Do you know anyone who always seems to have a book in their hand?
By Shavkat
@Shavkat (140939)
Philippines
September 3, 2025 5:42pm CST
During my high school days, I had a classmate that memorized all the English words in a dictionary book. Most of my classmates call him a 'walking dictionary.' It is because he can say the meanings of those words. However, he does not know the parts of speech of these words. Thus, he does not know how to use them in sentences without grammar flaws.
Where do you usually get ideas for what books to read next?
Image Credit: clipart-library.com
5 people like this
4 responses
@rsa101 (40191)
• Philippines
4 Sep
I also knew a batchmate who does that. A small dictionary is always with him. He was quite intelligent person. I think your classmate may have the ability to retain picture memory then reads the content but does not comprehend what it really means. It is a skill to have sonce its hard to retain them visually and recall them back.
3 people like this
@Shavkat (140939)
• Philippines
8 Sep
I agree. I must say that our salutatorian in high school does the same thing. She memorized books and notes cover to cover and page by page. When we entered university, she continued to do so. Then, the verdict came when we took the board exam and she failed three times. In which, she cannot retake it because she needs to have a refresher course. Out of pride, she did not do it and studied another course.
1 person likes this
@Manasha (2901)
• Pondicherry, India
7 Sep
That's a fascinating story about your classmate—it really highlights the difference between memorizing information and being able to apply it meaningfully. Knowing word meanings is powerful, but without grammar and context, it's like having tools without knowing how to use them.
1 person likes this
