GRE Verbal

A comprehensive guide to mastering the verbal reasoning section of the GRE, including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and analytical writing.
Vocabulary BuildingReading ComprehensionText Completion and Sentence Equivalence
Critical ReasoningAnalyzing Author's Tone and PurposeComplex Sentence Structures
Academic CommunicationProfessional CommunicationEngaging with Media and News
Time ManagementElimination TechniquesAnnotation and Active Reading
Vocabulary BuildingReading Comprehensio...Text Completion and ...Critical ReasoningAnalyzing Author's T...Complex Sentence Str...Academic Communicati...Professional Communi...Engaging with Media ...Time ManagementElimination Techniqu...Annotation and Activ...
Basic Concepts

Vocabulary Building

Why Vocabulary Matters

A strong vocabulary is essential for success on the GRE Verbal section. The test often features challenging words in both the questions and answer choices, so knowing a wide range of words can help you interpret passages and answer accurately.

How to Build Your Vocabulary

  • Read widely: Explore articles, essays, and books outside your comfort zone.
  • Use flashcards: Tools like Anki or Quizlet can help you memorize new words.
  • Practice context clues: Understanding how words are used in sentences helps you guess meanings.

Making Vocabulary Stick

Create your own sentences using new words. Relate words to your daily life, and group words with similar meanings together.

Real-World Relevance

A robust vocabulary not only helps on standardized tests but also improves your ability to communicate ideas clearly in academic and professional settings.

Examples

  • Learning the word 'loquacious' and using it in a conversation about a talkative friend.

  • Recognizing 'perfunctory' in a reading passage and understanding that it means something done with minimal effort.

In a Nutshell

Building a strong vocabulary is crucial for success in GRE Verbal and beyond.

Key Terms

Context Clue
Hints within a sentence or passage that help determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Synonym
A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
Antonym
A word that means the opposite of another word.
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Reading Comprehension