Preparing for GRE Vocabulary: Strategies and Resources

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is often required for graduate program admission. The GRE includes a Verbal Reasoning section, which tests your ability to understand and analyze written material. This section includes vocabulary questions that can be challenging, especially for non-native English speakers. Preparing for the GRE can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to building up your vocabulary. The verbal section of the GRE requires a solid grasp of over a thousand high-level words, which can initially seem overwhelming. However, with the right strategies and resources, you can effectively expand your vocabulary and improve your chances of achieving high marks in the exam. 

In this blog, you will learn some effective methods for GRE vocabulary preparation and highlight useful resources that can aid your studies. Whether you’re a seasoned test-taker or just starting, these strategies and resources can help you feel more confident and prepared for the verbal section of the GRE.

Strategies for GRE Vocabulary Preparation:

Start Early:

Preparing for GRE vocabulary can be overwhelming, but starting early is the key to success. By dedicating a specific amount of time each day to learning new words, you can gradually build your vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed. Starting at least three to six months before the exam date is recommended, so you have enough time to study and retain new words. 

It’s essential to create a study plan that works for you. Try to learn 20-30 new words daily, and review the ones you have already learned. Breaking down your vocabulary preparation into small daily tasks will help you stay focused and motivated. You can create flashcards, use vocabulary apps, or even write down new words and their definitions in a notebook. Learning new words is not enough; you must also retain them. It’s important to revisit the words you have learned regularly, so you remember them. Reviewing words at the end of each week or even every day can help you retain them for a more extended period.

Read Widely: 

Reading is an excellent way to expand your vocabulary for the GRE. It exposes you to new words in context and helps you understand how they are used in real-world situations. To get the maximum benefit from your reading, it’s important to choose articles from reputable sources that use academic language and discuss various topics. One great source for articles is The New York Times. They have a section dedicated to education that includes articles on various academic topics, including science, technology, history, and literature. The Economist is another excellent source for finance, politics, and international news articles. Scientific American is also a great resource for articles on science and technology.

When reading, consider the context of the new words you encounter. Try to understand how they are used in the article and how they relate to the overall topic. This will help you remember the word and its meaning better. Keeping a vocabulary journal to record the new words you encounter while reading is also a good idea. Write down the word, its definition, and the context in which it was used. Review your journal regularly to reinforce your new vocabulary.

Use Flashcards:

Flashcards are a popular and effective tool for memorizing new words for the GRE. They are portable, easy to use, and allow you to study anytime and anywhere. Flashcards can be made manually, or you can use pre-made ones on websites like Quizlet or Magoosh. When creating your flashcards, include the word on one side and its definition on the other. You can also add synonyms, antonyms, or sample sentences to help you understand the word better. Use different colors or symbols to categorize the words based on their difficulty level or topic.

Flashcards are most effective when you use them regularly. Review them daily or every other day to reinforce the words in your memory. You can also shuffle the cards to ensure you are memorizing the words in a different order. One great way to use flashcards is to incorporate them into your daily routine. For example, you can review your flashcards while waiting for the bus, during your lunch break, or before bed. This way, you can maximize your study time and progress toward your vocabulary goals.

Practice with GRE Vocabulary Apps: 

In addition to reading and using flashcards, practicing with GRE vocabulary apps can be a fun and effective way to learn new words for the GRE. Several apps, such as Vocabulary.com and GRE Vocabulary Builder, provide interactive games and quizzes to help you learn and memorize new words. Vocabulary.com is a popular app that offers personalized vocabulary practice. It uses an algorithm that adapts to your progress, providing customized quizzes based on the words you need to review. The app also offers a range of activities, including word matching, multiple-choice questions, and word definitions.

Another app, GRE Vocabulary Builder, is specifically designed for GRE test takers. It lists over 4000 words commonly tested on the GRE and their definitions, synonyms, and antonyms. The app also offers flashcards, quizzes, and progress tracking to help you monitor your performance. These apps can be a great way to keep your vocabulary practice engaging and interesting. They provide instant feedback and allow you to track your progress over time. However, it’s important to remember that these apps should be used with other study methods, such as reading and flashcards.

Take Practice Tests: 

Taking practice tests is a crucial component of GRE preparation, as it can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus your studying accordingly. By taking practice tests, you can understand the format and types of questions you can expect to see on the actual GRE. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) website provides free practice tests that simulate the GRE experience. These practice tests can familiarize you with the structure of the exam and get a sense of your current level of preparedness. ETS offers two free PowerPrep practice tests that use the same software as the actual GRE, allowing you to practice in a realistic test-taking environment.

Additionally, there are commercial test prep books available that offer practice tests and other study resources. These books often provide detailed explanations for the correct answers, which can help you improve your understanding of the test material. Some popular test prep books include Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus and The Princeton Review’s Cracking the GRE. Taking multiple practice tests can also help you track your progress and identify areas where you may need to focus your studying. By analyzing your performance on practice tests, you can adjust your study plan and concentrate on areas where you need improvement.

Resources for GRE Vocabulary Preparation:

Preparing for the GRE requires significant effort, especially regarding vocabulary. While building vocabulary can seem daunting, many resources are available to help you prepare for the GRE. Here are some of the resources you can use for GRE vocabulary preparation:

Official GRE Material: 

The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that creates and administers the GRE, offers a variety of official materials to help you prepare for the test. The GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions book contains hundreds of practice questions for the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE, including vocabulary questions. The ETS website also provides free practice tests and additional practice questions. You can get GRE preparation material from various official sources as well for your preparation. 

Vocabulary Building Books: 

There are many books available that focus specifically on GRE vocabulary building. These books often contain lists of commonly tested words, exercises, and quizzes to help you learn and memorize them. Some popular vocabulary-building books for the GRE include “Barron’s 1100 Words You Need to Know” and “Manhattan Prep 500 Essential Words.”

Vocabulary Apps: 

Mobile apps like Quizlet, Magoosh, and Vocabulary.com offer flashcards, quizzes, and games to help you learn GRE vocabulary. These apps are often interactive and provide a fun and engaging way to learn new words.

Reading Material: 

Reading widely is an effective way to learn new vocabulary. Reading articles from reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, or Scientific American exposes you to various topics and academic language. Try to focus on articles that use unfamiliar vocabulary and make a note of the words you don’t know.

Private Tutors and Test Prep Courses: 

Private tutors and test prep courses can provide personalized instruction and targeted practice to help you prepare for the GRE. Many test prep companies offer in-person and online classes, and private tutors can tailor their instruction to your individual needs and strengths.

Conclusion:

The bottom line is that preparing for GRE vocabulary questions requires dedication and consistency. Start early and use various strategies and resources to build your vocabulary gradually. Take practice exams regularly to assess your progress and adjust your studying. By following these tips, you can enhance your GRE vocabulary and increase your chances of success on test day.

Why New Cambridge College?

If you are preparing for the GRE, you can choose New Cambridge College for guidance. We provide the best GRE Coaching in Chandigarh, and here is why: With a focus on individual needs, a team of experienced teachers, and 24-hour assistance, our institute ensures that students achieve their desired band scores and gain admission to their preferred universities. Boasting a 100% success rate, New Cambridge College’s credibility as an IELTS coaching center speaks for itself. Our faculty members, who have scored above eight bands on IELTS, are trained by the British Council and IDP. Our institute offers smart classrooms with advanced technologies, ensuring students’ comfort and a focused learning environment. With multiple courses catering to working professionals, school-goers, and college-goers, students can choose classes based on their schedules. We provide PTE coaching classes also along with GRE. Located in the heart of Chandigarh’s Sector 17, New Cambridge College is easily accessible from any part of the city.