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Mastering the GRE Writing Examination

Posted in GRE Vocabulary by wordman on the September 9th, 2009

Each year, thousands of graduate level candidates purchase instructional materials to practice for the GRE exams. While there are various forms of practice GRE exams, the one that often results in the most frustration is the writing examination. However, there are a variety of techniques one can use to present a strong written examination during this graduate exam. Such tips include as provided by Peterson’s (2008) include

  1. When writing the essays, the examinee should be sure to include a concise introductory and concluding paragraph. Both paragraphs should consistently convey the message and use plain language.
  2. Information being well organized is fundamental. Use transitional vocabulary words and catch phrases to help the reader follow the flow of your discussion is important. Before the exam, review sample passages from previous verbal exams are essential. Also, preparing oneself with common vocabulary used in the GRE’s is a good measurement to captivate the reader. .
  3. Each point made in a GRE essay must be supported by a reason and example that supports that points being made.
  4. Mechanics such as grammar, sentence construction, word usage and diction should be used carefully Usage and the way the message is convey must be clear and concise.
  5. While many say an elaborate vocabulary is important to have for the GRE, it is important that an individual use vocabulary that is appropriate an meaningful to the specific subject. Therefore, flowery vocabularies are strongly discouraged as it may appear as a dichotomy for poor written content. Using vocabulary building software such as Ultimate Vocabulary is one way to enhance exam takers skills.

The exam itself consistent of a variety of sections including antonyms, analogies, sentence completion, reading comprehension, and analytical writing which require the test-taker to have a strong vocabulary (Sheehan, Kostin, & Futagi, 2007). While there are a variety of methods to prepare for a graduate level exam such as using vocabulary flash cards, vocabulary building software, practice exams, very few tools help cover all areas of the written and analytical portion of the exam like Ultimate Vocabulary do. In fact, the GRE practice exam tools included as part of the Ultimate Vocabulary skill challenges are not only meant for Master Degree candidates by Doctoral candidates too. Ultimate Vocabulary provides a multimodal approach to learning including integrating customizable flash cards, synonym memory, word antonym memory, and word recall exercises. Given the vast array of methods vocabulary is employed in this exam, the tools offered in Ultimate Vocabulary will certainly improve a test takers skills Furthermore, with six kind of test, learners can be assured that they know how to apply the vocabulary required to ace the GRE exams.

References Cited
Anonymous (2008). Need to know tips and strategies for the GRE. Peterson’s Guide. Retrieved on April 21, 2009, from http://www.petersons.com/testprep/tips.asp?id=453&sponsor=1&path=gr.pft.gre

Sheehan, K.M,  Kostin, I., & Futagi, Y (2007). Supporting efficient, evidence-centered item development for the GRE verbal measure. Research Report for the Educational Testing Service – Princeton, NJ, 7(29), 1-54.

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