Ibrahim Gardner
As an international student, preparing for the GRE verbal section can be daunting. The exam covers a vast vocabulary, and students often wonder how best to prepare. While memorization is important, it is not enough to rely solely on rote learning. Cramming is ineffective, and simply scanning through word lists will not lead to effective retention. Instead, it is beneficial to spread out vocabulary studies over a long period. Reading widely from diverse sources is recommended, as it helps to internalize words and understand their context. Additionally, kinesthetic techniques, such as writing out words and their meanings, drawing associations, and using flashcards, can aid in solidifying vocabulary knowledge. Utilizing apps, such as those with cartoons and mnemonics, can also make learning more engaging and effective. While the amount of time spent on vocabulary will vary for each student, a suggested starting point is 30 minutes of daily dedicated vocab prep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of words to learn | 1,000+ words |
| Reading | Reading is the best way to learn GRE vocabulary. |
| Time spent | 30 minutes of daily, dedicated GRE vocab prep. |
| Flashcards | Flashcards are one of the most effective ways to learn new words. |
| Apps | Apps like Magoosh flash cards, Magoosh vocabulary, and Vince's GRE Vocab Cartoons can help with memorization. |
| Mnemonics | Mnemonics can help with memorization. |
| Visual techniques | Drawing a picture representing the word can help with memorization. |
| Auditory techniques | Recording each word and its meaning and playing it back can be helpful for auditory learners. |
| Group study | Studying vocabulary in a group or with a friend can make the task more fun. |
| Contextual understanding | Understanding words in context can help with memorization. |
| Synonyms and antonyms | Thinking of synonyms and antonyms can aid in memorization. |
| Roots, prefixes, and suffixes | Analyzing roots, prefixes, and suffixes can help with understanding words. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Reading widely is the best way to learn GRE vocabulary
- Using flashcards and apps can be an effective way to memorise words
- Avoid passive memorisation, instead engage with words in context
- Write out words and their meanings, create sentences and draw pictures
- Take practice tests to prepare for the exam format and question style
Reading widely is the best way to learn GRE vocabulary
Reading helps reinforce words that you are already familiar with and helps you learn new words. It is a great way to break up the monotony of flashcards and other learning methods. Reading widely from sources such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and Arts & Letters Daily, as well as certain books and novels, is an excellent way to internalize GRE vocabulary. These sources are replete with GRE vocabulary words and will help you remember them in context.
Reading widely also helps you learn how to use words in sentences, which is essential for the GRE. You can also use online resources to search for articles containing certain words to help you learn them in context. In addition, reading helps you improve your overall comprehension, which will be beneficial for the GRE verbal section.
If you are an international student, reading widely will not only help you learn GRE vocabulary but also improve your comprehension of the English language. It will expose you to a variety of writing styles and help you become more familiar with the language.
While reading is the best way to learn GRE vocabulary, it is important to combine it with other strategies. Writing out vocabulary words, definitions, and sentences is a great way to reinforce your learning. Using images and drawing pictures to represent words can also be very effective. Finally, studying with a friend or a group can make learning GRE vocabulary more fun and help you stay motivated.
Explore Free Master's Degrees in Europe for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using flashcards and apps can be an effective way to memorise words
Flashcards and apps can be highly effective tools for memorising GRE words. Flashcards may sound old-fashioned, but they are one of the most tried-and-tested ways to learn new words. The process of writing the word and its phonetic pronunciation on a card helps to reinforce the word in your memory. You can also group words with similar meanings to aid memorisation.
There are many apps available to help you memorise GRE vocabulary. Apps such as Vince's GRE Vocab Cartoons use funny cartoons and mnemonics to help you remember the words. The app also has a spaced repetition algorithm to make your studying more efficient and effective. Magoosh also offers free GRE vocabulary flashcards at all difficulty levels, which are available on web, iPhone, and Android.
It is important to remember that cramming is not an effective way to memorise words. Instead, spread out your vocabulary studying over a long period. Additionally, reading is one of the best ways to learn new vocabulary, so be sure to read widely and look up any unfamiliar words.
Finally, using your body in your GRE vocab prep can be an effective way to internalise vocabulary. For example, writing out words or labelling objects in your house associated with the word combines kinesthetic and visual techniques. Playing GRE vocabulary charades with other students can also be a fun way to memorise words.
Test Rater for International Students: Getting Started
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![GRE Prep Study Cards 2025-2026: GRE Test Prep with Practice Questions [2nd Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yQSsKwJoL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Avoid passive memorisation, instead engage with words in context
While flashcards, vocab builder apps, and word lists are useful tools to learn GRE vocabulary, passive memorisation is not enough to ensure that words are embedded in your memory. Instead, it is important to engage with words in context.
Reading is one of the best ways to learn GRE vocabulary. The GRE does not test you on obscure words, but on words that appear frequently in academic journals, literature, and other scholarly materials, as well as news sources like The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Arts & Letters Daily. Reading from these sources will help you internalise words and their definitions, and see them in context.
