Friday, February 29, 2008
GRE TIPS TRICKS
GRE Test - Taking Tips and Techniques
Be AwareBy the time you have finished your GRE preparation, you should be aware of the type of questions that will appear in the GRE Test. You should also be aware of how long each section is and the time limits. This will help you pace yourself through the test.
Know the directions for each questionKnowing the directions for the questions beforehand will save you valuable time. But remember the directions for the questions in the GRE Test might be slightly different from the ones in your study material. So always read the instructions but do it quickly.
Don't stick to one question for too longBy the time you have finished your GRE preparation, you should have a good estimate of how much time you can give to a particular question. Don't get stuck on one particular question for too long. This might cause you to lose precious time and miss questions you could have easily done.
Don't RushThe GRE Test is about optimizing. Finishing the paper first is not what is important. You should devote just the right amount of time to each question. Maximizing your marks in a given period of time is your aim. So don't rush it as that might cost you valuable marks.
The questions at the beginning are the most importantThe questions at the beginning affect your score more than those towards the end. Take your time with those questions. It is vital that you get those questions right. Getting these correct will dramatically improve your score.
Selection by eliminationWhen you don't know the answers to some questions, try and use the method of elimination. You may have a very good idea of which option cannot be the answer. Eliminate such options. It narrows down your guess to just maybe two options and sometimes down to one.
Don't leave any questionThe GRE Test does not penalize you for wrong answers. So never leave any question unanswered.
Be very sure of your answer before proceedingWith the Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) for GRE, you cannot return to a question once you have attempted it. You cannot leave the difficult questions for later nor can you check your answers towards the end even if you have extra time. So pace yourself properly and be very certain of your answers.
Get adequate rest the night beforeBefore the test, relax. Research shows a person who is relaxed usually does much better than a person who is tense during an exam. Get enough sleep before the D-Day. Also if your GRE is in the morning, take a light breakfast. A heavy one might make you drowsy.
Do a test drive exactly a week before your testGetting to the test center on time is vital. In fact you should try and get to the test center 15-30 minutes before time. Taking a test drive to your test center exactly a week before might be a good idea. This will give you a rough idea of the traffic conditions at the time and day of your GRE.
Wear Comfortable ClothesWear comfortable clothes to your GRE test center. It might be a good idea to carry a sweater or a jacket, in case you start feeling cold. Also make a check list well in advance of what all you need on the D-day and keep everything ready the night before. One of the things you need is a chronometer. (In case you don't know what that means, start preparing for the GRE vocabulary ;-)
Use the scratch paper the test center providesYou are not allowed to bring any sheets of paper to the GRE test center but are provided scratch paper by the center. You should make effective use of this to make quick notes for yourself or for solving math questions.
And lastly DON'T PANICNo matter what happens, DON'T PANIC. Keep your cool all the time, even when you don't know the answer. Once you panic, you might even answer the easiest questions wrongly. If you feel yourself getting tense, take a short break, ask for a glass of water, close your eyes, take deep breaths and calm yourself down.
AWA...........
Issue Topic 1. We can normally learn more from like-minded persons than from those who have contradictory viewpoints; conflict can prevent learning and lead to tension.
Points FOR (in favour of) topic:
For Point 1.1. Interaction amongst like-minded persons generates positivity giving rise to a cheerful disposition of the minds. This provides a conducive environment for thinking in the right direction and results in the making of correct decisions.
Example 1.1a) The growth of a child demands a positive and cheerful environment around him/her. A similarity in focus of the parents helps toward this end.
For Point 1.2. Conflict gives rise to a tense state of mind generating negativity. This in turn takes up a lot of mental energy in the wrong direction thus affecting the decision-making process adversely.
Example 1.2a) Financial losses of any kind cannot be handled in a tense state of mind.
For Point 1.3. Like-minded people coming together for a social / charitable cause certainly benefits society in general and individuals in particular, thus contributing to the overall well-being of the nation.
Example 1.3a) Charitable trusts for educational purposes would be able to provide education free of cost to the underprivileged.
For Point 1.4. Similar thinking in a group of people handling projects aids in achieving targets and striving for for higher goals each time. This in turn helps boost the overall economic scenario.
Example 1.4a) The sales group of a company may work out ways together to boost the sales and achieve the targets to make the company a profitable one.
Points AGAINST (not in favour of) topic:
AGAINST Point 1.1. Similarity in thinking does not bring in any new knowledge. Instead, it leads to conformity which may sometimes prove detrimental. One must consider all related aspects, whether in favor or in opposition.
Example 1.1a) Political decisions: Any proposal put forth is accepted only after successfully passing through lengthy debates in parliament. Such discussions aid in evaluating the proposal from various standpoints.
Example 1.1b) Corporate decisions: A faulty plan might be approved if everyone examines it from the same viewpoint. The merits and demerits of a project need to be evaluated from all point of views.
AGAINST Point 1.2. Contradictions reveal shortcomings and without addressing them, a theory cannot be validated. Eliminating deficiencies helps in improving the quality of knowledge.
Example 1.2a) Scientific research: A hypothesis is validated only after the researcher is able to prove all the cases.
INTERVIEW SKILLS..............HR.........AT UR TIPS..........
Because communication skills are such an integral part of effective management, some schools include personal interviews as part of the admissions process. Some tips to help you prepare for an interview:
o Review your application; the interviewer is likely to ask specific questions about it.o Be ready to provide examples and specifics and to elaborate on info on your resume and application.o Be open and honest.o Ask questions, since the interview is as much an opportunity for you to learn about the school as for the school to learn about you.o Follow proper business decorum.o Watch your nonverbal clues, such as eye contact, posture, and fidgeting.o Be courteous to the administrative staff, since how you treat them can have an impact (positive or negative).
Some Frequently Asked Questions on Interviews :
“Tell us about yourself”?
In an interview how does one handle the question “Tell us about yourself?”.
An often asked opening question. Perhaps the most frequently asked question across interviews. Your opening statement needs to be a summary of your goals, overall professional capabilities, achievements, background (educational and family), strengths, professional objectives and anything about your personality that is relevant and interesting. This question represents an opportunity to lead the interviewer in the direction you want him to go e.g., your speciality or whatever else you may wish to highlight.
Your intention should be to try subtly convincing the interviewers that you are a good candidate, you have proved that in the past and have a personality that fits the requirement.
Remember that the first impression you create will go a long way in the ultimate selection. Keep in mind, most candidates who are asked this question just blurt out their schooling, college, marks and qualifications. All this is already there in the CV. Why tell the interviewer something he already knows?
A final word on approaching this question. Once you have said what you have to say - shut up. Don’t drone on for the sake of speaking for you just might say something foolish. Sometimes interviewers don’t interrupt in order to give the candidate the impression that he has not spoken enough. This is just a stress/error-inducing tactic. Don’t fall for it, especially if you feel you have spoken enough. In case the pause gets too awkward for your liking, just add something like, “Is there something specific that you wish to know about me?”
Is it better to have a longer selection interview or a shorter one?
The length of an interview in no way is an indicator of how well an interview went. This is especially so when there are a number of candidates to be interviewed, like in the Civil Services interview or the MBA entrance interview. In the past, a number of candidates have reported varying lengths of interviews. Nothing positive or negative should be read into this. An interview is only a device whereby the panel seeks information about the candidate. Information that will help the panel decide whether or not the candidate should be selected. If the panel feels that it has gathered enough information about the candidate in 15 minutes of the interview commencing and that it has no further questions to ask the interview will be terminated in 15 minutes. If on the other hand the panel takes an hour to gather the information required to take a decision the interview will last for an hour. In either case the decision could be positive or negative. It is a fallacy to believe that interview panels take longer interviews of candidates whom they are more interested in. No panel likes to waste its time. If an interview is lasting longer than usual then it only means that the panel is seeking more information about the candidate in order to take a decision.
In the MBA entrance interview how do I justify my decision to pursue the MBA programme?
When you are asked this for God’s sake don’t tell the panel that you are looking for a”challenging job in a good firm with lots of money, status and glamour”. That is the first answer that most candidates think of. Unfortunately, it is the last answer that will get you admission. In the answer to a direct question on this subject you must convey to the interview panel that you have made a rational and informed decision about your career choice and your intended course of higher study. There are broadly four areas which your answer could touch upon:
Career Objectives : You could talk about your career objectives and how the two year MBA programme will help you achieve them. This implies that you have a clear idea of what your career objectives are and how you wish to achieve them. For example, you may want to be an entrepreneur and wish to set up your independent enterprise after doing your MBA and then working for a few years in a professionally managed company. You could explain to the panel that the MBA programme will provide you with the necessary inputs to help you run your business enterprise better. But then you must be clear about what the inputs you will receive in the MBA programme are.
Value Addition : That brings us to the second area that your answer should touch upon. What is the value you will add to yourself during your two year study of management. Value addition will essentially be in two forms knowledge and skills. Knowledge of the various areas of management e.g. marketing, finance, systems, HRD etc. and skills of analysis and communication. You will find it useful to talk to a few people who are either doing their MBA or have already done it. They will be able to give you a more detailed idea of what they gained from their MBA.
Background : Remember, there must be no inconsistency between your proposed study of management and your past subject of study or your past work experience. If you have studied commerce in college then management is a natural course of higher studies. If you are an engineer this is a tricky area. You must never say that by pursuing a career in management you will be wasting your engineering degree. Try and say that the MBA course and your engineering degree will help you do your job better in the company that you will join. But then you should be able to justify how your engineering qualification will help.
Opportunities and Rewards : You could also at this stage mention the opportunities that are opening up in organizations for management graduates. Highlight with examples. At the end you may mention that while monetary rewards are not everything they are also important and MBAs do get paid well. You must not mention these reasons as your primary motivators even if that may be the case.
What to Expect ?
In general, B-school interviews are not formulaic. The focus can range from specific questions about your job responsibilities to broad discussions of life. Approach the interview as a conversation to be enjoyed, not as a question-and-answer ordeal to get through. You may talk more about your hobbies or recent cross-country trip. This doesn’t mean that it won’t feel like a job interview. It just means you’re being sized up as a person and future professional in all your dimensions. Try to be your witty, charming, natural self. Interviews are conducted by students, faculty, admissions personnel and alumni. Don’t dismiss students as the lightweights; they follow a tight script and report back to the committee. However, because they’re inexperienced beyond the script, their interviews are most likely to be duds. You may have to work harder to get your points across.
How to Prepare ?
Prepare for the interview in several ways: Expect to discuss many things about yourself. Be ready to go into greater depth than you did in your essays (but don’t assume the interviewer has read them). Put together two or three points about yourself that you want the interviewer to remember you by. Go in with examples, or even a portfolio of your work, to showcase your achievements. Practice speaking about your accomplishments without a lot of “I did this, I did that.” Finally, be prepared to give a strong and convincing answer to the interviewer’s inevitable question: “Why here?”
Self Awareness
1. How would you describe yourself ?2. Tell me about yourself ?3. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you would describe you?4. What motivates you to put forth your best effort ?5. How do you determine or evaluate success ?6. What academic subjects did you like best ? Least ?7. What led you to choose the career for which you are preparing ?8. What personal characteristics are necessary for succeeding in the career that you are interested in ?9. What is your philosophy of life ?10. Why have you switched career fields ?
Weaknesses / Negatives
1. What major problems have you encountered and how have you dealt with them ?2. What have you learnt form your mistakes ?3. What do you consider to be your greatest weakness ?4. Did you ever have problems with your supervisor ?
Skills / Abilities / Qualifications
1. What do you consider to be your greatest strength ?2. Are you creative ? Give an example.3. What qualifications do you have that makes you think you will be successful ?4. In what way do you think you can make a contribution to society?5. Why should we take you ?6. What are your own special abilities ?7. Why should we take you over another candidate ?8. What is your managing style ?9. Why do you want to join this institute ?10. What do you know about our institute ?
Values
1. What is your attitude towards working hard ?2. What part does your family play in your life ?3. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career ?4. What is more important to you : money offered, or the type of job ?5. Do you enjoy independent research ?6. In what kind of a work environment are you most comfortable ?7. How would you describe the ideal job for you ?8. What two or three things are most important to you in your job ?9. Do you prefer working with others or all by yourself ?10. How do you like to work ?11. Under what conditions do you work best ?12. What is the highest form of praise ?
