Janice Lozano
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a crucial step for many international students applying to graduate schools. The exam includes a Verbal section, which tests students' vocabulary knowledge. While memorization is an essential part of preparing for the GRE Verbal section, it is not enough on its own. Students should also develop their understanding of how words are used in context and engage with practice questions. This can be achieved through reading news sources and books that frequently feature GRE vocabulary, such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Economist. Additionally, students can use flashcards, vocabulary builder apps, and word lists to aid memorization. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these tools may vary between individuals, and some may find that writing out words or drawing associated pictures helps with retention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of words to learn | 1,000+ words |
| Reading | Reading is the best way to learn GRE vocabulary |
| Time spent | Spread out vocabulary studying over a long time |
| Flashcards | Flashcards are an effective way to learn new words |
| Word lists | Write down unfamiliar words |
| Apps | Use apps like Magoosh flash cards, Magoosh vocabulary, and Vince's GRE Vocab Cartoons |
| Mnemonics | Use funny cartoons and mnemonics to help remember words |
| Synonyms and antonyms | Try to think of 3 synonyms and 3 antonyms for each word |
| Use in sentences | Create sentences or short stories using the words |
| Visual techniques | Draw pictures or label things in your house to represent the words |
| Auditory techniques | Record each word and its meaning and play it back |
| Social techniques | Study vocabulary with a group or friend |
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What You'll Learn
Reading is the best way to learn new vocabulary
Firstly, reading exposes you to words in context. This is important because words often have multiple meanings, and understanding the context in which a word is used helps you grasp its nuances and how it can be used in different situations. For example, a child may learn the word "vehicle" from a book, which describes a "car" in a more sophisticated way. This broadens their vocabulary and provides them with a more precise way to express themselves.
Secondly, reading improves your concentration, attention span, and memory. By regularly reading a variety of texts, you can sharpen your focus and enhance your ability to absorb and retain new words. Challenging yourself with more complex texts and diverse reading materials ensures you encounter a wide range of vocabulary and don't become stagnant in your language development.
Thirdly, reading allows you to discover new words organically and in a way that is often more memorable and engaging than simply memorizing lists of words. Reading also encourages you to use other resources, such as dictionaries and thesauruses, to explore related words and deepen your understanding of language.
Additionally, reading can be a social activity. Studying vocabulary with others makes the task more enjoyable and interactive. You can take turns testing each other, defining words, and providing examples. This social aspect of learning can make it easier to retain information and build your vocabulary.
Finally, reading improves your overall comprehension and understanding of the world. By encountering new words and concepts, you expand your knowledge and gain new perspectives. This can be especially beneficial for international students, as reading can help them become more familiar with the language and culture of the country they are studying in.
In conclusion, while there are many strategies to learn vocabulary for the GRE, reading is a fundamental and highly effective method. By engaging with a variety of texts and embracing challenging vocabulary, you can significantly improve your language skills and perform well on the GRE verbal section.
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Write down unfamiliar words and their meanings
One of the most important steps in studying for the GRE as an international student is to write down unfamiliar words and their meanings. This is a great way to build your vocabulary over time and ensure that you are actively engaging with new words.
Whenever you come across a new word that you think might be useful for the GRE, write it down. It doesn't matter if you heard it in a conversation, read it in a book or magazine, or saw it in a textbook—jot it down somewhere. You can write it on a piece of paper, type it into your computer, or even send yourself a text message.
Create a personal word list by copying these unfamiliar words into a separate document. This list will become your go-to study guide, and you should add to it and review it daily. You can practice these words by writing them out, which is a kinesthetic and written way to internalize vocabulary. Try labeling objects in your house that you can associate with the words. For instance, you could label your stove "acerbic" to represent the harshness of fire or an abstract painting "abstruse" to mean difficult to understand.
Additionally, you can make studying your word list more fun by practicing with a friend. Take turns testing each other by saying a word aloud and having your partner provide the definition, or vice versa.
Apps and flashcards can also be useful tools to help you memorize words and their meanings. For example, Vince's GRE Vocabulary Cartoons app uses funny cartoons and mnemonics to make learning GRE vocabulary more enjoyable and effective for both international students and native speakers.
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Use flashcards, apps, and games to make learning fun
Flashcards, apps, and games are excellent tools for making GRE vocabulary learning fun and effective. Here are some tips to incorporate these into your study routine:
Flashcards
Flashcards may seem old-fashioned, but they are a highly effective way to learn new words. Writing down new words and their definitions helps reinforce your memory. Start by writing the word you need to learn on a blank flashcard. If you struggle with pronunciation, write it phonetically under the word. You can also use pre-made flashcards, but it is beneficial to look up the words in a trusted online dictionary to get additional information, such as synonyms and example sentences. Flashcards are a great way to quiz yourself periodically, helping you track your progress and stay motivated.
