GRE Vocabulary Word Lists are lists of words designed to help candidates prepare for the vocabulary sections of the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), such as the GRE analogies questions.
Some GRE Word Lists come free on the Internet; other lists are available for a fee, online and in books.
These GRE Word Lists vary in both quality and quantity. Most GRE Vocabulary Word Lists come with a short definition of each word, a few synonyms and antonyms, and a few examples of the word in context.
But most GRE Vocabulary Word Lists overlook a major problem: whatever the extent and quality of the GRE Word List, a GRE candidate must learn the words properly, and learn them quickly, and really understand the words, and remember them. Passively reading a list will do little to help a candidate prepare properly for the vocabulary questions in the GRE.
To prepare properly for the vocabulary sections of the GRE, a candidate should use a suite of learning techniques. The most important of these techniques is known as elaboration.
According to the theory of elaboration, the more meaningful information you can link to a word, the better your understanding of that word, and the longer you will remember it.
Specific examples of elaboration in practice are:
- choosing your own synonyms and antonyms;
- defining the term in your own words;
- reading the word in as many contexts as possible;
- hearing the word;
- using the word in conversation;
- visualizing the word, drawing the word, and even acting the word out.
The importance of elaboration is one of the main reasons we recommend the special GRE edition of the popular and highly respected Ultimate Vocabulary software.
Ultimate Vocabulary approaches vocabulary-learning from all 360 degrees; the software uses the full suite of vocabulary-learning techniques, including:
- more examples of each word than any other program we know;
- synonym tests;
- antonym test;
- definition tests;
- the history of the word;
- visual "word webs";
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- flash cards;
- imagery;
- spelling tests (important for making sure you do not confuse similarly spelled words); and
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- audio pronunciation by a real person.
Other reasons we have chosen Ultimate Vocabulary are because Ultimate Vocabulary:
- comes with a GRE Vocabulary Word List of some 2000 words, which is extensive but also targeted;
- bases its GRE Vocabulary Word List on thousands of past, real-life GRE questions;
- has won the most awards for a vocabulary-building software program;
- uniquely includes an innovative optional "Word Messenger" feature that periodically reminds you of your new words, proving that the software's makers know the importance of the principle of repetition in building vocabulary;
- was created by not only an expert software engineer but also someone who has been taught in psychology and communication;
- is much, much cheaper than other vocabulary-programs.
Go to Ultimate Vocabulary for more information. Click "For GRE Exam" from the top-left menu.