Experience
1. In what part-time or summer job have you been most interested ?2. Tell me about your experience.3. What jobs have you held ?4. How did your previous employer treat you ?5. What have you learnt from some of the jobs that you have held ?6. What jobs have you enjoyed most ? Least ? Why ?7. What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work ?8. Describe your current job.9. What did you like least about your last job ?10. What did you like most about your last job ?
Goals / Objectives
1. What are your short-term and long-term goals and objectives ?2. What specific goals other than those related to your occupation have you chosen for yourself for the next 10 years ?3. What do you see yourself doing 5 years from now ?4. What do you really want to do in life ?5. How do you plan to achieve your career goals ?
Education
1. How has your education prepared you for a career ?2. Describe your most rewarding college experience.3. Why did you select your college or university ?4. If you could, would you plan your academic study differently ?5. Do you think grades are a good indication of your academic achievement ?6. What have you learnt from participation in extracurricular activities ?7. Do you have plans for continuing your studies ?8. Why did you pick your programme ?9. What courses did you like best and why ?10. What courses did you like least and why ?11. How has your college experience prepared you for this job ?12. How did you pick your dissertation ?13. Describe your dissertation process.
Salary
1. What do you expect to earn in 5 years ?2. What did you earn in your last job ?
Interests
1. What are your outside interests ?2. What do you do with your free time ?3. What are your hobbies ?4. What types of books do you read ?5. How interested are you in sports ?6. How did you spend your vacations in school ?
General
1. What qualities should a successful manager possess ?2. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and a subordinate.3. What 3 accomplishments have given you the greatest satisfaction ?4. If you were taking a graduate for this institute, what qualities would you look for ?5. What can I do for you ?6. Tell me a story.7. Define cooperation.
Stress Questions
1. What causes you to lose your temper ?2. How often have you been absent from school, work or training ?3. Have you ever had trouble with other people on the job ?4. Can you take instructions without getting upset ?5. Don’t you feel you are a little to old/young for this job ?6. How does your family like you being away on business trips ?7. With your background, we believe that you are overqualified to join this institute.8. You haven’t had sufficient experience in this field.9. Our experience with women on this job has not been good.10. What would irritate you most if I as a manager did it ?
Influencing Others
1. Tell me about the time you were most persuasive in overcoming resistance to your ideas or point of view.2. Tell me about the last time someone made an unreasonable request of you.3. Describe the most disappointing and frustrating experience in gaining the support of others for an idea or proposal.
Interpersonal Skills
1. Describe a situation where it was most important for you to display tact and diplomacy.2. Tell me about the last time you had a clash or disagreement with someone at school/college/workplace.3. Tell me about a time when you felt most frustrated and disappointed at a person with whom you had worked.
Personal Adaptability
1. Tell me about the last time you were criticized by a supervisor or a professor.2. Tell me about the time when you felt most pressured or stressed at work/ school/internship.3. Tell me about the time when you felt most frustrated at your school/workplace.4. In what aspects of your work/internship do you have the most confidence in your abilities.
Communication Skills
1. Tell me about the time when you felt best about your ability to draw out or solicit information from another person.2. Tell me about the time when you had to work your hardest in order to fully understand what another person was saying to you.3. Describe the last time when someone at school/work misunderstood what you were trying to communicate.
Motivation
1. Tell me about the most long term, sustained extra hours of effort that you put into your work/college/internship.2. Describe a time when you felt most frustrated or discouraged in reaching your goals or objectives.3. What do you feel has been your most significant work/school/internship related achievement within the past year or so ?4. Describe the last time you did something well which went beyond the expectations in your work/internship.
Administrative Skills
1. Tell me how you go about organizing your work and scheduling your own time.2. What do you do to ensure that your goals and objectives are met in a timely way ?3. Describe the most extensive planning that you have ever done.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
1.Tell me about the most difficult problem that you faced in your work/school/internship ?2.Tell me about the last time you made a decision that backfired.3.Tell me about the time when you regretted most not getting advice before you went ahead ?
Conflict Management Skills
1. Tell me about the last significant crisis situation that you faced in your work.2. Tell me about a time when you were most persuasive in overcoming resistance to your ideas.3. Tell me about the time when you had a disagreement with someone at work.
In general, B-school interviews are not formulaic. The focus can range from specific questions about your job responsibilities to broad discussions of life. Approach the interview as a conversation to be enjoyed, not as a question-and-answer ordeal to get through. You may talk more about your hobbies or recent cross-country trip. This doesn’t mean that it won’t feel like a job interview. It just means you’re being sized up as a person and future professional in all your dimensions. Try to be your witty, charming, natural self. Interviews are conducted by students, faculty, admissions personnel and alumni. Don’t dismiss students as the lightweights; they follow a tight script and report back to the committee. However, because they’re inexperienced beyond the script, their interviews are most likely to be duds. You may have to work harder to get your points across.
How to Prepare ?
Prepare for the interview in several ways: Expect to discuss many things about yourself. Be ready to go into greater depth than you did in your essays (but don’t assume the interviewer has read them). Put together two or three points about yourself that you want the interviewer to remember you by. Go in with examples, or even a portfolio of your work, to showcase your achievements. Practice speaking about your accomplishments without a lot of “I did this, I did that.” Finally, be prepared to give a strong and convincing answer to the interviewer’s inevitable question: “Why here?”
Self Awareness
1. How would you describe yourself ?2. Tell me about yourself ?3. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you would describe you?4. What motivates you to put forth your best effort ?5. How do you determine or evaluate success ?6. What academic subjects did you like best ? Least ?7. What led you to choose the career for which you are preparing ?8. What personal characteristics are necessary for succeeding in the career that you are interested in ?9. What is your philosophy of life ?10. Why have you switched career fields ?
Weaknesses / Negatives
1. What major problems have you encountered and how have you dealt with them ?2. What have you learnt form your mistakes ?3. What do you consider to be your greatest weakness ?4. Did you ever have problems with your supervisor ?
Skills / Abilities / Qualifications
1. What do you consider to be your greatest strength ?2. Are you creative ? Give an example.3. What qualifications do you have that makes you think you will be successful ?4. In what way do you think you can make a contribution to society?5. Why should we take you ?6. What are your own special abilities ?7. Why should we take you over another candidate ?8. What is your managing style ?9. Why do you want to join this institute ?10. What do you know about our institute ?
Values
1. What is your attitude towards working hard ?2. What part does your family play in your life ?3. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career ?4. What is more important to you : money offered, or the type of job ?5. Do you enjoy independent research ?6. In what kind of a work environment are you most comfortable ?7. How would you describe the ideal job for you ?8. What two or three things are most important to you in your job ?9. Do you prefer working with others or all by yourself ?10. How do you like to work ?11. Under what conditions do you work best ?12. What is the highest form of praise ?
Experience
1. In what part-time or summer job have you been most interested ?2. Tell me about your experience.3. What jobs have you held ?4. How did your previous employer treat you ?5. What have you learnt from some of the jobs that you have held ?6. What jobs have you enjoyed most ? Least ? Why ?7. What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work ?8. Describe your current job.9. What did you like least about your last job ?10. What did you like most about your last job ?
Goals / Objectives
1. What are your short-term and long-term goals and objectives ?2. What specific goals other than those related to your occupation have you chosen for yourself for the next 10 years ?3. What do you see yourself doing 5 years from now ?4. What do you really want to do in life ?5. How do you plan to achieve your career goals ?
Education
1. How has your education prepared you for a career ?2. Describe your most rewarding college experience.3. Why did you select your college or university ?4. If you could, would you plan your academic study differently ?5. Do you think grades are a good indication of your academic achievement ?6. What have you learnt from participation in extracurricular activities ?7. Do you have plans for continuing your studies ?8. Why did you pick your programme ?9. What courses did you like best and why ?10. What courses did you like least and why ?11. How has your college experience prepared you for this job ?12. How did you pick your dissertation ?13. Describe your dissertation process.
Salary
1. What do you expect to earn in 5 years ?2. What did you earn in your last job ?
Interests
1. What are your outside interests ?2. What do you do with your free time ?3. What are your hobbies ?4. What types of books do you read ?5. How interested are you in sports ?6. How did you spend your vacations in school ?
General
1. What qualities should a successful manager possess ?2. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and a subordinate.3. What 3 accomplishments have given you the greatest satisfaction ?4. If you were taking a graduate for this institute, what qualities would you look for ?5. What can I do for you ?6. Tell me a story.7. Define cooperation.
Stress Questions
1. What causes you to lose your temper ?2. How often have you been absent from school, work or training ?3. Have you ever had trouble with other people on the job ?4. Can you take instructions without getting upset ?5. Don’t you feel you are a little to old/young for this job ?6. How does your family like you being away on business trips ?7. With your background, we believe that you are overqualified to join this institute.8. You haven’t had sufficient experience in this field.9. Our experience with women on this job has not been good.10. What would irritate you most if I as a manager did it ?
Influencing Others
1. Tell me about the time you were most persuasive in overcoming resistance to your ideas or point of view.2. Tell me about the last time someone made an unreasonable request of you.3. Describe the most disappointing and frustrating experience in gaining the support of others for an idea or proposal.
Interpersonal Skills
1. Describe a situation where it was most important for you to display tact and diplomacy.2. Tell me about the last time you had a clash or disagreement with someone at school/college/workplace.3. Tell me about a time when you felt most frustrated and disappointed at a person with whom you had worked.
Personal Adaptability
1. Tell me about the last time you were criticized by a supervisor or a professor.2. Tell me about the time when you felt most pressured or stressed at work/ school/internship.3. Tell me about the time when you felt most frustrated at your school/workplace.4. In what aspects of your work/internship do you have the most confidence in your abilities.
Communication Skills
1. Tell me about the time when you felt best about your ability to draw out or solicit information from another person.2. Tell me about the time when you had to work your hardest in order to fully understand what another person was saying to you.3. Describe the last time when someone at school/work misunderstood what you were trying to communicate.
Motivation
1. Tell me about the most long term, sustained extra hours of effort that you put into your work/college/internship.2. Describe a time when you felt most frustrated or discouraged in reaching your goals or objectives.3. What do you feel has been your most significant work/school/internship related achievement within the past year or so ?4. Describe the last time you did something well which went beyond the expectations in your work/internship.
Administrative Skills
1. Tell me how you go about organizing your work and scheduling your own time.2. What do you do to ensure that your goals and objectives are met in a timely way ?3. Describe the most extensive planning that you have ever done.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
1.Tell me about the most difficult problem that you faced in your work/school/internship ?2.Tell me about the last time you made a decision that backfired.3.Tell me about the time when you regretted most not getting advice before you went ahead ?
Conflict Management Skills
1. Tell me about the last significant crisis situation that you faced in your work.2. Tell me about a time when you were most persuasive in overcoming resistance to your ideas.3. Tell me about the time when you had a disagreement with someone at work.
USA UNIVERSITY VISIT................
Education
Montana State University, USA to visit India
Dear Prospective students and parents: Montana State University, USA is conducting an Open House Seminar for all the students who are interested in pursuing BS/MS/Doctoral programs. Montana State University’s International officer will be visiting Bangalore to conduct seminar, Initial Application & Admission decisions for Indian students. Schedule: September 23rd & 24th 2006To reserve a spot in the seminar all interested candidates and parents are requested to register and RSVP by visiting Global Education Consultancy Services, Bangalore Website: http://www.gecsindia.com/ or call 080-4150 8188/89 or email: contact@gecsindia.com. Seminar is open for limited number of students only. Reservations are made based on candidate profile on basis of first come first served. This seminar will educate you on the various program offered at MSU. Refreshments and on spot applications and admission decisions would be given for all qualified prospective students with proper documents.About MSU (visit http://www.montana.edu/)“MSU was Ranked #5 on famous magazine for Top 40 best college towns“Montana State University is now in the top tier of research universities in the United States. A new classification system by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recognizes MSU as one of 94 research universities with "very high research activity." Other such institutions are Yale University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Washington and Oregon State University.MSU's expenditures from sponsored research programs reached almost $100 million in Fiscal Year 2005 and are expected to keep going."Given all indications and trend comparisons, MSU will definitely exceed the $100 million level this year and will likely be well over $105 million," said Tom McCoy, Vice-President of Research, Creativity and Technology Transfer".
