This study explores the effectiveness of vocabulary strategy use for learners in Taiwan. Effective strategies like learner attitudes and a combination of learning strategies for vocabulary are examined. The subjects of this study were 34 L2 junior college evening students. The data were collected through a vocabulary quiz and a follow-up questionnaire to reinforce the validity of the project. Nation (2001) indicated that one of the mechanical strategies, the repetition strategy, can enhance L2 learner’s word knowledge greatly. Therefore, the repetition strategy, together with the wordlist strategy and sound analysis strategy, are the centers of discussion in the study. The questionnaire shows that the students generally considered the use of strategies to be effective. However, the test results show differently. This reveals a conflict between students’ own perception of strategy use and their actual test results after using theses strategies. Next, the sound analysis strategy users have the best vocabulary retention rates in the quiz. Finally, a combination of strategies does not have an obvious effect on the students’ vocabulary learning, as shown in this project. Students who use the sound analysis strategy score the highest in the test. This strategy is an appropriate strategy to use in improving English vocabulary retention.