Ask anyone who has done the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and they will tell you that vocabulary is a deciding factor in getting a high GRE score. But a good vocabulary alone will not help you obtain that dream score. Along with a good vocabulary, you will also need fine general knowledge, good analytical skills, and sound logic, to score high in the GRE verbal section.
A good GRE vocabulary is no doubt required to master the verbal section of the GRE test. The sentence completion section will add up to a quarter of your GRE verbal score. Some students try learning new words without also learning how to use those words in sentences. When brushing up on your GRE words, do not forget to practice writing sentences with those words. There are several GRE practice tests that offer questions as well as solutions to sentence writing. There are also writing courses that will help you with everything, including the basic mechanics of building a sentence.
A simple GRE verbal tip that will help you score well in the sentence completion section is to read the sentence carefully and think of a word that will fit the blank before looking at the choices. Your knowledge of GRE words will help you in finding the appropriate word without looking at the choices. Looking at the possible answers before thinking of the word on your own may confuse you and you may end up choosing the wrong word.
Creating a GRE vocabulary list as part of your GRE study should not be looked upon as creating a monster. It is simple and easy to remember a long GRE vocabulary list by considering this fact: people remember faces more than anything else. So, try to relate each word you learn to a person you know. If you link all the GRE words to a face or personality, then it is more likely that you will remember the words without having to learn them “by rote”.
GRE study guides and GRE vocabulary builder programs help you learn new words. There are several other strategies adopted by students over the years to remember the words that they learn during their GRE verbal prep. For example, discussing newly learnt words with friends can help you remember the GRE words better. There are many GRE vocabulary games that you can play. Some of the games are available online, like our own vocabulary game. Taking GRE practice tests will also help hone your skills.
Another great way to master the GRE vocabulary list is to improve your writing skills. The most extensive GRE vocabulary list will be of no use if you do not know to use it in written text. There are preparation tools available to help you with developing writing skills but the most inexpensive way is to use GRE words in your daily writing, such as emails and notes. Using a combination of these simple GRE verbal tips can help you increase your GRE verbal score.