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GRE Exam Vocabulary: Key Words and Tips

Improve Your GRE Score with Essential Vocabulary

gre exam vocabulary

Key Takeaways

  • Vocabulary Importance: A strong GRE exam vocabulary helps you perform better in the Verbal Reasoning section, particularly in questions related to sentence completion and reading comprehension.
  • Commonly Tested Words: Focus on learning high-frequency GRE words that often appear on the exam to improve your chances of scoring well.
  • Contextual Learning: Memorizing words is not enough—understanding how they are used in context is essential for success on the GRE.
  • Study Resources: Utilize flashcards, word lists, and vocabulary apps to enhance your learning and retention of essential words.
  • Time Management: Allocating consistent daily time to build your vocabulary is a key strategy for achieving a higher GRE score.

Building a strong GRE exam vocabulary is crucial for anyone aiming to excel in the Verbal Reasoning section. This part of the test challenges your ability to understand and interpret complex texts, making vocabulary a key component. With a rich and diverse vocabulary, you can confidently tackle sentence completions, reading comprehension, and text equivalence questions. Developing a solid GRE vocabulary is not just about memorizing words; it's about understanding their usage and context to effectively analyze passages and answer questions accurately.

Significance of Vocabulary on GRE

How to study for GRE Vocabulary

Possessing a strong GRE vocabulary is crucial when tackling the verbal reasoning and analytical writing sections of the GRE exam. A solid vocabulary isn't just about memorising obscure words; rather, it encompasses words that enhance fluency and may seem commonplace but are unfamiliar to you. Here are some key points about GRE vocabulary to consider:

  • Empowers Comprehension of Concepts: Preparation for GRE vocabulary empowers you to comprehend the main concepts, organization, and particulars within provided texts, a vital aspect for achieving success. Mastering this language also aids you in crafting essays for the Analytical section.
  • Enhanced Exam Performance: The GRE exam extends beyond assessing students' basic vocabulary proficiency. The Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence GRE questions will evaluate your acquaintance and mastery of challenging words.
  • Improved Test Outcomes: Strong vocabulary knowledge is not confined to completing a four-year university education and entering the professional realm. Thus, it's imperative to remain receptive to acquiring new words continuously. Additionally, a strong vocabulary signals a high degree of sociability.

Understanding the GRE Exam Structure

Before moving forward, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the complete pattern of the exam. Below, you will find an overview presented in a table format for easy reference. This breakdown encompasses the number of questions, time limits, score ranges, and the key topics covered in each section of the GRE exam. Understanding this pattern will provide you with a comprehensive foundation as you prepare for the test.

Here is the table highlighting the complete pattern of the GRE Exam

Section Number of Questions Time Limit Score Range Topics
Analytical Writing 2 essays 30 minutes per essay 0 to 6 (half-point increments) Issue topic, argument topic
Verbal Reasoning 40 questions (20 per section) 30 minutes per section 130 to 170 (one-point increments) Reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, text completion
Quantitative Reasoning 40 questions (20 per section) 35 minutes per section 130 to 170 (one-point increments) Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis

Top Resources for Mastering GRE Exam Vocabulary

gre exam vocabulary

Preparing for the GRE can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to mastering the extensive vocabulary required. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of top resources for mastering GRE exam vocabulary. These books and tools are designed to enhance your word knowledge, making your study sessions more efficient and effective.

The table below provides information regarding the best resources available for the GRE exam vocabulary

Category Resource
Books
  • Barron's Essential Words for the GRE
  • Kaplan GRE Exam Vocabulary Flashcards
  • Word Power Made Easy
  • GRE Vocabulary Flash Review
  • Webster's New World Essential Vocabulary
Online Resources

1. Online Resources:

Accessing online platforms like Magoosh for GRE Vocabulary Flashcards proves invaluable in honing vocabulary skills. Their curated selection of the 1000 most crucial GRE words, coupled with expert tutoring, ensures comprehensive and efficient learning across various difficulty levels.

Additionally, Class Central's GRE Preparation Resources offer a wealth of online tools, including courses, practice websites, videos, apps, podcasts, and guidebooks. These resources cover all aspects of the GRE, making them essential for a well-rounded preparation, particularly in vocabulary enhancement, analytical writing, and verbal reasoning.

