Based on Oxford (1990), placing a new word into a context involves using the context of surrounding words and sentences to figure out the meaning of new and unfamiliar words. Students will practice looking for new and unfamiliar words in prepared sentences and use context to determine meaning of word. This strategy help language learner to store and retrieve word better. Using imagery involves linking new language information with concepts in memory by means of using visual imagery either in the mind or in an actual drawing. Using word cards require physical movement along with language practices. Students are more engaged in the activity and language is emphasized during the activity.
In this study, memory strategies were selected to find the effect of using them both in storing (as evaluated by immediate post-test) and retaining vocabulary items for longer periods of time (as reflected in delayed post-test) which is the aim of learning.