GRE WORDS
Learn Vocabulary Easily By Knowing Synonyms
Hi,I think that learning vocabulary is easy by learning the words of same meaning together.A list of some GRE synonms are given in this website. Please go to,www.freewebs.com/greonlineand check the links. I think you find it useful.
GPA................GRE.........................
How universities calculate your GPA
What is a GPA?It is an average of the grade point values that you have earned in the credit courses you have taken while a student at your university or college.Types of GPA’SSessional GPA:It is the average of the courses you took per semester.Cumulative GPA:It is the average of all the courses you took to gain a degree. This includes failed courses. If you failed in any subject then the failed marks and the marks you obtained after passing the subject will be counted in your Cumulative GPA.For example say you had 5 subjects to obtain your degree. Of these 5 subjects you cleared 4 subjects in first attempt and cleared 1 subject in second attempt and you obtained scores as followsFirst subject - 60 marksSecond subject - 60 marksThird subject - 60 marksFourth subject - 60 marksFifth subject (first attempt) - 0 marksFirst subject (Second Attempt) - 60 marksNow your CGPA will beFirst subject + Second subject + Third subject +Fourth subject +Fifth subject (first attempt) +First subject (Second Attempt) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6i.e CGPA= 60+60+60+60+0+60/6=300/6=50 i.e 50 %The universities consider the CGPA of the last school or university you attended while giving admissions.Below is the table where you can see how universities convert you CGPA percentage to 4 point scale
Grade Definition
Grade Point Average(GPA)
Class Percentile Equivalent
A+
4.0
90-100
A
4.0
85-89
Excellent
A-
3.7
80-84
B+
3.3
77-79
B
3.0
73-76
Good
B-
2.7
70-72
C+
2.3
67-69
C
2.0
63-66
Average
C-
1.7
60-62
D+
1.3
57-59
Class Percentile can be calculated by (Your Score/Class Topper Score)*100Note this is just the rough calculation. Some universities calculation of GPA will be different than this.
ADMISSIONS.............USA
We would like to invite you for the FREE REGISTRATION and FREE I-20 of Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey, which is one of the top 5 Universities in the State of New Jersey and ranked among the top 80 Universities in the United States of America.Fairleigh Dickinson University
GRE ESSAY REPORT
Sample Essay Score Report. Essays are read and analyzed by a trained reader, who provides detailed feedback in response to essay style, organization, content, focus, length, as well as grammar and correct English usage.
Test 1 Essay Analysis
Score: 5.0
Essay Components
Issue Essay
Argument Essay
Developed Ideas
Good
Poor
Sentence Variety
Excellent
Excellent
Focus & Direction
Good
Good
Length
Excellent
Excellent
Adequate Examples
Good
Good
Grammar
Excellent
Excellent
Organization
Excellent
Good
Reader Feedback
Issue Essay
Argument Essay
Key Points
1.
Several examples are given, which is great, but it is generally believed to be much more efficient to provide two or three examples or arguments and then to greatly expand on those arguments and their implications. Each paragraph should have one main idea, but here in this essay several of the paragraphs have many smaller ideas.
2.
There is no one single hypothesis given. In the first paragraph, you should include your one main argument, and then use the body paragraphs to write about examples that help support your argument.
3.
In the closing paragraph, you should restate your initial hypothesis and conclude with a brief summary. By that time, if you have written several well-organized body paragraphs, then your reader should be convinced of your argument.
1.
Your have several small valid arguments, and you very strongly claim that you do not agree with the proposed plan in the Brookville community, but there is not a single statement that decisevly states that you disagree with the proposal. It would be most efficient if you had written, for example, 'The proposed plan is lacking in logic because if the plan were enacted, all of the homes would be mandated to look the same and there would be no sense of individuality in the community.'
2.
Try to refrain from using common, matter-of-fact language. For example, you write, 'I mean this not in monetary terms but ...'. Never begin a sentence with 'I mean', as it is improper and informal English.
3.
Although essays in the first person are often effective, formal essays are seldomly written in first person. Instead of writing, 'I also don't believe in telling a home owner what ...', you can write, 'It is not appropriate to tell a home owner what ...'. As this is an argument essay, you want to make declarative statements, and be sure to decisively state your opinion.
Overall Comments
Overall, a good essay, but having a more concise focus for each of the paragraphs would greatly improve the score.
There are only small errors in this essay which prevent it from receiving top marks. There are ample ideas that are presented, but it would be better if only a few of those ideas were selected and then expanded upon in more detail. Overall, a good essay..................
STUDENT VIEWS
The secret lives of international students
Students from abroad have to deal with visas, culture shock, homesickness in new country
by Nana Quainoo
Many students often think about what they would do if an ocean or a national border separated them from their parents, and whether they would tell their parents about their lives.
This is just one of the topics workshops for international students tackle, which includes Carleton’s health and counselling services’ Feb. 28 workshop on “Living the Double Life.”
While being a student can be stressful in itself, studying in a foreign country can add additional pressures, said Poonam Bassi, acting international student advisor at Carleton’s International Student Services Office (ISSO). She was also once an international student from Singapore.
Bassi said students coming from different countries face problems Canadian students often do not have to deal with including issues with visas and culture shock on top of the usual homesickness and adjustment to the academic rigors of university.
The ISSO tries to help students overcome this by creating an environment that is comfortable for students and informs them of services available to them, said Bassi.
The ISSO runs several services that cater to Carleton’s 2,360 international students, 480 incoming and outgoing exchange students, as well as recent immigrants to Canada. Most of their programs are run in conjunction with Carleton’s health services, awards office and career centre, just to name a few.
Chapa Yasawardane, a third-year integrated science student from Kuwait is an ISSO volunteer. She said that although she did not experience much culture shock when she first came to Canada because she had attended an international school, she still found it hard to adjust.
“The weather is something I don’t think I could get used to,” she said.
Yasawardane said at first she felt homesick, but living in residence and having the support of the ISSO helped her connect with a good group of friends.
“My parents worry about me, because, of course, in [North America] there is a lot more freedom,” she said.
“But I came here because it was the best option for the program I wanted.”
Yasawardane said her parents were afraid of what they felt were the pitfalls of the North American way of life, such as the culture of drinking.
“I don’t drink but some of my friends do. In Kuwait the young people don’t really go out and drink,” said Yasawardane. She said while she does go out with her friends to clubs here in Ottawa, she tries to give her parents an accurate perception of her life here in Canada and tries not to hide anything.
She said while her parents still worry, she tries to emphasize to them that though drinking is part of the culture here, she herself does not drink.
Olivia Meyia, a fourth-year mass communication student from Cameroon said she talks to her parents regularly.
“I talk to them every week, so I don’t feel homesick.”
She said she also tries to visit home as often as she can. Meyia said while the services at the ISSO have helped her with questions like how to obtain a work permit and visa, she is the type of person who likes to discover and find things out for herself so she does not use their services often.
Yasawardane said the ISSO workshops have helped her with a multitude of issues including visas and finding work.
With the year winding to a close, Yasawardane said she plans to work two or three jobs this summer to save up enough money for next year.
She said she does plan to go back to Kuwait either after finishing her undergraduate or graduate studies, if she decides to pursue the latter.
Meyia is graduating this year and is applying for landed immigrant status to stay in Canada.REFER............http://www.charlatan.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19859&Itemid=148WISHES...............
Students from abroad have to deal with visas, culture shock, homesickness in new country
by Nana Quainoo
Many students often think about what they would do if an ocean or a national border separated them from their parents, and whether they would tell their parents about their lives.
This is just one of the topics workshops for international students tackle, which includes Carleton’s health and counselling services’ Feb. 28 workshop on “Living the Double Life.”
While being a student can be stressful in itself, studying in a foreign country can add additional pressures, said Poonam Bassi, acting international student advisor at Carleton’s International Student Services Office (ISSO). She was also once an international student from Singapore.
Bassi said students coming from different countries face problems Canadian students often do not have to deal with including issues with visas and culture shock on top of the usual homesickness and adjustment to the academic rigors of university.
The ISSO tries to help students overcome this by creating an environment that is comfortable for students and informs them of services available to them, said Bassi.
The ISSO runs several services that cater to Carleton’s 2,360 international students, 480 incoming and outgoing exchange students, as well as recent immigrants to Canada. Most of their programs are run in conjunction with Carleton’s health services, awards office and career centre, just to name a few.
Chapa Yasawardane, a third-year integrated science student from Kuwait is an ISSO volunteer. She said that although she did not experience much culture shock when she first came to Canada because she had attended an international school, she still found it hard to adjust.
“The weather is something I don’t think I could get used to,” she said.
Yasawardane said at first she felt homesick, but living in residence and having the support of the ISSO helped her connect with a good group of friends.
“My parents worry about me, because, of course, in [North America] there is a lot more freedom,” she said.
“But I came here because it was the best option for the program I wanted.”
Yasawardane said her parents were afraid of what they felt were the pitfalls of the North American way of life, such as the culture of drinking.
“I don’t drink but some of my friends do. In Kuwait the young people don’t really go out and drink,” said Yasawardane. She said while she does go out with her friends to clubs here in Ottawa, she tries to give her parents an accurate perception of her life here in Canada and tries not to hide anything.
She said while her parents still worry, she tries to emphasize to them that though drinking is part of the culture here, she herself does not drink.
Olivia Meyia, a fourth-year mass communication student from Cameroon said she talks to her parents regularly.
“I talk to them every week, so I don’t feel homesick.”
She said she also tries to visit home as often as she can. Meyia said while the services at the ISSO have helped her with questions like how to obtain a work permit and visa, she is the type of person who likes to discover and find things out for herself so she does not use their services often.
Yasawardane said the ISSO workshops have helped her with a multitude of issues including visas and finding work.
With the year winding to a close, Yasawardane said she plans to work two or three jobs this summer to save up enough money for next year.
She said she does plan to go back to Kuwait either after finishing her undergraduate or graduate studies, if she decides to pursue the latter.
Meyia is graduating this year and is applying for landed immigrant status to stay in Canada.REFER............http://www.charlatan.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19859&Itemid=148WISHES...............
GRE COSTS
Test Overivew: Fees
The following Fee Structure is effective July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
Service
Fee*
General test fee for U.S., Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico
$
140
General test for China (including Hong Kong), Korea, and Taiwan.
$
175
General test for all other locations
$
170
Late registration fee
$
25
Standby testing (paper-based test only)
$
50
Rescheduling fee
$
50
Changing your test center
$
50
Scores by phone
$
12
Additional score report (ASR) requests; per recipient
$
15
Phone service for additional score reports; per call, plus $15 ASR fee per recipient
$
6
Question-and-answer review service; Verbal and Quantitative Sections
$
50
Score review for analytical writing measure
$
55
Paper-Based Test Hand Scoring
$
30
Score Reinstatement Fee
$
30
The following Fee Structure is effective July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
Service
Fee*
General test fee for U.S., Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico
$
140
General test for China (including Hong Kong), Korea, and Taiwan.
$
175
General test for all other locations
$
170
Late registration fee
$
25
Standby testing (paper-based test only)
$
50
Rescheduling fee
$
50
Changing your test center
$
50
Scores by phone
$
12
Additional score report (ASR) requests; per recipient
$
15
Phone service for additional score reports; per call, plus $15 ASR fee per recipient
$
6
Question-and-answer review service; Verbal and Quantitative Sections
$
50
Score review for analytical writing measure
$
55
Paper-Based Test Hand Scoring
$
30
Score Reinstatement Fee
$
30
CONTENTS OF GRE
Test Overivew: Content of the GRE
In all cases the Analytical Writing section is the first section of the test, followed by a 10 minute break. After the break, there are 3 sections, one of which is an experimental section, which is not scored. The experimental section is used by ETS to test new questions for use in future tests. When taking the test, you will have either 1 verbal and 2 math sections, or 2 verbal and 1 math section. You won’t be able to tell which section is the experimental section because it will look like the real section, so just be sure to do your best on all the parts of the test. Because now the ETS is testing its new test format which will be used starting November 2007, it is in certain cases possible to tell which section is experimental and which section is not. If you are allowed to use an on-screen calculator for the math section or there are no antonyms on the verbal section, then you are definitely taking an experimental section.
