DO’S AND DONT’S OF GRE

Admission to English-language institutions requires GRE completion for effective communication and study. Mastering language fundamentals is essential for comfortable interaction. The GRE Verbal Reasoning section, known for vocabulary emphasis, evaluates logical word usage, not just memorization.

Before Studying:

1. Avoid Mindless Memorization:
   • Memorizing words without understanding is counterproductive.
   • Never learn words in pairs, as it may lead to omissions in tests.
2. Organic Learning:
   • Let words come naturally; avoid forced cramming.
   • Discourage learning in alphabetical order for efficient retention.
3. Caution with Online Resources:
   • Verify word meanings from trustworthy sources.
   • Limit new words to 10-20 daily for effective memory support.
4. Deep Understanding:
   • Scrutinize spellings for similar-looking words.
   • Focus on precise meanings to avoid test errors.

While Practicing and on Test Day:

1. Independent Problem-Solving:
   • Solve questions before looking at answer options.
   • Be cautious with tricky GRE traps designed to confuse.
2. Reading Comprehension Strategy:
   • Complete passages before reading questions.
   • Don’t assume the answer with the passage’s text is always correct.
3. Punctuation Awareness:
   • Pay attention to punctuation in Sentence Equivalence or Text Completion.
   • Use contrast terms effectively, such as “but.”
4. Strategic Note-Taking:
   • Use scratch paper for summaries and note critical elements.

Long-term Strategies:

1. Vocabulary Development:
   • Focus on both breadth and depth of word power.
   • Learn synonyms, antonyms, verb tenses, and usage of each new word.
2. Application in Context:
   • Use words in phrases for better recall.
   • Apply learned words in real-life scenarios for effective communication.
3. Active Reading Practices:
   • Identify and note unfamiliar words during reading.
   • Practice GRE tests with mentors for exposure to relevant terminology.
4. Problem Solving Techniques:
   • Engage in extensive practice problems, especially for Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion.
   • Recognize answer patterns and eliminate incorrect choices.
5. Immersive Language Learning:
   • Communicate in English regularly to enhance thinking and speaking skills.
   • Read books, articles, and watch English content for exposure to diverse vocabulary.

Test Day Tactics:

1. Synonym Pairs Awareness:
   • Pay attention to word pairs that share a common meaning.
   • Avoid traps with words that may seem fitting individually.
2. Contextual Pair Selection:
   • Choose synonym pairs based on the sentence’s tone and context.
   • Consider the appropriateness of pairs within the sentence’s framework.
3. Decoding Unfamiliar Terms:
   • Break down unfamiliar terms in Text Completions using prefixes, suffixes, and base words.
   • Understand the meaning by analyzing the components of the word.