What is the 'right' vocabulary to learn?

a year ago
Focus on the Right Vocabulary
Are you preparing for an English language proficiency test? Or perhaps looking to improve your English vocabulary for professional growth? Focusing on the right vocabulary can significantly boost your language skills for your important activities. It can open up a world of opportunities within your target activities. Here's a quick guide to steer your efforts in the right direction:

IELTS or TOEFL - Pay special attention to words describing trends (like 'increase', 'decrease', 'fluctuate') and those used for expressing opinions (such as 'believe', 'think', 'suggest').
TOEIC - Learn business and meeting terms (words like 'contract', 'negotiate', 'profit') and get comfortable with meeting lingo (terms such as 'agenda', 'postpone', 'minutes').
GMAT - A must for future business leaders, the GMAT demands a solid grasp of business and management vocabulary. Familiarize yourself with finance-related words ('assets', 'equity', 'liability') and strategic terms ('implement', 'objective', 'benchmark').
SAT - This test covers a broad spectrum of English vocabulary. Focus on words that describe ideas ('concept', 'theory', 'principle') and those used for comparing and contrasting ('similar', 'different', 'contrary').
Office Vocabulary - To navigate the office environment, get familiar with terms like 'deadline', 'feedback', 'collaborate', 'prioritize', and 'delegate'. Knowing these words will help you communicate effectively in any office setting.
Industry Vocabulary - Each industry has its own set of jargon. Whether you're in healthcare, technology, finance, or any other sector, familiarize yourself with the specific terminology used in your industry. For example, if you're in technology, words like 'algorithm', 'database', 'cloud computing', and 'cybersecurity' might be commonly used.
Collocations, Phrasal Verbs, and Idioms - English isn't just about standalone words. Often, the magic lies in how these words come together. Understanding collocations (words that often go together, like 'make a decision'), phrasal verbs (verbs plus a preposition or adverb, like 'give up'), and idioms (fixed expressions with non-literal meanings, like 'bite the bullet') can make your English sound more natural and fluent. For example, in a business setting, you might 'run a meeting', 'touch base' with a colleague, or 'think outside the box' to solve a problem.
Pragmatics - Complaints and Showing Sympathy (commiseration) - Being able to express dissatisfaction or sympathize with others is a crucial part of communication. Phrases like 'I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding', 'I was under the impression that', or 'I sympathize with your situation' can be helpful. Remember, it's not just about the words - it's about using the right tone and body language to convey your message appropriately.
Pronunciation - The correct pronunciation helps ensure that your message is understood clearly. Practice the sounds of English, pay attention to word stress (which part of the word is said louder or longer), and listen to native speakers to improve your pronunciation.

Focus on frequently used words in your areas of activity.  You'll find yourself communicating more effectively in English.