Analytical Writing
2 essays, 45 minutes and 30 minutesThe writing section of the GRE is meant to gauge analytical reasoning, organization, and analysis skills. The two essays include an issue essay and an argument essay. There are no right or wrong answers to the essay questions, and the essays will be read and scored by 2 (and possibly 3) readers. For more information about the essay section, and for writing tips, go to the essay tutorial section.
Break
10 minutes
Verbal
30 questions, 30 minutesIncludes 5-7 sentence completion questions, 8-10 antonym questions, 6-8 analogy questions, and 6-10 reading comprehension questions based on 2-4 reading passages. For more information on each of these question types, please see that tutorial chapter.
Math
28 questions, 45 minutesApproximately 10 of the questions are problem solving questions (the standard word problem, multiple choice questions), 14 are quantitative comparison questions, and 4 are data interpretation questions. For more information about the quantitative reasoning questions, please proceed to the appropriate tutorial.
Experimental Section*
You will have a fourth, experimental section that will either be a math or a verbal section. You will know if you were given a math or verbal experimental section because you will have two of those sections during the test, but you won’t know which of two identical sections will be experimental. The experimental section does not count toward your score and can be the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd section after the break. The experimental section is used by ETS to test new questions.*In the above example, the experimental section is the last section, but the order of the sections can be any of several combinations. For example, your test may be math-math-verbal, or verbal-math-verbal, or verbal-verbal-math, etc.
TEST OVERVIEW
Test Overivew
The GRE general test is meant to gauge your overall academic ability and is the standard test for admission to non-business schools. However, not all graduate schools or programs require the general GRE test. Some schools and programs also require various subject tests, so check with your choice of schools to make sure which test(s) you need to take. The general GRE test does NOT test specific facts or knowledge that you may have learned in any one class. The GRE general test is administered as a computer adaptive test (CAT), and can be taken at various testing facilities. The test keeps track of your performance and gives you questions that it thinks you have about a 50% chance of getting right.Because the GRE is a computer adaptive test, it is substantially different from equivalent, paper-based tests. Most importantly, you cannot skip around to various questions, but instead you must answer the question that is currently on the screen and you must confirm that you are sure of your answer choice before going on to the next question. Once you confirm an answer, you cannot go back to change your answer, and a new question is shown. When you confirm your answer for a question, the next question will be slightly harder or slightly easier than the previous question, depending on whether you got the previous question right or wrong. Initially, on question 1, the computer assumes that your score is average, somewhere between 450 and 600, depending on whether you are on the verbal or math section. As you progressively answer more and more questions, the computer will choose the questions that best suit your ability level. Don’t worry about trying to figure out if the question that you are on is easy or hard – just be sure to do your best. Even if you do know if the question is hard or easy, does it really matter? Although the test is administered on a computer, no special computer knowledge is required. For your convenience, the first part of the GRE involves a tutorial on how to use the computer to answer questions and write the essays. Take as much time as you need with the computer tutorial to get acquainted with the computer interface and the use of the mouse. Because the GRE is a CAT test, timing and strategy are crucial.
EXCELLENT GUIDES 4 GRE....................
Free online GRE tests
http://www.graduateshotline.com/gre/test.html
http://testprepreview.com/gre_practice.htm
http://www.number2.com/
http://www.syvum.com/gre/
http://www.english-test.net/gre/
http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=11
http://tester.review.com/
http://www.petersons.com/testprep/practice_test.asp?id=1295&sponsor=1&path=gr.pft.gre
http://www.greguide.com/gre-practice-tests.html
http://www.graduateshotline.com/gre/test.html
http://testprepreview.com/gre_practice.htm
http://www.number2.com/
http://www.syvum.com/gre/
http://www.english-test.net/gre/
http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=11
http://tester.review.com/
http://www.petersons.com/testprep/practice_test.asp?id=1295&sponsor=1&path=gr.pft.gre
http://www.greguide.com/gre-practice-tests.html
ALL ABOUT BARRONS......................
Memorise Barron's 3500 words in a Few hours
Memorise Barron's 3500 words in a Few hoursA modest journey that started from a few difficult words. Now it is taking a gargantuan step towards realising a dream to score 1500+ in GRE.Started and nurtured by a group of alumni from top schools of India and abroad under the patronage of Mr. Shyam, CEO Achievers Point.You can memorise GRE words using pictures , Movie clips, Funny stories, Word games etc. What more ? We are trying to deliver all these absolutely FREE. We have also created a website named www.greword.com .
Memorise Barron's 3500 words in a Few hoursA modest journey that started from a few difficult words. Now it is taking a gargantuan step towards realising a dream to score 1500+ in GRE.Started and nurtured by a group of alumni from top schools of India and abroad under the patronage of Mr. Shyam, CEO Achievers Point.You can memorise GRE words using pictures , Movie clips, Funny stories, Word games etc. What more ? We are trying to deliver all these absolutely FREE. We have also created a website named www.greword.com .
US NEWS...............COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Engineering Specialties: Computer Engineering
Rank/School
Average assessment
score (5.0=highest)
1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
5
2
Stanford University (CA)
4.9
3
University of California–Berkeley
4.8
4
Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
4.7
University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
4.7
6
California Institute of Technology
4.2
Georgia Institute of Technology
4.2
Princeton University (NJ)
4.2
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
4.2
University of Texas–Austin
4.2
11
Cornell University (NY)
4
Purdue University–West Lafayette (IN)
4
13
University of California–Los Angeles (Samueli)
3.8
University of Southern California (Viterbi)
3.8
University of Washington
3.8
University of Wisconsin–Madison
3.8
17
University of California–San Diego (Jacobs)
3.7
18
University of Maryland–College Park (Clark)
3.6
University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
3.6
20
Columbia University (Fu Foundation) (NY)
3.5
Pennsylvania State University–University Park
3.5
Rice University (Brown) (TX)
3.5
23
Harvard University (MA)
3.4
Ohio State University
3.4
25
Northwestern University (McCormick) (IL)
3.3
Texas A&M University–College Station (Look)
3.3
University of Pennsylvania
3.3
University of Virginia
3.3
29
Brown University (RI)
3.2
Johns Hopkins University (Whiting) (MD)
3.2
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY)
3.2
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey–New Brunswick
3.2
University of California–Santa Barbara
3.2
University of Massachusetts–Amherst
3.2
Virginia Tech
3.2
Washington University in St. Louis (Sever)
3.2
37
North Carolina State University
3.1
University of Arizona
3.1
University of California–Davis
3.1
University of California–Irvine (Samueli)
3.1
University of Colorado–Boulder
3.1
University of Florida
3.1
43
Arizona State University (Fulton)
3
Iowa State University
3
Vanderbilt University (TN)
3
46
Boston University
2.9
Case Western Reserve University (OH)
2.9
Dartmouth College (Thayer) (NH)
2.9
Michigan State University
2.9
SUNY–Stony Brook
2.9
University of Notre Dame (IN)
2.9
University of Rochester (NY)
2.9
53
Auburn University (Ginn) (AL)
2.8
Oregon State University
2.8
University of Utah
2.8
56
Clemson University (SC)
2.7
Northeastern University (MA)
2.7
Syracuse University (NY)
2.7
University at Buffalo–SUNY
2.7
University of Illinois–Chicago
2.7
University of Iowa
2.7
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)
2.7
63
Lehigh University (Rossin) (PA)
2.6
Polytechnic University (NY)
2.6
University of Maryland–Baltimore County
2.6
University of New Mexico
2.6
University of Texas–Dallas (Jonsson)
2.6
68
Drexel University (PA)
2.5
George Mason University (Volgenau) (VA)
2.5
University of California–Riverside (Bourns)
2.5
University of Central Florida
2.5
University of Cincinnati
2.5
University of Connecticut
2.5
University of Delaware
2.5
University of Missouri–Columbia
2.5
University of Missouri–Rolla
2.5
University of Tennessee–Knoxville
2.5
JOKE.................NJOI
GRE Student Vs Normal Person
GRE Student vs Normal PersonA NORMAL PERSON : People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.GRE STUDENT : Individuals who make their abodes in vitreous edifices would be advised to refrain from catapulting perilous projectiles.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Twinkle, twinkle, little starGRE STUDENT : Scintillate, scintillate, asteroid minim.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : All that glitters is not gold.GRE STUDENT: All articles that coruscate with resplendence are not truly auriferous.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Beggars are not choosersGRE STUDENT : Sorting on the part of mendicants must be interdicted.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Dead men tell no talesGRE STUDENT : Male cadavers are incapable of rendering any testimony.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Beginner's luckGRE STUDENT : Neophyte's serendipity.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : A rolling stone gathers no mossGRE STUDENT : A revolving lithic conglomerate accumulates no congeries of small, green, biophytic plant.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Birds of a feather flock togetherGRE STUDENT: Members of an avian species of identical plumage tend to congregate.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Beauty is only skin deepGRE STUDENT : Pulchritude possesses solely cutaneous profundity.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Cleanliness is godlinessGRE STUDENT : Freedom from incrustations of grime is contiguous to rectitude.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : There's no use crying over spilt milkGRE STUDENT : It is fruitless to become lachrymose of precipitately departed lactile fluid.**********
GRE Student vs Normal PersonA NORMAL PERSON : People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.GRE STUDENT : Individuals who make their abodes in vitreous edifices would be advised to refrain from catapulting perilous projectiles.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Twinkle, twinkle, little starGRE STUDENT : Scintillate, scintillate, asteroid minim.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : All that glitters is not gold.GRE STUDENT: All articles that coruscate with resplendence are not truly auriferous.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Beggars are not choosersGRE STUDENT : Sorting on the part of mendicants must be interdicted.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Dead men tell no talesGRE STUDENT : Male cadavers are incapable of rendering any testimony.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Beginner's luckGRE STUDENT : Neophyte's serendipity.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : A rolling stone gathers no mossGRE STUDENT : A revolving lithic conglomerate accumulates no congeries of small, green, biophytic plant.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Birds of a feather flock togetherGRE STUDENT: Members of an avian species of identical plumage tend to congregate.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Beauty is only skin deepGRE STUDENT : Pulchritude possesses solely cutaneous profundity.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : Cleanliness is godlinessGRE STUDENT : Freedom from incrustations of grime is contiguous to rectitude.*******************************************************NORMAL PERSON : There's no use crying over spilt milkGRE STUDENT : It is fruitless to become lachrymose of precipitately departed lactile fluid.**********
CHECK TIZ................
G.R.E.
Everything about Graduate Record Examination GRE
Looking for Information about GRE (Newbie)http://career-assessments.blogspot.com/2008/01/graduate-record-examination-gre-newbies.html
Everything about Graduate Record Examination GRE
Looking for Information about GRE (Newbie)http://career-assessments.blogspot.com/2008/01/graduate-record-examination-gre-newbies.html
VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FROM REPUTED INSTITUTES
1) If both x and y are prime numbers, which of the following CANNOT be the difference of x and y?
(A) 1(B) 3(C) 9(D) 15(E) 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer: Choice E is correct. This problem is solved fastest by process of elimination. Both 2 and 3 are prime and their difference is one (Eliminate Choice A). Both 5 and 2 are prime and their difference is 3 (Eliminate Choice B). Both 11 and 2 are prime and their difference is 9 (Eliminate C). Both 17 and 2 are prime and their difference is 15 (Eliminate D).
2) Car X and Car Y are five miles apart and are on a collision course. Car X is driving directly north and Car Y is driving directly east. If the point of impact is one mile closer to the current position of Car X than to the current position of Car Y, how many miles away from the point of impact is Car Y at this time?
(A) 1(B) 2(C) 3(D) 4(E) 5
Answer: Choice D is correct. This problem can be solved by using the Pythagorean theorem as Cars X and Y are 5 miles apart, which is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Let d be the distance Car Y is from the point of collision. Then the distance Car X is from the collision is d-1. Solving for D: dd + (d-1)(d-1) = 25, d=4, -3. Since d denotes distance, we reject -3 as a valid answer. ) In the diagram above, AD = BE = 6 and CD = 3(BC). If AE = 8, then BC = ?
(A) 6(B) 4(C) 3(D) 2(E) 1
Answer: Choice E is correct. Since AE is a line segment and all the lengths are additive, AE = AD + DE. We know that AD = 6 and AE = 8. So DE = AE - AD = 8 - 6 = 2. We also know that BE = 6. So BD = BE - DE = 6 - 2 = 4. We know BD is 4, but need to find BC.
