The Role Of The Prototype Category Theory In English Vocabulary Teaching In Senior Middle School

Phonetics, vocabulary and grammar are the three main elements of the language, and vocabulary is the most crucial element. Human thinking and the exchange of ideas rely on the vocabulary firstly. In the senior middle school English teaching, the English vocabulary with more complicated and more flexible usage is richer and richer, which becomes the biggest obstacle in English studies. So how to help students master enough vocabulary and use English vocabulary properly is the challenge for the senior middle school English teachers. This paper discusses the role of the role of Prototype Categories Theory in English vocabulary teaching in senior middle school. Based on the literature review, the author describes the development of Prototype Categories Theory. After a year of English vocabulary teaching practice and research, this paper holds the view that the basic level category terms should be taught prior to other terms, classification according to categories is most important for teaching and studying and it is very important to input metaphorical conception to the students.