correctly.
The grade is then determined again using a rating scale (for example: 85% = grade 2).
💡 Is it simply nervousness or is it test anxiety? How to help a child
Differentiated evaluation
In some cases, different evaluation criteria apply. This can be the case with students who have German as a second language or with children with educational needs such as dyslexia.
What is compensation for disadvantages?
For young people with Funding requirements In many states and federal states, there are clear regulations for compensating for disadvantages so that equal opportunities and inclusive education are guaranteed. Vocabulary tests then focus on learning performance and do not evaluate spelling or only to a limited extent. Further compensation for disadvantages could also include time allocations, adapted tasks or technical aids. If you think that compensation for disadvantages is appropriate for your child, youth psychologists, learning therapists or the School Psychology Service can be the point of contact for further information.
📌 Our reading tip for you about funding needs: This is how learning vocabulary works with dyslexia
What to do if you are afraid of the vocabulary test?
- Change inner diaglog: Talk to yourself as if you were a good friend. So not: “You'll never be able to do that” - but: “I'll do my best and if it's not perfect, that's not bad either.”
- Good preparation: Don't be passive, study for the exam.
- Stay rational: When fear plays dramatic scenes for you, try to find counterarguments. A bad grade in the vocabulary test is not ideal, but your life will still continue afterwards.
- Remind me of successes: Think of positive experiences and situations where you've mastered something. They provide an alternative to bad thoughts.
- Don't forget to relax: Breaks must also be considered, especially during stressful examination periods. Learning relaxation techniques also helps during these phases.
- Practice the exam situation: Just one of your own Print a vocabulary test and learn with a time limit or simply be queried orally or with an app.
The topic is very comprehensive, so we will only address it shortly. Should test anxiety be very stressful, you should definitely support be requested. There are not only anonymous care telephones, but trusted people (parents, circle of friends, counselor, school psychologist) can also be good contacts.
💪 From now on, you can take the vocabulary test with confidence! Click on the link and try out the CABUU app for free.
