What is the best way to have decent vocabulary?

Question

I have bought several books; Verbal Advantage, Small Book of Big Words, and have played several vocabulary games such as Freerice. My vocabulary has extended way beyond my teachers and my classmates, however there is one problem....

All of the words I learned are sophisticated words that no one else ever uses! My main intention was to clearly understand everything a teacher says in class, by having clear understanding of the words they use.

How can I learn words that a lot people actually use? Any recommended books? Games? Websites? I would greatly appreciate any help.

Answer 1

carry a pad around and anytime someone uses a word you don't know write it down. Then every couple days lookup the words you have written down.  

Answer 2

The best way to improve your vocab is READ!!! Read the newspaper, time magazine, things that have substance this will greatly improve your vocab.

Answer 3

Simply read! Read the books on your level that are considered popular, read newspapers, magazines, blogs (well written ones), read anything you want. If you know big words and want to sprinkle them around sometimes, go ahead. Just be careful to avoid sounding pedantic. I'm sure you know what that means!

Also, reading popular magazines for your age group will help you to blend in. And knowing the latest on the hottest celebrity will help with the cool points, right? Precisely.