Is Barrons Essential Words for the GRE and Magoosh GRE Words app Good for Verbal Section Vocabulary?

When tackling the GRE, building a robust vocabulary is a critical component, especially for those looking to score a minimum of 160 on the Verbal Section. However, with only three months before the exam, you're facing a significant challenge. In this article, we will discuss the effectiveness of Barrons Essential Words and the Magoosh GRE Words app, along with practical tips to enhance your preparation.

Understanding the GRE Verbal Section

The GRE Verbal section consists of Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions. A strong vocabulary will significantly improve your performance in these areas, as you'll need to understand complex sentences and draw inferences from passages.

Exploring Barrons Essential Words

Barrons Essential Words for the GRE is a comprehensive guide designed specifically for students preparing for the GRE. This book includes over 1,000 words, organized by frequency and part of speech. Each word is accompanied by its definition, sample sentences, and synonyms, helping to cement the meaning and context in which the word is used.

Benefits of Barrons Essential Words

Comprehensive Vocabulary: The book covers a wide range of vocabulary, which is essential for mastering the GRE Verbal section. Practice Questions: Each chapter includes practice exercises to reinforce learning and identify areas of improvement. Synonyms and Antonyms: Understanding related words can enhance your vocabulary and comprehension skills. Exam Strategy: The book provides tips on how to approach vocabulary questions on the GRE, helping to improve your test-taking skills.

The Magoosh GRE Words App

Magoosh GRE Words app is a digital tool designed to help students build their GRE vocabulary through gamified learning. The app features a personalized learning path, spaced repetition, and interactive quizzes to cater to different learning styles.

Benefits of the Magoosh GRE Words App

Personalized Learning: The app adapts to your performance, focusing on words you need to learn the most. Spaced Repetition: The app uses the principle of spaced repetition to ensure long-term retention of vocabulary. Interactive Quizzes: Engaging quizzes help reinforce your understanding of the vocabulary. Sync across Devices: Your progress is synchronized across your devices for convenience.

Combining Barrons Essential Words and Magoosh GRE Words App

While both Barrons Essential Words and the Magoosh GRE Words app are excellent resources, combining them can significantly enhance your GRE preparation. Here’s how:

Step 1: Developing a Foundation

Begin by using the Barrons Essential Words book to build your vocabulary foundation. Focus on the key words provided, and ensure you understand their meanings and usage. Spend at least 30 minutes a day reading the book and completing any exercises.

Step 2: Leveraging the Magoosh GRE Words App

Use the Magoosh GRE Words app to supplement your learning. Start with the flashcards and quizzes to reinforce your vocabulary. The app’s spaced repetition system will help you remember words more effectively over time. Allocate 20 minutes a day to using the app and reviewing words you have difficulty with.

Step 3: Practicing Reading Comprehension

Enhance your word knowledge by practicing reading comprehension. Read passages from the GRE prep books, academic journals, or high-quality news sources. This will expose you to a variety of vocabulary in context, helping you to understand and retain new words more effectively. Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to reading and reflecting on the material.

Step 4: Regular Review

Regularly review what you have learned. This could involve revisiting the Barrons book for challenging words, or going through the Magoosh app. Regular review is crucial for long-term retention of vocabulary.

Conclusion

With three months to prepare, using both Barrons Essential Words for the GRE and the Magoosh GRE Words app can be highly effective. By leveraging the strengths of each resource, you can build a robust GRE vocabulary that will help you score at least a 160 on the Verbal Section. Remember to practice regular reading and review to reinforce your learning. Good luck with your GRE preparation!