Since CD = 3(BC), we can solve for BC: x + 3x = 4. x = 1.
4) If the length of rectangle A is one-half the length of rectangle B, and the width of rectangle A is one-half the width of rectangle B, what is the ratio of the area of rectangle A to the area of rectangle B?
(A) 1/4(B) 1/2(C) 1/1(D) 2/1(E) 4/1
Answer: Choice A is correct. This problem includes a common mistake: the ratio of areas is NOT the same as the ratio of lengths. Instead, the ratio of areas for similar polygons is equal to the square of the lengths of the lengths. If we use 4 and 2 as the length and width for rectangle A, its area is 8. Rectangle B would have an area of (8)(4) = 32, four times that of A.
5) If the area of a rectangle is 12, what is its perimeter?
(A) 7(B) 8(C) 14(D) 16(E) It cannot be determined from the information given.
Answer: Choice E is correct. The area of a rectangle does not tell us much about the perimeter. We can try substituting values for it, but more than one perimeter is possible based on the information given6) A cube and a rectangular solid are equal in volume. If the length of the edges of the rectangular solid are 4, 8, and 16, what is the length of an edge of the cube?
(A) 4(B) 8(C) 12(D) 16(E) 64
Answer: Choice B is correct. We have all of the dimensions to calculate the volume of the rectangular solid, which is 16 x 8 x 4. This is also the volume of the cube. So, the length of an edge of the cube is the cubic root of (16 x 8 x 4), or 87) The distance between Athens and Carthage is 120 miles. A car travels from Athens to Carthage at 60 miles per hour and returns from Carthage to Athens along the same route at 40 miles per hour. What is the average speed for the round trip?
(A) 48(B) 50(C) 52(D) 56(E) 58
Answer: Choice A is correct. Average speed = Total distance / Total time. A car traveling at 40 mph will cover 120 miles in 3 hours. A car traveling at 60 mph covers the same 120 miles in 2 hours. The total travel time is therefore 5 hours.
For the entire round trip, the average speed = (120 + 120) / 5 = 48 mph.
8) If w is 10% less than x, and y is 30% less than z, they wy is what percent less than xz?
(A) 10%(B) 20%(C) 37%(D) 40%(E) 100%
Answer: Choice C is correct. We solve using simple equations:w is 10% less than x w = x - 0.10x, or w = 0.9x y is 30% less than z y = z - 0.30z, or y = 0.7zwy = (0.9x)(0.7z) = 0.63xz , or xz - 0.37xz
9) How many different ways can three cubic boxes be painted if each box is painted one color and only the three colors pink, orange and yellow are available? (Order is not considered, ie, pink/orange/pink is considered the same as pink/pink/orange).
(A) 2(B) 3(C) 9(D) 10(E) 27
Answer: Choice D is correct. There are theoretically 27 color combinations (3 x 3 x 3), without restriction. If order is not considered, then there are just 10 distinct color combinations available.PPP YYY OOOPPY YYP OOPPPO YYO OOYPYO YPY OPYPYY YPP OPPPYP YPO OPOPOO YOY OYYPOY YOP OYPPOP YOO OYO
10) If x is an integer and y = -2x - 8, what is the least value of x for which y is less than 9?
(A) -9(B) -8(C) -7(D) -6(E) -5
Answer: Choice B is correct. From the wquation given, we simplify to: -2x-8 <> -8.5, or x = -8.11) If w is 10% less than x, and y is 30% less than z, they wy is what percent less than xz?
(A) 10%(B) 20%(C) 37%(D) 40%(E) 100%
Answer: Choice E is correct. When we sketch the points on a graph, we note that Points A, B and C form a right triangle ACB. To find the perimeter, we find the lengths of the three sides and add them together. A (-2, 7) B (3,- 5) C (-2, -5)AC = 7-(-5) = 12BC = 3 - (-2) = 5Using the Pythagorean theorem to solve for hypotenuse AB, AB squared = (12)(12) + (5)(5) = 13 = ABPerimeter = 12 + 13 + 5 = 30
12) In the repeating decimal 0.097531097531...., what is the 44th digit to the right of the decimal point?
(A) 0(B) 1(C) 3(D) 7(E) 9
Answer: Choice E is correct. The pattern is the same 6 numbers in the same order: 0,9,7,5,3 and 1. The 44th digit will be a 9.
13) What is the greatest integer that will always evenly divide the sum of three consecutive even integers?
(A) 2(B) 3(C) 4(D) 6(E) 12
Answer: Choice D is correct. We can solve this by working with actual numbers. Starting with zero, we see that the sum is always a multiple of 6:0 + 2 + 4 = 6, 2 + 4 + 6 = 12, 4 + 6 + 8 = 18 , 6 + 8 + 10 = 24, etc.
14) Decorative ribbon is cut into three equal parts. The resulting segments are then cut into 4, 6 and 8 equal parts, respectively. If each of the resulting pieces has an integer length, what is the minimum length of the ribbon?
(A) 24(B) 36(C) 48(D) 54(E) 72
Answer: Choice E is correct. Since the ribbon is cut into three equal parts, the minimum length is a multiple of three. Since one of the three pieces is then divided evenly into 8 pieces, the length of the ribbon must be at least (3)(8), or 24. Another piece is cut evenly into 6 pieces. Thus, we seek the least common multiple of 6 and 8. The smallest common multiple of 6 and 8 is 24, so the minimum length of the ribbon is 3(24) = 72.
15) The average (mean) of six numbers is 6. If 3 is subtracted from each of four of the numbers, what is the new average?
(A) 3/2(B) 2(C) 3(D) 4(E) 9/2
Answer: Choice D is correct. If 6 numbers have an average of 6, their sum is 36. Subtracting 3 from 4 of the numbers removes 3(4), or 12 from the sum. The new sum is 24 and the new mean is 24/6 = 4.
16) If chocolate, nuts and caramel are to be mixed in the ratio 3:5:7 respectively, and 5 tons of chocolate are available, how many tons of the mixture can be made? (Assume there is enough nuts and caramel to use all the chocolate.)
(A) 15(B) 20(C) 25(D) 30(E) 75
Answer: Choice C is correct. Since the ratio of chocolate to nuts to caramel is 3:5:7, for every three portions of chocolate we add, we get 3 + 5 + 7 or 15 portions of the mixture. Thus, the formula gives 15/3 or 5 times as much mixture as chocolate. If we have 5 tons of chocolate, we can make 5 x 5 or 25 tons of the mixture
17) If the degree measures of two angles of an isosceles triangle are in ther ratio 1:3, what is the degree measure of the largest angle if it is not a base angle?
(A) 26 degrees (B) 36 degrees (C) 51 degrees (D) 92 degrees (E) 108 degrees Answer: Choice E is correct. Let x denote the base angles and y denote the largest angle. We know that x/y = 1/3, or y = 3x. We also know that x + x + y = 180. Combining equations, we have: 2x + 3x = 180, or x = 36. Since y is 3 times 18) x(x - y) - z(x - y) =
(A) x - y(B) x - z(C) (x - y)(x - z)(D) (x - y)(x + z)(E) (x - y)(z - x)
Answer: Choice C is correct. since (x - y) is a common factor, we factor it out:x(x - y) - z(x - y) = (x - y)(x - z)
19) A stock decreases in value by 20 percent. By what percent must the stock price increase to reach its former value?
(A) 15%(B) 20%(C) 25%(D) 30%(E) 40%
Answer: Choice C is correct. Although the stock must increase and decrese by the same amount, it does not increase and decrease by the same percent. When the stock first decreased, the amount of change was part of a larger whole. Let's solve this by using $100 as the initial price of the stock:
The 20% decrease reduced the stock price to $80. For the stock to reach $100 again, there must be a $20 increase. $20 is what % of $80? 20/80 x 100 = 25%.
20) The population of a certain town increases by 50 percent every 50 years. If the population in 1950 was 810, in what year was the population 160?
(A) 1650(B) 1700(C) 1750(D) 1800(E) 1850
Answer: Choice C is correct. The population in 1950 was 150% (or 3/2) the 1900 population, making the 1900 population 2/3 of that in 1950. Simply multiply the population number by 2/3 every 50 years, down to 160 (for 1750).
810 (2/3) = 540 (2/3) = 360 (2/3) = 240 (2/3) = 160
1950 in 1900 in 1850 in 1800 in 1750
(A) 1(B) 3(C) 9(D) 15(E) 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer: Choice E is correct. This problem is solved fastest by process of elimination. Both 2 and 3 are prime and their difference is one (Eliminate Choice A). Both 5 and 2 are prime and their difference is 3 (Eliminate Choice B). Both 11 and 2 are prime and their difference is 9 (Eliminate C). Both 17 and 2 are prime and their difference is 15 (Eliminate D).
2) Car X and Car Y are five miles apart and are on a collision course. Car X is driving directly north and Car Y is driving directly east. If the point of impact is one mile closer to the current position of Car X than to the current position of Car Y, how many miles away from the point of impact is Car Y at this time?
(A) 1(B) 2(C) 3(D) 4(E) 5
Answer: Choice D is correct. This problem can be solved by using the Pythagorean theorem as Cars X and Y are 5 miles apart, which is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Let d be the distance Car Y is from the point of collision. Then the distance Car X is from the collision is d-1. Solving for D: dd + (d-1)(d-1) = 25, d=4, -3. Since d denotes distance, we reject -3 as a valid answer. ) In the diagram above, AD = BE = 6 and CD = 3(BC). If AE = 8, then BC = ?
(A) 6(B) 4(C) 3(D) 2(E) 1
Answer: Choice E is correct. Since AE is a line segment and all the lengths are additive, AE = AD + DE. We know that AD = 6 and AE = 8. So DE = AE - AD = 8 - 6 = 2. We also know that BE = 6. So BD = BE - DE = 6 - 2 = 4. We know BD is 4, but need to find BC.
Since CD = 3(BC), we can solve for BC: x + 3x = 4. x = 1.
4) If the length of rectangle A is one-half the length of rectangle B, and the width of rectangle A is one-half the width of rectangle B, what is the ratio of the area of rectangle A to the area of rectangle B?
(A) 1/4(B) 1/2(C) 1/1(D) 2/1(E) 4/1
Answer: Choice A is correct. This problem includes a common mistake: the ratio of areas is NOT the same as the ratio of lengths. Instead, the ratio of areas for similar polygons is equal to the square of the lengths of the lengths. If we use 4 and 2 as the length and width for rectangle A, its area is 8. Rectangle B would have an area of (8)(4) = 32, four times that of A.
5) If the area of a rectangle is 12, what is its perimeter?
(A) 7(B) 8(C) 14(D) 16(E) It cannot be determined from the information given.
Answer: Choice E is correct. The area of a rectangle does not tell us much about the perimeter. We can try substituting values for it, but more than one perimeter is possible based on the information given6) A cube and a rectangular solid are equal in volume. If the length of the edges of the rectangular solid are 4, 8, and 16, what is the length of an edge of the cube?
(A) 4(B) 8(C) 12(D) 16(E) 64
Answer: Choice B is correct. We have all of the dimensions to calculate the volume of the rectangular solid, which is 16 x 8 x 4. This is also the volume of the cube. So, the length of an edge of the cube is the cubic root of (16 x 8 x 4), or 87) The distance between Athens and Carthage is 120 miles. A car travels from Athens to Carthage at 60 miles per hour and returns from Carthage to Athens along the same route at 40 miles per hour. What is the average speed for the round trip?
(A) 48(B) 50(C) 52(D) 56(E) 58
Answer: Choice A is correct. Average speed = Total distance / Total time. A car traveling at 40 mph will cover 120 miles in 3 hours. A car traveling at 60 mph covers the same 120 miles in 2 hours. The total travel time is therefore 5 hours.
For the entire round trip, the average speed = (120 + 120) / 5 = 48 mph.
8) If w is 10% less than x, and y is 30% less than z, they wy is what percent less than xz?
(A) 10%(B) 20%(C) 37%(D) 40%(E) 100%
Answer: Choice C is correct. We solve using simple equations:w is 10% less than x w = x - 0.10x, or w = 0.9x y is 30% less than z y = z - 0.30z, or y = 0.7zwy = (0.9x)(0.7z) = 0.63xz , or xz - 0.37xz
9) How many different ways can three cubic boxes be painted if each box is painted one color and only the three colors pink, orange and yellow are available? (Order is not considered, ie, pink/orange/pink is considered the same as pink/pink/orange).
