Is It Common for Native English Speakers to Know and Use GRE Vocabulary?
The short answer is no. Among native English speakers, a vocabulary level at the SAT level is generally more common than that found on the GRE. This article delves into the vocabulary levels of native English speakers, distinguishes between SAT and GRE vocabulary, identifies crossover words, and explores why knowing GRE-level vocabulary is less common among the average educated English speaker.
Understanding SAT and GRE Vocabulary Levels
Skills and knowledge derived from educational institutions often play a critical role in determining vocabulary levels. The SAT and GRE are two such standardized tests that assess critical reasoning and vocabulary. SAT vocabulary focuses on collegiate and advanced academic terms, whereas GRE vocabulary includes a broader range of academic and technical terms related to graduate-level studies.
SAT Vocabulary Level: A More Common Level
Most educated native English-speaking adults possess a vocabulary level on par with or exceeding the SAT-level vocabulary. This is due to several factors, including the generally rigorous educational system followed in English-speaking countries, which emphasizes reading, writing, and vocabulary retention from an early age. Education systems and curriculums are designed to equip students with the vocabulary necessary for advanced academic and professional roles.
GRE Vocabulary Level: Less Common Among the Average Educated Individual
GRE vocabulary, with its wider range and greater focus on specialized and technical terms, is less common in the everyday vocabulary of educated native English speakers. While it is certainly not uncommon for individuals pursuing graduate studies or who have engaged in higher education to have a GRE vocabulary level, it is much more prevalent among those specifically studying for the GRE to enter graduate programs.
Crossover Words: A Hint at Commonality
There is an overlap between SAT and GRE vocabulary lists, with some terms appearing in both. This crossover indicates that while the two tests have distinct focuses, understanding some GRE terms does not necessarily require as much specialized knowledge as full proficiency in those terms. These shared vocabulary terms are often foundational words that are particularly important in academic writing and discourse.
Why GRE Vocabulary Is Less Common Among Native English Speakers
The discrepancy between SAT and GRE vocabulary levels can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rigors of undergraduate education, while significant, are not as focused on advanced technical or specialized vocabulary as those required for graduate studies. Secondly, many native English speakers will not engage in higher education beyond undergraduate degrees, meaning they may not encounter the more specialized GRE vocabulary used in research and advanced academic settings. Lastly, the preparation process for the GRE often involves deliberate study of vocabulary not typically encountered in everyday language, making it less common among those not actively preparing for the test.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a solid SAT-level vocabulary is more widely possessed among educated native English speakers, GRE-level vocabulary is less common. This is due to the specialized nature of GRE vocabulary and the less frequent exposure to such terms in everyday academic and professional life. Understanding the distinction, and recognizing the crossover vocabulary terms, can provide valuable insights into the linguistic landscape of native English speakers.