When you come across new words, try using them in sentences. This will help you understand how to use them in context, which is crucial for the GRE. For example, to remember the word "acerbic", meaning sharp or forthright, you could imagine a sharp-tongued critic writing a harsh review. You can also label things in your house that you can associate with the word. For example, you could label your stove "acerbic" to represent the harshness of fire.
Another way to engage with words in context is to take practice quizzes and tests. Magoosh's Vocabulary Builder, for example, uses multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge of word meanings. You can also pair up with a friend or study group to quiz each other. Hearing another person's explanation or definition can help solidify your understanding.
Finally, you can use mnemonic devices and visual techniques to create memorable associations with each word. For example, Vince's GRE Vocabulary Cartoons app uses funny cartoons and mnemonics to help you remember words.
International Students: Maintaining Full-Time Status
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Write out words and their meanings, create sentences and draw pictures
International students can use a variety of methods to study GRE vocabulary. One effective way is to write out words and their meanings, create sentences, and draw pictures. Here are some tips to maximise your learning:
Write out words and their meanings
Start by creating a list of unfamiliar words you come across. You can do this by jotting them down whenever you encounter new words, whether in conversations, textbooks, or other reading materials. Then, write out the meanings of these words. This simple act of writing helps reinforce your memory and improves retention.
Create sentences
Creating sentences with the new words is an excellent way to understand their usage and context. Try to make the sentences inventive and memorable. For example, "My wife keeps trying to cook vegan dinners, but I quash those squash dishes since I like eating meat." Here, the word "quash" is used in a memorable context, making it easier to recall its meaning.
Draw pictures
Illustrating words with pictures is a powerful memory aid. Visual learners, in particular, may find this technique effective. For instance, drawing a scene that depicts the word's meaning can help you remember it more vividly. You can also try combining words with pictures, such as labelling objects or places with the new words to reinforce their meanings.
Use flashcards
Flashcards are a classic study tool for a reason—they work! Write the word on one side and its meaning on the other. You can also add a sentence or illustration to the card to reinforce your memory. Go through the flashcards regularly to test yourself.
Use apps and online resources
There are numerous apps and online resources available to help you study GRE vocabulary. These often include fun features like cartoons, mnemonics, and spaced repetition algorithms to improve your learning experience and make it more enjoyable.
Remember, the key to success is to fully engage with each word and use a variety of techniques that work best for you. Combining writing, creating sentences, drawing pictures, and using flashcards and apps will all contribute to improving your GRE vocabulary.
International Students: TV Licence Requirements
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.99 $18.99
Take practice tests to prepare for the exam format and question style
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a graduate school entrance exam that assesses critical thinking abilities applicable to multiple disciplines. The exam is especially important for international students, as it is used by university admissions officers to determine whether to accept applicants into their programs. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to prepare for the exam thoroughly.
One of the best ways to prepare for the GRE is to take practice tests. Timed practice tests can help students familiarize themselves with the exam format and question style, build their confidence, and ensure they are comfortable with the time constraints of the actual GRE. Several platforms offer free GRE practice tests, such as Magoosh, Princeton Review, and Kaplan. These practice tests provide a comprehensive score report, detailing an individual's strengths and weaknesses. This allows students to identify areas they need to focus on and develop a strategic study plan.
Additionally, ETS, the company that designed the GRE, offers free test questions, answers, and explanations. Students can also access free digital practice books for GRE subject tests in mathematics, physics, and psychology.
When taking practice tests, it is essential to create an environment similar to the actual exam. This includes ensuring you have the right equipment and a reliable internet connection if taking the exam at home. Removing distractions and simulating test conditions will enhance your preparation and help you perform better on exam day.
By utilizing practice tests and analyzing their performance, international students can effectively prepare for the GRE, improving their chances of achieving the desired scores and securing admission into their chosen graduate programs.
How International Students Can Stay in the US Post-Graduation
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that you need to know 1000+ words to be prepared for the GRE verbal section. However, the right amount of words to study differs for each student and may take some trial and error.
Reading is considered the best way to learn GRE vocabulary. Reading from sources such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Arts & Letters Daily will help you internalize these words and their definitions. Using flashcards, vocabulary builder apps, and word lists can also be effective. Additionally, writing out the words and their meanings and creating sentences or short stories with the words can help you memorize them.
The time spent studying GRE vocabulary differs for each student. A good starting point is about 30 minutes of daily, dedicated GRE vocab prep. If vocabulary is your weak area, consider starting with 45 minutes of daily vocab study.
Yes, there are several apps that can help you study GRE vocabulary. The Magoosh app, which includes flashcards and vocabulary practice, is recommended by many students. Vince's GRE Vocab Cartoons app, which illustrates 1300+ GRE vocab flashcards and 161 root words, is another popular option.
