The key to mastering the English language lies in learning English vocabularies. In the process of learning English, vocabulary learning in junior high school is like laying the foundation for a house. Solidly laying a solid foundation and practicing basic skills is the “secret” to learning English well. Vocabulary is the foundation, and mastering a certain amount of vocabularies is the primary condition for learning English well. In junior high school, vocabulary teaching is one of the important tasks and also a difficult point. With the accumulation of vocabularies, students can complete English reading and writing, thereby further improving their overall English proficiency. So vocabulary teaching for middle school students is particularly important. This article will combine the problems of inadequate teaching guidance and the impact of students’ mechanical memory on the effectiveness of English vocabulary teaching in junior high school, and study the feasibility and path of using the root method for junior high school English vocabulary teaching, providing assistance and support for improving the effectiveness and influence of vocabulary teaching. At the same time, we will explore the teaching method of root words and the improvement of middle school students’ core English literacy.