(A) 2(B) 3(C) 9(D) 10(E) 27
Answer: Choice D is correct. There are theoretically 27 color combinations (3 x 3 x 3), without restriction. If order is not considered, then there are just 10 distinct color combinations available.PPP YYY OOOPPY YYP OOPPPO YYO OOYPYO YPY OPYPYY YPP OPPPYP YPO OPOPOO YOY OYYPOY YOP OYPPOP YOO OYO
10) If x is an integer and y = -2x - 8, what is the least value of x for which y is less than 9?
(A) -9(B) -8(C) -7(D) -6(E) -5
Answer: Choice B is correct. From the wquation given, we simplify to: -2x-8 <> -8.5, or x = -8.11) If w is 10% less than x, and y is 30% less than z, they wy is what percent less than xz?
(A) 10%(B) 20%(C) 37%(D) 40%(E) 100%
Answer: Choice E is correct. When we sketch the points on a graph, we note that Points A, B and C form a right triangle ACB. To find the perimeter, we find the lengths of the three sides and add them together. A (-2, 7) B (3,- 5) C (-2, -5)AC = 7-(-5) = 12BC = 3 - (-2) = 5Using the Pythagorean theorem to solve for hypotenuse AB, AB squared = (12)(12) + (5)(5) = 13 = ABPerimeter = 12 + 13 + 5 = 30
12) In the repeating decimal 0.097531097531...., what is the 44th digit to the right of the decimal point?
(A) 0(B) 1(C) 3(D) 7(E) 9
Answer: Choice E is correct. The pattern is the same 6 numbers in the same order: 0,9,7,5,3 and 1. The 44th digit will be a 9.
13) What is the greatest integer that will always evenly divide the sum of three consecutive even integers?
(A) 2(B) 3(C) 4(D) 6(E) 12
Answer: Choice D is correct. We can solve this by working with actual numbers. Starting with zero, we see that the sum is always a multiple of 6:0 + 2 + 4 = 6, 2 + 4 + 6 = 12, 4 + 6 + 8 = 18 , 6 + 8 + 10 = 24, etc.
14) Decorative ribbon is cut into three equal parts. The resulting segments are then cut into 4, 6 and 8 equal parts, respectively. If each of the resulting pieces has an integer length, what is the minimum length of the ribbon?
(A) 24(B) 36(C) 48(D) 54(E) 72
Answer: Choice E is correct. Since the ribbon is cut into three equal parts, the minimum length is a multiple of three. Since one of the three pieces is then divided evenly into 8 pieces, the length of the ribbon must be at least (3)(8), or 24. Another piece is cut evenly into 6 pieces. Thus, we seek the least common multiple of 6 and 8. The smallest common multiple of 6 and 8 is 24, so the minimum length of the ribbon is 3(24) = 72.
15) The average (mean) of six numbers is 6. If 3 is subtracted from each of four of the numbers, what is the new average?
(A) 3/2(B) 2(C) 3(D) 4(E) 9/2
Answer: Choice D is correct. If 6 numbers have an average of 6, their sum is 36. Subtracting 3 from 4 of the numbers removes 3(4), or 12 from the sum. The new sum is 24 and the new mean is 24/6 = 4.
16) If chocolate, nuts and caramel are to be mixed in the ratio 3:5:7 respectively, and 5 tons of chocolate are available, how many tons of the mixture can be made? (Assume there is enough nuts and caramel to use all the chocolate.)
(A) 15(B) 20(C) 25(D) 30(E) 75
Answer: Choice C is correct. Since the ratio of chocolate to nuts to caramel is 3:5:7, for every three portions of chocolate we add, we get 3 + 5 + 7 or 15 portions of the mixture. Thus, the formula gives 15/3 or 5 times as much mixture as chocolate. If we have 5 tons of chocolate, we can make 5 x 5 or 25 tons of the mixture
17) If the degree measures of two angles of an isosceles triangle are in ther ratio 1:3, what is the degree measure of the largest angle if it is not a base angle?
(A) 26 degrees (B) 36 degrees (C) 51 degrees (D) 92 degrees (E) 108 degrees Answer: Choice E is correct. Let x denote the base angles and y denote the largest angle. We know that x/y = 1/3, or y = 3x. We also know that x + x + y = 180. Combining equations, we have: 2x + 3x = 180, or x = 36. Since y is 3 times 18) x(x - y) - z(x - y) =
(A) x - y(B) x - z(C) (x - y)(x - z)(D) (x - y)(x + z)(E) (x - y)(z - x)
Answer: Choice C is correct. since (x - y) is a common factor, we factor it out:x(x - y) - z(x - y) = (x - y)(x - z)
19) A stock decreases in value by 20 percent. By what percent must the stock price increase to reach its former value?
(A) 15%(B) 20%(C) 25%(D) 30%(E) 40%
Answer: Choice C is correct. Although the stock must increase and decrese by the same amount, it does not increase and decrease by the same percent. When the stock first decreased, the amount of change was part of a larger whole. Let's solve this by using $100 as the initial price of the stock:
The 20% decrease reduced the stock price to $80. For the stock to reach $100 again, there must be a $20 increase. $20 is what % of $80? 20/80 x 100 = 25%.
20) The population of a certain town increases by 50 percent every 50 years. If the population in 1950 was 810, in what year was the population 160?
(A) 1650(B) 1700(C) 1750(D) 1800(E) 1850
Answer: Choice C is correct. The population in 1950 was 150% (or 3/2) the 1900 population, making the 1900 population 2/3 of that in 1950. Simply multiply the population number by 2/3 every 50 years, down to 160 (for 1750).
810 (2/3) = 540 (2/3) = 360 (2/3) = 240 (2/3) = 160
1950 in 1900 in 1850 in 1800 in 1750
WRITING GRE FROM USA
Published in the USA
The Analytical Writing Assessment requires candidates to respond to two essay questions within 60 minutes:
1) Analysis of an Issue, which asks candidates to discuss the complexities of an issue and take a position on the subject (30 minutes)
2) Analysis of an Argument, which asks candidates to evaluate an argument or critique a line of reasoning (30 minutes)
The AWA is completed first on the testing day, before the Verbal or Quantitative sections of the exam. Candidates have the benefit of writing while they still feel fresh and energetic.
MBA programs increasingly value applicants who have excellent communication skills. In a typical managerial career, leaders are frequently required to quickly summarize their thoughts in writing. The AWA is designed to evaluate the ability to reason quickly and to respond coherently. Because of the unique pressures on testing day, most admissions officers understand that the AWA is a first draft written under stressful conditions. Yet top level schools DO evaluate the writing samples during the admissions process, comparing a candidate's writing skills to others with similar credentials.
Do your best to show that you have:
a) excellent reasoning skills
b) good writing skills
c) the ability to quickly organize your thoughts
d) the ability to produce a coherent essay in the required timeframe
Grading Scale
Each of your essays will be graded by a reader and assigned a score between 0 and 6. The score is assigned based on the general impact of the writing on the reader. The following criteria define each score:
Outstanding (6): a cohesive, well-articulated discussion of the issue/argument with demonstrated mastery of the elements of effective writing. Contains insightful reasoning and/or persuasive examples. Varies sentence structure and vocabulary appropriate to the subject. Superior use of grammar and mechanics.
Adequate (4): presents a competent discussion of the issue/argument. Expresses ideas clearly with adequate organization. May lack sentence variety and show some flaws in grammar and/or mechanics.
Poor (1 -2): Weak or deficient in basic writing skills. Provides little evidence of the ability to understand or analyze the argument/issue. Unfocused and disorganized. Severe and persistent errors in language and sentence structure.
The Directions:
Here are the directions for the Analysis of an Issue topic:
Directions: Analyze and present your point of view on the issue described below. There is no "right" point of view. In developing your point of view, you should consider the issue from a number of different viewpoints. Read the statement below and the directions that follow it.
The Analysis of an Argument topic gives these directions:
Directions: Provide a critique of the argument below. Focus on one or all of the following, depending upon your considered opinion of the argument: questionable assumptions underlying the reasoning, alternative explanations or evidence that would weaken the reasoning, additional information that would support or weaken the argument. Read the statement below and the directions that follow it.
For each essay, candidates have 30 minutes to make a written case. Regardless of the topic chosen, no specific knowledge of any academic area is required. Your proctor will provide a pen and a piece of scrap paper to plan or outline your response before you actually write it. Your essay must be confined to the space provided, which is one sheet of standard lined paper. We recommend that you limit your response to two or three concise paragraphs. Because you only have a short time and a limited space to write, plan your argument carefully before beginning to write. Be legible and neat.
Analysis of an Issue
The Analysis of an Issue requires candidates to analyze a subject, take an informed position and explain that position in writing. The topic will include two basic parts: the stimulus and the question stem. The stimulus is the first paragraph, which contains the information for you to analyze. The question stem tells what tasks to perform. Here's an actual example:
Many assert that children home schooled by their parents will be both more productive and happier than peers who attend school in traditional classrooms. But others assert that the close supervision and social dynamics of a classroom are necessary to ensure productivity and to develop superior interpersonal skills.
Which argument do you find more compelling, the case for home schooling or the opposing viewpoint? Explain your viewpoint using relevant examples drawn from your own experience, observations or reading.
In this case, the stimulus includes two sentences that discuss two points of view on home schooling. The question stem asks which viewpoint you find more compelling. Your task is to explain your position using reasons or examples.
Writing Tips for Issues
1) Quickly interpret the issue. Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision.
2) Use scrap paper to outline your essay. While there isn't time to write a formal first draft, make a rudimentary outline, listing the points you want to make in each paragraph. Ideally, you should know what you want to say and how you want to say it before you start writing the actual essay.
3) Don't waste valuable time trying to decide which side to take. In every case, the alternatives will be evenly matched, with no "right" or "wrong" choice. You will be evaluated strictly by how well you support your choice with reasoning and evidence.
4) Get to the point immediately. Your first sentence should offer a solid endorsement of one choice over the other. Don't waste any time or space rehashing the scenario and the alternatives (assume your audience already knows this).
5) Use a a simple format. We recommend a two-paragraph approach:
a) the first paragraph begins by stating your choice and then discusses why that option is he
superior.
b) the second paragraph explains why the alternative is not as good, and ends with a concluding sentence reaffirming your decision.
Make sure that each paragraph sticks to one main theme. The more organized your essay, the more persuasive it will be.
6) Acknowledge the weakness of the side you chose, along with the strengths of the un-chosen option. Discussing both sides of the issue shows that you see the full picture. Recognizing and dealing with possible objections makes your argument stronger. Always provide evidence for your claims, and avoid making unsupported assertions.
7) Don't restate the situation, alternatives, and criteria in your introduction. State your choice and the reasons behind it. Offer an interpretation in light of the stated criteria. It's up to you to indicate why certain facts are positive or negative factors.
8) Write in a calm, rational, objective tone. Don't take an extreme position.
9) Make your writing flawless, with correct spelling, grammar and writing mechanics. Write
legibly. Choose simple, everyday vocabulary and syntax with which you're comfortable.
10) Budget your time wisely. We recommend spending five minutes reading the issue, making a decision and planning the essay. Use scrap paper to jot down a quick outline of the points you intend to make. Then spend about 20 minutes writing the essay. This leaves about five minutes at the end to proofread for spelling and grammar.
11) Make sure you finish your essay, as it demonstrates your organization and time-
management skills.
Sample Essay: Analysis of an Issue
The President has advocated the threat of death sentences to induce confessions from suspects with associations to known terrorist groups. But congressional opponents assert that this policy will only frighten these accomplices, thus making their terrorist leaders even more aggressive.
Which argument do you find more compelling, the case for the imposition of death sentences or the opposing viewpoint? Explain your position using relevant reasons or examples taken from your own experience, observations, or reading.
I support the President's imposition of death sentences against suspects with known associations to terrorist groups. Violent hate groups seldom reform without a powerful incentive. Despite their hideous crimes, the Taliban members who bombed the World Trade Center in 1993 have not been executed. They are serving life sentences in US prisons and continue to spew anti-American rhetoric at our government's expense. Many suspect that the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001 were conceived and organized by these convicted prisoners. Likewise, Iranian terrorists serving life sentences continue to stimulate anti-American hatred throughout the Middle East.
