This study compared two learning strategies (word-part method and context-clue method) for Chinese EFL learners' vocabulary acquisition and retention. The results revealed that the context-clue group yielded significantly higher scores on the immediate posttests than the word-part group. The context-clue group outperformed on the immediate and delayed fill-in-the-blank posttests than the word-part group. As regards gender effects, no overall differences were found between male and female students. Additionally, the pretest had positive effects on two posttests for the female students, but negative effects for the male students. In educational settings, the context-clue method is highly suggested for explicit vocabulary instruction.
