The GRE verbal section tests your understanding of language and vocabulary. There is no shortcut to obtaining a good GRE verbal score. The only way to succeed is to know as many GRE vocabulary words as possible. Some students start their GRE verbal prep almost a year in advance. Starting GRE study early helps because it is impossible to learn thousands of new words in a short time. However, with a disciplined approach and hard work, even within two months you can master a considerable number of GRE words.
Before you embark on the journey of improving your GRE vocabulary, it is important to understand that in the Graduate Record Exam, it is not just superficial knowledge that is tested. The GRE test measures in-depth knowledge of GRE words along with your logical reasoning power.
You need to specially prepare for the GRE words and increase your GRE vocabulary word list. The GRE verbal score largely depends on your knowledge of GRE vocabulary and if you take it lightly, you may end up with a poor score.
To measure your knowledge, GRE words in the GRE test tend to be more difficult and complex than the words you might use every day. Also, the GRE verbal section is so designed that along with testing your vocabulary, your logical reasoning is also measured. By simply knowing the words and their meaning, you cannot get a good score. You must also know the context in which these words are used and also the relation of a word with others.
There are number of websites to help you with your GRE study. These websites will give lists of GRE words and their meanings. It is unlikely that words are repeated exactly in GRE tests from year-to-year; but the words used in each test will at least be similar. It is recommended to have at least two to three word lists. It is also a good idea to develop your own word list that you can use later for your GRE vocabulary review.
The process of learning GRE words also matters. You should try to learn up to 8 new words a day. Generally, there will be lack of time, with many aspects to prepare for the GRE test. You cannot afford to go slow. About 8 words a day is ideal because you’re unlikely to remember any more than 8 new words a day. Also, you should never try to simply learn the words by rote, since adopting a rote approach will not help you remember words for long.
Learning GRE words can be made more effective by using a combination of strategies for improving vocabulary. Some of the best approaches are to learn some easy and some difficult words in one day. Try to combine familiar and unfamiliar words in a word list. You can also try learning GRE words starting with a particular part of the alphabet if that that helps in easy recall. Learn combinations of nouns, adjectives, and verbs in one go. Learning in combination will not only help you recall better but also make the learning process more fun and less monotonous.
It is impossible to remember all the GRE words that you will collect. Taking GRE practice tests will help you remember many more than you think you can. If you find it difficult to learn all the words and you start getting frustrated, it is better to learn GRE words that are easier and have shorter meanings. Writing sentences with the newly learned word will also help in recalling them because of the principle of improving vocabulary through elaboration. Even if it takes time to gain the speed in learning GRE words, keep up your spirits and keep going. The time and energy you spend on GRE verbal prep will pay off in the actual GRE test.