Learn English vocabulary
Everything is useful, so start with what interests you and do it in English!
How to build your English vocabulary through your interests
If you want to improve your English vocabulary, start with what you enjoy.
Whether you’re passionate about sport, art, food or outdoor adventures, there’s English vocabulary to match. At ECS Scotland, we encourage students to connect learning to real life — because when it matters to you, you remember it better.
Here’s how to grow your English vocabulary in a natural, motivating way.
1. Start with what you love
Vocabulary is easier to learn when it’s connected to your hobbies.
Think about what you already enjoy — then do it in English:
- Love cookery shows? Try BBC Good Food or find recipe videos on YouTube.
- Read football reports? Visit the BBC Sport website and compare coverage in English.
- Into sketching, hiking, or sailing? Follow social media pages or blogs about your interest — in English.
👉 Tip: When you already know the topic in your own language, you can guess meaning from context and focus on new words more confidently.
2. Focus on the English you actually use
Ask yourself:
- When do I speak English?
- What do I usually talk about?
- Where do I get stuck?
Make sure you learn the core vocabulary for your favourite topics — travel, food, work or family. Then build on it gradually. Keep a notebook or list on your phone where you:
- Add new words by topic
- Write example sentences
- Note useful phrases you hear
Even learning 5 new words a week can make a big difference over time.
3. Use English outside the classroom
Here at ECS Scotland, we believe language learning doesn’t stop at the end of the lesson. We encourage students to speak English during lunch, on walks around Edinburgh, or during visits to local attractions.
When you use English in real-world situations — to order food, ask directions or describe what you see — you’ll remember the words more easily because they’re connected to your life.
🌟 Student story: Meet Roberto from Italy
“I came to ECS because I wanted to speak more naturally, especially about art and travel. I love museums, so my teacher helped us learn vocabulary to describe paintings. Then we went sketching in the city — in English. It was a fun way to learn new words and use them immediately.”
— Roberto, English & Sketching course
Ready to build your vocabulary in a way that works for you?
Join our General English course or Communication at Work course in Edinburgh — designed for adult learners who want to build confidence, fluency and real-world vocabulary in small group lessons.