2. Offline Resources

For those preferring offline study aids, self-created flashcards can be a highly effective resource. By categorizing words based on difficulty or root words, learners can tailor their study approach and reinforce retention. Furthermore, traditional dictionaries and thesauruses remain indispensable tools, offering detailed definitions, synonyms, and related words that enhance understanding and facilitate the mastery of GRE vocabulary. Integrating these offline resources with online platforms ensures a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to mastering GRE exam vocabulary.

Dos and Don'ts for Effective GRE Exam Vocabulary Preparation

gre exam vocabulary

When it comes to mastering GRE exam vocabulary, knowing what strategies to adopt and which practices to avoid can make a significant difference in your preparation. In this section, we outline key dos and don'ts for effective GRE exam vocabulary preparation.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can develop a more systematic and efficient approach to learning new words, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the verbal section of the GRE. Let's delve into the essential practices to embrace and the common mistakes to steer clear of during your study process.

Dos Don'ts
Read daily from sources that use GRE vocabulary Skip words you don't know while reading
Focus on high-frequency words Assume the first dictionary definition is the only one you need
Develop smart test-taking skills Skip looking up word definitions
Integrate words into daily use Rely solely on rote memorization
Use flashcards Neglect to learn word roots and origins
Learn from root words Forget to practice using new words in sentences
Visualize words to aid memorization Overlook secondary definitions tested on the GRE

Essential GRE Vocabulary Tips

GRE exam vocabulary

Within the "Top Tips for GRE Vocab" section, we present concise yet potent strategies designed to amplify your GRE vocabulary acquisition. These tips are meticulously selected to prioritize methods that yield substantial gains in your ability to comprehend complex texts and articulate ideas effectively. By integrating these suggestions into your study regimen, you can expect notable advancements in your GRE readiness and proficiency, thereby enhancing your overall performance on the exam.

1. Assess Your Vocabulary Level

  • Evaluate your current GRE vocabulary proficiency.
  • Identify your standing among the three GRE vocabulary levels.

2. Daily Reading Practice

  • Read from GRE-level sources daily.
  • Note down unfamiliar words and understand their meanings.
  • Practice integrating new words into daily activities.

3. Develop Smart Test-Taking Skills

  • Read GRE questions carefully to avoid traps.
  • Understand word context for accurate answers.
  • Avoid choosing options based solely on intuition.

4. Focus on High-Frequency Words

  • Practice with previous GRE exam papers.
  • Focus on words frequently asked in GRE exams.

5. Visual Memorization

  • Use visual aids to memorize words effectively.
  • Relate words to images or similar words in your language.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering GRE exam vocabulary is not just about memorizing a list of words but about developing a deep understanding of their usage, contexts, and nuances. Through diligent practice, integrating new words into daily life, and utilizing effective study strategies such as visualization and root word learning, Indian students can significantly enhance their vocabulary prowess for the GRE.

Remember, building a strong vocabulary is not just for the exam—it's a skill that will serve you well in academia, professional endeavors, and everyday interactions. Keep learning, exploring, and expanding your linguistic horizons for continued growth and success.

How do I increase my vocabulary for GRE?

To boost your GRE vocabulary, read widely across various genres, use flashcards for active learning, and explore vocabulary apps like Quizlet. Understand words in context, practice with GRE materials, and actively use new words in writing and conversations for effective retention. Consistent practice is key to steadily improving your vocabulary skills for the GRE.

How can a strong vocabulary enhance performance in the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE?

A strong vocabulary aids GRE Verbal Reasoning by facilitating quick comprehension of complex texts, accurate answers in Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions, and better understanding of nuanced language in Reading Comprehension.

How can I track my progress and assess my vocabulary proficiency for the GRE?

Track your GRE vocabulary progress by regularly reviewing flashcards, taking practice tests, and using vocabulary apps. Assess proficiency through mock exams, noting improvements in understanding and retention of GRE-specific words.

How many words should I learn a day for the GRE?

The number of words you should learn per day for the GRE varies based on your schedule and learning style. Generally, aiming to learn 10-20 new words daily can lead to steady progress and effective retention over time. Adjust the pace according to your comfort level and available study time.

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Abhyank Srinet
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Study Abroad Expert

Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting. His passion is helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Abhyank earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, where he developed his skills in data-driven marketing strategies, driving growth in some of the most competitive industries.


Abhyank has helped over 10,000+ students get into top business schools with a 98% success rate over the last seven years. He and his team offer thorough research, careful shortlisting, and efficient application management from a single platform.

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