GRE Words In Context: Challenging List (Test Prep Series)

What’s in this Book?
This book contains a Word List unlike any you have seen before. Our Word List takes each vocabulary word through its paces, denoting its part of speech, synonyms for its various contexts, its dictionary definition, and, most importantly, THREE (3) to FIVE (5) sentences using the word in its varied contexts. When appropriate, those varied contexts include both literal and figurative uses of the word.

How will our Word List Help You Prepare for the GRE®?
Performing well on the GRE® General Test, especially its Verbal Reasoning section, requires a strong working knowledge of the vocabulary that appears in the questions—how those words function both literally and figuratively, how their meanings vary based on context, and how (in many cases) they operate as more than one part of speech. The following is an example of a question type the GRE® refers to as “Sentence Equivalence.” The test-taker is instructed to select two (2) answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.

The goal of the rebel forces was to _____________________ the current ruler in the hopes that, as an expatriate, he could not easily resume his control over the country.
A. augment
B. supplant
C. exonerate
D. indemnify
E. conflate
F. oust

To perform well on this test question, the test-taker must understand that words often function as different parts of speech, and their varied uses must be determined by the context in which they are used. The word “expatriate,” for example, is key to this question. It is important to understand that it can be used as an adjective, a noun, or a verb. Note that in this test question “expatriate” is clearly used as a noun because it is preceded by the article “an”. In this context, therefore, “expatriate” refers to someone who is exiled to a foreign country. (From a foreign country, an exiled ruler would have greater difficulty resuming power.) The answers must signify actions that remove a ruler from power and allow for his exile. The two words that do this are “oust” and “supplant.” Thus, those are the (2) correct answers.

Using All Three (3) of our Word Lists Can Put Your Preparation on the Fast Track
We offer three (3) Word Lists to help you prepare for the GRE®: List #1, List #2, and this list, the Challenging list. It is important to remember that your goal is to be fully conversant in as many of these vocabulary words as possible. Why? You must not only recognize and comprehend the words when you encounter them in GRE® test questions, but you must also utilize sophisticated vocabulary to express your own ideas in the Analytical Writing section of the test. It is to your advantage, therefore, to have as many high-level vocabulary words as possible at your disposal. This is especially difficult to do if your preparation time is limited.

How Can our Word Lists Help You Beyond the GRE®?
The goal of entrance exams, like the GRE®, is to anticipate the test-taker’s likelihood of success in the field into which they seek entry. Thus, the “long view” of mastering sophisticated vocabulary is that doing so will not only help you prepare for the GRE®, but will simultaneously prepare you for what lies ahead: comprehending, analyzing, and evaluating graduate-level materials and writing with the complexity and sophistication expected of a graduate-level student. To put it simply: a fully-functioning, high-level vocabulary is the key to success in your graduate experience.

Prepare for success NOW!