Opponents of the President's policy claim that convicted terrorists are sources of valuable information that they can share only if they remain alive. Yet history suggests that these terrorists would rather die that turn against their leaders. The Malaysian terrorists who bombed the American Embassy in Kabul in 1996 swallowed poison rather than negotiate with FBI investigators. Since their 1989 capture, thirty imprisoned Iranian terrorists have refused to exchange information in return for a reduced sentence. Clearly, terrorists are prepared to die for their political causes and their survival offers no clear advantage to the US. Keeping terrorists alive simply gives them additional chances to hurt us.
This essay is short, cohesive and masterfully written. The author uses compelling examples to support her case, minimizing her own opinion. The organization, sentence structure and grammar are excellent. (Score = 6)
Analysis of an Argument
The stimulus and question stem of an Analysis of an Argument topic will resemble this:
The problem of poorly trained, overworked nurses that has plagued our state hospitals should become less serious in the near future. The state has initiated comprehensive guidelines that oblige nurses to complete a number of required credits at the graduate level before being licensed.
Explain low logically persuasive you find this argument. In discussing your viewpoint, analyze the argument's line of reasoning and its use of evidence. Also explain what, if anything, would make the argument more valid and convincing to help you to better evaluate its conclusion.
The stimulus in an Arguments topic is similar to arguments in the critical reasoning questions. The writer tries to convince you of something (his conclusion) by citing evidence. Look for assumptions, or specific ways the writer leaps from evidence to conclusion. The question stem will usually ask how compelling the argument is, along with your thoughts on how to improve it. Sometimes, the question takes the opposite approach, asking why the argument is NOT persuasive and what additional information would further weaken it. Either way, your task is to:
a) analyze the argument
b) evaluate its use of evidence
c) explain how a different approach or more information would make the argument better (or worse)
Writing Tips for Arguments
1) Take the argument apart, identifying the conclusion and evidence. Restate it in your own words.
2) Evaluate the argument's persuasiveness. Does it use evidence effectively to reach a conclusion? Are their gaps or flaws in the logic? Unwarranted assumptions?
3) Determine what additional evidence or information would increase the validity of the argument.
4) Use scrap paper to outline your essay. While there isn't time to write a formal first draft, make a rudimentary outline, listing the points you want to make in each paragraph. Ideally, you should know what you want to say and how you want to say it before you start writing the actual essay.
5) Get to the point immediately. Your first sentence should offer your assessment of the argument and its reasoning.
6) Thoroughly discuss the additional evidence required for the argument to be more persuasive. Show that you see the full picture. Always provide evidence for your claims, and avoid making unsupported assertions.
7) Write in a calm, rational, objective tone.
8) Make your writing flawless, with correct spelling, grammar and writing mechanics. Write legibly. Choose simple, everyday vocabulary and syntax with which you're comfortable.
9) Budget your time wisely. We recommend spending five minutes reading the argument, developing your strategy and planning the essay. Use scrap paper to jot down a quick outline of the points you intend to make. Then spend about 20 minutes writing the essay. This leaves about five minutes at the end to proofread for spelling and grammar.
10) Make sure you finish your essay, as it demonstrates your organization and time-management skills.
Sample Essay: Analysis of an Argument
Conjugal visits should not be discontinued in prisons housing dangerous felons, including death row inmates. Those convicted of serious crimes should serve their prison sentences, but should not be denied their right to basic human contact. Most violent criminals are comforted by touch and need to reinforce their positive bonds with their spouses and families. To deny them this basic human right is to deprive prisoners of a harmless outlet for releasing aggression and thus make them more dangerous.
Explain how logically persuasive you find this argument. In discussing your viewpoint, analyze the argument's line of reasoning and its use of evidence. Also explain what, if anything, would make the argument more valid and convincing or help you to better evaluate its conclusion.
The author concludes that imprisoned violent felons should be allowed conjugal visits with their spouses to satisfy their needs for basic human contact. His argument is that most violent criminals are comforted by touch and will be less aggressive if their sexual needs are satisfied. The author further suggests that these benefits should extend to death row inmates, who have no hope of eventual release or rehabilitation.
I detect two unwarranted assumptions in the author's reasoning. First, he assumes that convicted criminals retain their rights to intimate contact with their spouses while incarcerated. Clearly, this civil liberty is forfeited upon conviction and is an inherent part of an inmate's punishment. The author also assumes that providing an inmate with a harmless outlet for the release of aggression will make him less violent. Sadly, many felons who enjoy conjugal visits in prison commit violent crimes after their release. With a recidivism rate of almost 60%, our prisons are filled with repeat offenders.
The author could strengthen his argument by providing evidence that citizens who enjoy satisfactory intimate relationships are less likely to commit violent crimes. Alternatively, he could provide statistical evidence that inmates who enjoy conjugal visits in prison are more successfully rehabilitated than those who do not.
This essay is well-written and thought-out. The first paragraphs outline the argument effectively, noting the inconsistency between the conclusion and the evidence. The third paragraph offers compelling suggestions for improving the argument. The organization, sentence structure and grammar are excellent. (Score = 6)
General Writing Guidelines for Both Essays
1) Be succinct. Eliminate excess phrases and sentences that don't serve a purpose or add new information.
2) Watch your sentence flow. Vary your sentence structure, but avoid long, meandering sentences.
3) Avoid jargon and pompous language.
4) Use clear, specific language, rather than vague generalizations and abstractions.
5) Use strong sentence openings and effective transitions between paragraphs. Make your essay coherent and easy to follow.CHEERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Analytical Writing Assessment requires candidates to respond to two essay questions within 60 minutes:
1) Analysis of an Issue, which asks candidates to discuss the complexities of an issue and take a position on the subject (30 minutes)
2) Analysis of an Argument, which asks candidates to evaluate an argument or critique a line of reasoning (30 minutes)
The AWA is completed first on the testing day, before the Verbal or Quantitative sections of the exam. Candidates have the benefit of writing while they still feel fresh and energetic.
MBA programs increasingly value applicants who have excellent communication skills. In a typical managerial career, leaders are frequently required to quickly summarize their thoughts in writing. The AWA is designed to evaluate the ability to reason quickly and to respond coherently. Because of the unique pressures on testing day, most admissions officers understand that the AWA is a first draft written under stressful conditions. Yet top level schools DO evaluate the writing samples during the admissions process, comparing a candidate's writing skills to others with similar credentials.
Do your best to show that you have:
a) excellent reasoning skills
b) good writing skills
c) the ability to quickly organize your thoughts
d) the ability to produce a coherent essay in the required timeframe
Grading Scale
Each of your essays will be graded by a reader and assigned a score between 0 and 6. The score is assigned based on the general impact of the writing on the reader. The following criteria define each score:
Outstanding (6): a cohesive, well-articulated discussion of the issue/argument with demonstrated mastery of the elements of effective writing. Contains insightful reasoning and/or persuasive examples. Varies sentence structure and vocabulary appropriate to the subject. Superior use of grammar and mechanics.
Adequate (4): presents a competent discussion of the issue/argument. Expresses ideas clearly with adequate organization. May lack sentence variety and show some flaws in grammar and/or mechanics.
Poor (1 -2): Weak or deficient in basic writing skills. Provides little evidence of the ability to understand or analyze the argument/issue. Unfocused and disorganized. Severe and persistent errors in language and sentence structure.
The Directions:
Here are the directions for the Analysis of an Issue topic:
Directions: Analyze and present your point of view on the issue described below. There is no "right" point of view. In developing your point of view, you should consider the issue from a number of different viewpoints. Read the statement below and the directions that follow it.
The Analysis of an Argument topic gives these directions:
Directions: Provide a critique of the argument below. Focus on one or all of the following, depending upon your considered opinion of the argument: questionable assumptions underlying the reasoning, alternative explanations or evidence that would weaken the reasoning, additional information that would support or weaken the argument. Read the statement below and the directions that follow it.
For each essay, candidates have 30 minutes to make a written case. Regardless of the topic chosen, no specific knowledge of any academic area is required. Your proctor will provide a pen and a piece of scrap paper to plan or outline your response before you actually write it. Your essay must be confined to the space provided, which is one sheet of standard lined paper. We recommend that you limit your response to two or three concise paragraphs. Because you only have a short time and a limited space to write, plan your argument carefully before beginning to write. Be legible and neat.
Analysis of an Issue
The Analysis of an Issue requires candidates to analyze a subject, take an informed position and explain that position in writing. The topic will include two basic parts: the stimulus and the question stem. The stimulus is the first paragraph, which contains the information for you to analyze. The question stem tells what tasks to perform. Here's an actual example:
Many assert that children home schooled by their parents will be both more productive and happier than peers who attend school in traditional classrooms. But others assert that the close supervision and social dynamics of a classroom are necessary to ensure productivity and to develop superior interpersonal skills.
Which argument do you find more compelling, the case for home schooling or the opposing viewpoint? Explain your viewpoint using relevant examples drawn from your own experience, observations or reading.
In this case, the stimulus includes two sentences that discuss two points of view on home schooling. The question stem asks which viewpoint you find more compelling. Your task is to explain your position using reasons or examples.
Writing Tips for Issues
1) Quickly interpret the issue. Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision.
2) Use scrap paper to outline your essay. While there isn't time to write a formal first draft, make a rudimentary outline, listing the points you want to make in each paragraph. Ideally, you should know what you want to say and how you want to say it before you start writing the actual essay.
3) Don't waste valuable time trying to decide which side to take. In every case, the alternatives will be evenly matched, with no "right" or "wrong" choice. You will be evaluated strictly by how well you support your choice with reasoning and evidence.
4) Get to the point immediately. Your first sentence should offer a solid endorsement of one choice over the other. Don't waste any time or space rehashing the scenario and the alternatives (assume your audience already knows this).
5) Use a a simple format. We recommend a two-paragraph approach:
a) the first paragraph begins by stating your choice and then discusses why that option is he
superior.
b) the second paragraph explains why the alternative is not as good, and ends with a concluding sentence reaffirming your decision.
Make sure that each paragraph sticks to one main theme. The more organized your essay, the more persuasive it will be.
6) Acknowledge the weakness of the side you chose, along with the strengths of the un-chosen option. Discussing both sides of the issue shows that you see the full picture. Recognizing and dealing with possible objections makes your argument stronger. Always provide evidence for your claims, and avoid making unsupported assertions.
7) Don't restate the situation, alternatives, and criteria in your introduction. State your choice and the reasons behind it. Offer an interpretation in light of the stated criteria. It's up to you to indicate why certain facts are positive or negative factors.
8) Write in a calm, rational, objective tone. Don't take an extreme position.
9) Make your writing flawless, with correct spelling, grammar and writing mechanics. Write
legibly. Choose simple, everyday vocabulary and syntax with which you're comfortable.
10) Budget your time wisely. We recommend spending five minutes reading the issue, making a decision and planning the essay. Use scrap paper to jot down a quick outline of the points you intend to make. Then spend about 20 minutes writing the essay. This leaves about five minutes at the end to proofread for spelling and grammar.
11) Make sure you finish your essay, as it demonstrates your organization and time-
management skills.
Sample Essay: Analysis of an Issue
The President has advocated the threat of death sentences to induce confessions from suspects with associations to known terrorist groups. But congressional opponents assert that this policy will only frighten these accomplices, thus making their terrorist leaders even more aggressive.
Which argument do you find more compelling, the case for the imposition of death sentences or the opposing viewpoint? Explain your position using relevant reasons or examples taken from your own experience, observations, or reading.
I support the President's imposition of death sentences against suspects with known associations to terrorist groups. Violent hate groups seldom reform without a powerful incentive. Despite their hideous crimes, the Taliban members who bombed the World Trade Center in 1993 have not been executed. They are serving life sentences in US prisons and continue to spew anti-American rhetoric at our government's expense. Many suspect that the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001 were conceived and organized by these convicted prisoners. Likewise, Iranian terrorists serving life sentences continue to stimulate anti-American hatred throughout the Middle East.
