Learn Words That Stick: A 5-Step System for Any Chapter
Level: B1-B2
Goal: Learn fewer words, but remember them longer. Then you can actually use them.
Why This Works
Most people try to learn too many words at once. Then they forget them. This system helps you pick only the best phrases from your reading. You'll review them quickly. You'll use them the same day. One chapter = real progress.
Time needed per chapter: About 20-25 minutes
What You'll Need
- Your book or story (on paper or screen)
- A place to save phrases (notes app, notebook, flashcard app, anything works)
- A timer
Step 1. Pick Your Phrases (5-12 max)
Read a chapter once. Don't stop. Then look through it again and choose phrases, not single words.
Good phrases to pick:
- Useful now (you could say them this week)
- Word pairs (like: run late, bump into, make up your mind)
- Repeated (you saw them 2-3 times)
- Work everywhere (like: as soon as, end up, on my own)
- Match your life (fit your work, hobbies, or daily life)
Don't pick:
- Rare words you'll never say
- Names of people or places
- Words you can guess and don't need to study
Example from a story:
"I bumped into Mia and spilled my coffee all over the floor. I was running late, but she told me to take a deep breath."
Phrases I'd pick: bump into (someone), spill (something) all over, run late, take a deep breath
Step 2. Make a Phrase Bank (2 minutes)
Write five things for each phrase:
- The phrase: bump into (someone)
- What it means (simple): meet someone without planning to
- Example from book: I bumped into Mia outside the cafe.
- Your own example: I often bump into neighbors at the gym.
- Notes: past = bumped / always use into
Copy this template:
Phrase:
What it means:
Book example:
My example:
Notes:
Tip: Write the meaning in simple English. If you need your native language, keep it short.
Step 3. Quick Practice (3-5 minutes)
Right after making your phrase bank, test yourself:
- Look, cover, remember. Hide the meaning. Say it from memory.
- Fill in the blank: I _____ into my old teacher yesterday. (bumped)
- Make a mini-story: Use 2-3 phrases in one or two sentences.
- Say it out loud. Your mouth needs practice too.
Quick practice example:
I was running late, then I bumped into my boss and spilled water all over my notes. What a morning!
Step 4. Review Schedule (5 minutes total)
Use any app or notebook you like. Here's when to review:
- Today: You just did it!
- Tomorrow: Quick check of all phrases (2-3 minutes)
- Day 3: Fill in blanks or make sentences
- Day 7: Write a short story with them
- Day 21: Final check. Drop the easy ones.
Keep it simple:
- If you forget something twice, make a better personal example
- Delete phrases you never use. Focus on the good ones.
Step 5. Use It Today (5-10 minutes)
Move phrases from your notes to your real life. Today.
Easy ways to use them:
- Quick journal: "Today I ran late because..."
- Text someone: Use 1-2 phrases in a real message
- Voice note: Tell yourself a 30-second story using 3 phrases
Switch it up:
- I bumped into Mia → my neighbor → an old friend
- I spilled coffee all over → tea all over → juice all over
Start conversations:
- "When did you last bump into someone you hadn't seen in years?"
- "What helps you when you're running late?"
Full Example (3 minutes total)
Phrase: take a deep breath
What it means: breathe in slowly to relax
Book: She told me to take a deep breath before the interview.
Mine: I take a deep breath before big phone calls.
Notes: Always use take (not do or make)
Practice:
- Fill in: I _____ a deep breath before speaking. (took)
- Say: I took a deep breath and asked for more money.
Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
- Trying to learn 25+ items per chapter
→ Stop at 12. Better to know fewer well. - Picking single words
→ Save word pairs (pay attention), not just attention. - Only reading, never speaking
→ Say each phrase out loud once. - Writing long translations
→ Keep meanings short. Add your own example instead. - Forgetting how to say it
→ Add a note if needed (spilled = sounds like "spild").
Quick Checklist
- ☐ Read chapter without stopping
- ☐ Pick 5-12 phrases
- ☐ Fill in the 5-part phrase bank
- ☐ Do quick practice (test yourself)
- ☐ Set review days: 1, 3, 7, 21
- ☐ Use it today (journal, text, or voice note)
20 Phrases That Work Everywhere
Start with these. Pick 5-8 to practice this week:
end up • run late • take your time • as soon as • in the middle of • a bit of • pay attention • keep an eye on • at least • it turns out • make up your mind • get used to • on purpose • by accident • in charge of • out of the blue • for a while • figure out • on my own • to be supposed to