GRE vocabulary is an essential component of the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE, and building a strong vocabulary is crucial for success on the test. The Verbal Reasoning section assesses a student's ability to analyze and evaluate written material, recognize relationships among concepts and words, and understand the meanings of words and entire texts. Here are some tips for improving your GRE vocabulary:
Read widely and extensively: One of the best ways to improve your vocabulary is to read widely. Read a variety of materials, including books, articles, and newspapers. Focus on reading materials related to the subject matter you'll encounter on the GRE.
Start early: Building a strong vocabulary takes time, so it's essential to start early. Don't wait until the last minute to start studying vocabulary.
Practice with GRE-style questions: Use practice questions from GRE prep materials to reinforce your vocabulary skills. Pay attention to how words are used in context and the nuances of their meanings. Practice tests will help to assess your progress and identify areas that need improvement. Use the results to adjust your study plan and focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
Keep a vocabulary notebook: Whenever you come across a new word, write it down in a vocabulary notebook. Include the definition of the word, a sentence using the word, and any other relevant information about the word.
Use flashcards: Create flashcards with new words and definitions. Review them regularly to reinforce your learning.
Use context clues: Often, you can figure out the meaning of a word by looking at the context in which it's used. Pay attention to the words and phrases around unfamiliar words to help you determine their meaning.
Use mnemonic devices: Mnemonics are memory aids that can help you remember new words by creating a memorable association with the word. For example, you could associate the word "loquacious" with a talkative parrot.
Use GRE vocabulary lists: There are many GRE vocabulary lists available online, and these can be helpful resources for studying vocabulary. However, it's important to remember that the GRE tests for more than just vocabulary, and it's essential to have a well-rounded study plan that includes all aspects of the Verbal Reasoning section. Top One Percent's 1000 Most Important Words for the GRE Series is just the right content for you!
Focus on high-frequency words: While it's important to have a broad vocabulary, it's also essential to focus on high-frequency words that are likely to appear on the GRE. Words like "conundrum," "equivocate," and "eschew" are examples of high-frequency words that often appear on the GRE.
Use vocabulary in context: When you learn a new word, make sure to use it in context to reinforce your understanding of its meaning. You can practice by using new words in your writing or speaking. The Storified Book by Sandeep Gupta helps you learn contextual meaning behind a word!
Break down words: Many words have roots, prefixes, or suffixes that can help you determine their meaning. For example, the prefix "un-" means "not," so "unfathomable" means "not able to be understood."
Use online resources: There are many online resources available for GRE vocabulary, including flashcards, quizzes, and practice tests. You can also find online communities where you can practice vocabulary with other students. Our Marathon Series as well as the 3000 Words in 3 Hours can help you learn a lot of words in just a short amount of time!
Read challenging material: Reading challenging material can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your reading comprehension skills. Try reading academic journals or books on complex subjects like philosophy or science.
Use active learning techniques: To reinforce your learning, use active learning techniques like mnemonics, flashcards, and self-testing. Actively engaging with new words can help you remember them better. Top One Percent's copyrighted technique CLESSP will help you learn your vocab faster!
Remember, building a strong vocabulary takes time and effort, and it's important to start studying early and consistently. Use these tips to help you improve your GRE vocabulary and increase your chances of success on the test. All the best!