Apps
There are numerous apps available to help you learn GRE vocabulary, such as the Magoosh app, which offers free flashcards and study plans. Vince's GRE Vocab Cartoons app is another excellent option, featuring 1300+ flashcards with funny cartoons and mnemonics to aid memory. These apps often include algorithms that focus your practice for efficient learning. Some apps also provide audio support, which can be beneficial for those who struggle with pronunciation or prefer auditory learning.
Games
Games are a fun way to inject some variety into your vocabulary learning. GRE vocabulary charades is one option, especially if you can find other students to join you. It adds a social element to your studies and makes learning feel less like a chore. You can also find fun vocab quizzes online, such as those offered by the Instagram account @GRE_vocab_cartoons.
By incorporating flashcards, apps, and games into your study routine, you can make learning GRE vocabulary enjoyable and improve your chances of success on the exam.
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Avoid cramming and aim for 30 minutes of daily study
Cramming is a common pitfall when studying for the GRE, especially given the large number of words to learn. However, it is not an effective way to learn. Instead, aim for consistency by studying for 30 minutes every day. This will help you to reinforce your knowledge and make your learning more efficient.
One of the best ways to avoid cramming is to create a solid study plan and stick to it. Break down the exam sections and set yourself realistic goals. While it may be tempting to focus solely on memorising vocabulary lists, this will not help you to master the concepts, skills and strategies needed to perform well on GRE verbal questions. Instead, focus on understanding the meaning of words within context.
Another way to avoid cramming is to make your learning fun and effective. Try using kinesthetic and visual techniques, such as writing out words and labelling objects in your house that you can associate with the word. For example, you could label your stove as "acerbic" to represent the harshness of fire. Playing GRE vocabulary charades with other students can also make learning feel less like a chore.
Finally, to ensure you are learning a little every day, try using flashcards. Write the word you need to learn on one side of the card and the definition, an example sentence, synonyms and the pronunciation on the other. Review these regularly, increasing the time between each review. This is known as spaced repetition, an evidence-based learning technique that will help you to encode the words in your long-term memory.
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Learn synonyms, antonyms, and use words in sentences
Learning synonyms, antonyms, and how to use words in sentences is a great way to prepare for the GRE. Here are some tips to help you tackle this task effectively:
Make a List of Unfamiliar Words
Whenever you come across a new or unfamiliar word that might appear on the GRE, write it down. This could be from a conversation, a magazine article, a textbook, or any other source. Create a personal word list and add to it daily. This list will become your go-to resource for studying new vocabulary.
Use Synonyms and Antonyms
Try to find synonyms and antonyms for each new word you learn. For example, the word "pertinacious" has synonyms like "obstinate," "headstrong," and "tenacious." Understanding synonyms will help you grasp the nuances of each word and improve your ability to use them accurately.
Learn Word Roots
Understanding word roots can help you decipher the meanings of new words more easily. For instance, the Latin root "solic-" in the word "solicitude" is related to earnestness or affection. Knowing this root can help you understand the word's meaning and make it easier to remember.
Use Flashcards
Flashcards are a classic but effective tool. Write the word you're learning on one side of the card and its synonym, antonym, or definition on the other. If you struggle with pronunciation, write it out phonetically as well. This will ensure you can use the word confidently in spoken and written form.
Associate Words with Objects
Try a kinesthetic approach by associating words with objects or concepts in your environment. For instance, you could label your stove with the word "acerbic" to represent the harshness of fire. This technique combines kinesthetic and visual learning, helping you form stronger associations with the words.
Read Widely
Reading is one of the best ways to prepare for the GRE. Aim to read a variety of texts, including news sources like The Atlantic or The New York Times, as well as books and novels. This will expose you to a wide range of vocabulary in context, helping you internalize the words and understand how they are used in sentences.
Remember, learning GRE vocabulary takes time and effort, but by using these strategies, you'll be well on your way to improving your verbal skills and performing well on the exam.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that you need to know around 1000-1200 words to do well on the GRE Verbal section.
The right amount of time to spend studying vocabulary for the GRE differs for each student. However, a good starting point is 30 minutes of daily, dedicated GRE vocab prep. If vocabulary is your weak area, you may want to consider starting with 45 minutes of daily vocab study.
Reading is considered the best way to learn GRE vocabulary. Reading news sources such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Arts & Letters Daily can help you internalize words and their definitions. You can also use flashcards, write out words and their meanings, create sentences or short stories with new words, and analyze roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Yes, there are several apps that can help you study GRE vocabulary, such as the Magoosh app, Vince's GRE Vocab Cartoons app, and Galvanize.
To effectively memorize GRE vocabulary words, try to engage with each word as much as possible. Think of synonyms and antonyms, say the word aloud, create a sentence using the word, and draw a scene that depicts the word's meaning. You can also label objects in your house with GRE words to help you remember their meanings.
