How do the test makers choose vocablary words for the GRE?
The test makers seek to determine whether you possess a well-rounded vocabulary — the kind you need to read, write, and speak effectively in graduate school and beyond. So likely GRE exam vocabulary words are generally those that an educated person might use in speaking or writing, as well as those that are quite specific to particular academic fields. NOTE: During the GRE there’s a good chance you’ll encounter a word or two from at least half of the 33 academic fields included in Chapter 5 of my book Words for Smart Test Takers.