Opponents of the President's policy claim that convicted terrorists are sources of valuable information that they can share only if they remain alive. Yet history suggests that these terrorists would rather die that turn against their leaders. The Malaysian terrorists who bombed the American Embassy in Kabul in 1996 swallowed poison rather than negotiate with FBI investigators. Since their 1989 capture, thirty imprisoned Iranian terrorists have refused to exchange information in return for a reduced sentence. Clearly, terrorists are prepared to die for their political causes and their survival offers no clear advantage to the US. Keeping terrorists alive simply gives them additional chances to hurt us.
This essay is short, cohesive and masterfully written. The author uses compelling examples to support her case, minimizing her own opinion. The organization, sentence structure and grammar are excellent. (Score = 6)
Analysis of an Argument
The stimulus and question stem of an Analysis of an Argument topic will resemble this:
The problem of poorly trained, overworked nurses that has plagued our state hospitals should become less serious in the near future. The state has initiated comprehensive guidelines that oblige nurses to complete a number of required credits at the graduate level before being licensed.
Explain low logically persuasive you find this argument. In discussing your viewpoint, analyze the argument's line of reasoning and its use of evidence. Also explain what, if anything, would make the argument more valid and convincing to help you to better evaluate its conclusion.
The stimulus in an Arguments topic is similar to arguments in the critical reasoning questions. The writer tries to convince you of something (his conclusion) by citing evidence. Look for assumptions, or specific ways the writer leaps from evidence to conclusion. The question stem will usually ask how compelling the argument is, along with your thoughts on how to improve it. Sometimes, the question takes the opposite approach, asking why the argument is NOT persuasive and what additional information would further weaken it. Either way, your task is to:
a) analyze the argument
b) evaluate its use of evidence
c) explain how a different approach or more information would make the argument better (or worse)
Writing Tips for Arguments
1) Take the argument apart, identifying the conclusion and evidence. Restate it in your own words.
2) Evaluate the argument's persuasiveness. Does it use evidence effectively to reach a conclusion? Are their gaps or flaws in the logic? Unwarranted assumptions?
3) Determine what additional evidence or information would increase the validity of the argument.
4) Use scrap paper to outline your essay. While there isn't time to write a formal first draft, make a rudimentary outline, listing the points you want to make in each paragraph. Ideally, you should know what you want to say and how you want to say it before you start writing the actual essay.
5) Get to the point immediately. Your first sentence should offer your assessment of the argument and its reasoning.
6) Thoroughly discuss the additional evidence required for the argument to be more persuasive. Show that you see the full picture. Always provide evidence for your claims, and avoid making unsupported assertions.
7) Write in a calm, rational, objective tone.
8) Make your writing flawless, with correct spelling, grammar and writing mechanics. Write legibly. Choose simple, everyday vocabulary and syntax with which you're comfortable.
9) Budget your time wisely. We recommend spending five minutes reading the argument, developing your strategy and planning the essay. Use scrap paper to jot down a quick outline of the points you intend to make. Then spend about 20 minutes writing the essay. This leaves about five minutes at the end to proofread for spelling and grammar.
10) Make sure you finish your essay, as it demonstrates your organization and time-management skills.
Sample Essay: Analysis of an Argument
Conjugal visits should not be discontinued in prisons housing dangerous felons, including death row inmates. Those convicted of serious crimes should serve their prison sentences, but should not be denied their right to basic human contact. Most violent criminals are comforted by touch and need to reinforce their positive bonds with their spouses and families. To deny them this basic human right is to deprive prisoners of a harmless outlet for releasing aggression and thus make them more dangerous.
Explain how logically persuasive you find this argument. In discussing your viewpoint, analyze the argument's line of reasoning and its use of evidence. Also explain what, if anything, would make the argument more valid and convincing or help you to better evaluate its conclusion.
The author concludes that imprisoned violent felons should be allowed conjugal visits with their spouses to satisfy their needs for basic human contact. His argument is that most violent criminals are comforted by touch and will be less aggressive if their sexual needs are satisfied. The author further suggests that these benefits should extend to death row inmates, who have no hope of eventual release or rehabilitation.
I detect two unwarranted assumptions in the author's reasoning. First, he assumes that convicted criminals retain their rights to intimate contact with their spouses while incarcerated. Clearly, this civil liberty is forfeited upon conviction and is an inherent part of an inmate's punishment. The author also assumes that providing an inmate with a harmless outlet for the release of aggression will make him less violent. Sadly, many felons who enjoy conjugal visits in prison commit violent crimes after their release. With a recidivism rate of almost 60%, our prisons are filled with repeat offenders.
The author could strengthen his argument by providing evidence that citizens who enjoy satisfactory intimate relationships are less likely to commit violent crimes. Alternatively, he could provide statistical evidence that inmates who enjoy conjugal visits in prison are more successfully rehabilitated than those who do not.
This essay is well-written and thought-out. The first paragraphs outline the argument effectively, noting the inconsistency between the conclusion and the evidence. The third paragraph offers compelling suggestions for improving the argument. The organization, sentence structure and grammar are excellent. (Score = 6)
General Writing Guidelines for Both Essays
1) Be succinct. Eliminate excess phrases and sentences that don't serve a purpose or add new information.
2) Watch your sentence flow. Vary your sentence structure, but avoid long, meandering sentences.
3) Avoid jargon and pompous language.
4) Use clear, specific language, rather than vague generalizations and abstractions.
5) Use strong sentence openings and effective transitions between paragraphs. Make your essay coherent and easy to follow.CHEERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FROM A ACHEIVERS MOUTH
Good GRE Scores - A GRE Test taker's GRE ExperienceHi all,I took gre general test 3 days back.
My gre score is 1560. I am happy that this is a good GRE score.
Split up Verbal Section GRE Score- 760 Quans Section GRE Score - 800 Expecting 5.5 or 6.0 in my essays.
This is my second attempt. Mine was a average gre score in my first attempt. In my first attempt my gre scores was 1210. Q - 720 V - 490. I was completely demotivated after seeing my average gre scores. I am working as a Senior System Analyst in Bangalore. I have 6 Yrs of experience. I'm an electronics and communication engg. I always wanted to pursue MS in a top school.
GRE tests three things:
1. Your basic intelligence (in Quanti and Reading Comprehension)
2. Your speed of responding (that's why the time limit is kept...and so, many of you who are practicing for the GRE must be finding difficult)
3. How well you perform under pressure? And also I used Barrons and Kaplan tests and bigbook. All these material are no longer useful as ets had tremendously increased the difficulty level of questions especially the quans and the reading comprehension questions.
If you are pretty clear in the above things then a good GRE score is not that difficult.
First and foremost suggestion - Don't get tensed up. Remain cool and calm. Sometimes the only difference between a good score and a bad score is your mental strength. Just chill. No worries, no tension. Talk to yourself. Tell yourself that you can do it. If you win over your tension, then GRE is a piece of cake leading to a good GRE score.
Second thing - practice is the key to success. Give as many practice tests as possible. Grebible and Powerprep are a must. You can also try out Arco.
Practice tests and the CAT tests in grebible are excellent. The difficulty level is very very high in grebible. That's the reason why I was able to score much in the verbal and in the quans.
If you go without giving practice tests, that too practice tests with difficulty high level of questions. Your chances of good GRE Scores are negligible. You will end up with a average GRE score
The main advantage for me was that I got 4 analogies and 2 sentence completion questions straight from grebible practice tests. These questions were within my fist 10 questions. That boosted my gre score. Thank god else I would have been sitting with computers and doing silly things in my office.
Softwares used:
Powerprep
Grebible
Barrons
Arco
PowerPrep gives you the exact GRE Score which you will be your GRE Score plus or minus 10 - 20. Your Gre scores from power prep will be an exact replica of your actual GRE score.
I had no time to study for gre as my work is very hard. I used to come home only at 11 or 12 or even 2 in the night. But it was a passion for me to study MS. Initially it was very tough for me to find time for me to prepare for gre. I prepared very slowly for gre. Started with Barron's wordlist. After completing them when I took a diagnostic test, I was shocked at the results. Then one of my friend suggested Gre Vocabulary Bible from grebible. The software was cool.
Some General Tips:
1. Complete the math review in barron's with the exercises and also the one given by ETS (ftp://ftp.ets.org/pub/gre/Math2.pdf)
2. Do math exercises in grebible. I found grebible math to be toughest of all.
3. On the day of test, free yourself from driving to the test center.
Take an auto or better still ask someone to drop you.
My GRE scores on practice tests in the order I took, if it helps anyone:
PowerPrep1 GRE Score - Q - 740, V - 680 Princeton 1 GRE Score - Q - 780, V - 460 GreBible1 GRE Score - Q - 710, V-600 Princeton 2 GRE Score - Q - 770, GreBible2 GRE Score - Q - 620, V-580 GreBible3 GRE Score - Q - 740, V-580 GreBible4 GRE Score - Q - 710, V-630 GreBible5 GRE Score - Q - 770, V-700 GreBible6 GRE Score - Q - 800, V-610 GreBible7 GRE Score - Q - 800, V-660 GreBible8 GRE Score - Q - 740, V-700 GreBible9 GRE Score - Q - 770, V-680 GreBible10 GRE Score - Q - 740, V-720 PowerPrep2 GRE Score - Q - 740, V - 680
As you guys can clearly see. Powerprep GRE score exactly reflects the actual gre scores
Links :
www.grebible.com (Excellent Software. Saved me, After my initial poor first attempt. Changed my poor gre score to an excellent GRE score) www.testmagic.com (Excellent Site) www.syvum.com (Lot of practice tests) www.gre.org (Complete their practice Questions first)
My gre score is 1560. I am happy that this is a good GRE score.
Split up Verbal Section GRE Score- 760 Quans Section GRE Score - 800 Expecting 5.5 or 6.0 in my essays.
This is my second attempt. Mine was a average gre score in my first attempt. In my first attempt my gre scores was 1210. Q - 720 V - 490. I was completely demotivated after seeing my average gre scores. I am working as a Senior System Analyst in Bangalore. I have 6 Yrs of experience. I'm an electronics and communication engg. I always wanted to pursue MS in a top school.
GRE tests three things:
1. Your basic intelligence (in Quanti and Reading Comprehension)
2. Your speed of responding (that's why the time limit is kept...and so, many of you who are practicing for the GRE must be finding difficult)
3. How well you perform under pressure? And also I used Barrons and Kaplan tests and bigbook. All these material are no longer useful as ets had tremendously increased the difficulty level of questions especially the quans and the reading comprehension questions.
If you are pretty clear in the above things then a good GRE score is not that difficult.
First and foremost suggestion - Don't get tensed up. Remain cool and calm. Sometimes the only difference between a good score and a bad score is your mental strength. Just chill. No worries, no tension. Talk to yourself. Tell yourself that you can do it. If you win over your tension, then GRE is a piece of cake leading to a good GRE score.
Second thing - practice is the key to success. Give as many practice tests as possible. Grebible and Powerprep are a must. You can also try out Arco.
Practice tests and the CAT tests in grebible are excellent. The difficulty level is very very high in grebible. That's the reason why I was able to score much in the verbal and in the quans.
If you go without giving practice tests, that too practice tests with difficulty high level of questions. Your chances of good GRE Scores are negligible. You will end up with a average GRE score
The main advantage for me was that I got 4 analogies and 2 sentence completion questions straight from grebible practice tests. These questions were within my fist 10 questions. That boosted my gre score. Thank god else I would have been sitting with computers and doing silly things in my office.
Softwares used:
Powerprep
Grebible
Barrons
Arco
PowerPrep gives you the exact GRE Score which you will be your GRE Score plus or minus 10 - 20. Your Gre scores from power prep will be an exact replica of your actual GRE score.
I had no time to study for gre as my work is very hard. I used to come home only at 11 or 12 or even 2 in the night. But it was a passion for me to study MS. Initially it was very tough for me to find time for me to prepare for gre. I prepared very slowly for gre. Started with Barron's wordlist. After completing them when I took a diagnostic test, I was shocked at the results. Then one of my friend suggested Gre Vocabulary Bible from grebible. The software was cool.
Some General Tips:
1. Complete the math review in barron's with the exercises and also the one given by ETS (ftp://ftp.ets.org/pub/gre/Math2.pdf)
2. Do math exercises in grebible. I found grebible math to be toughest of all.
3. On the day of test, free yourself from driving to the test center.
Take an auto or better still ask someone to drop you.
My GRE scores on practice tests in the order I took, if it helps anyone:
PowerPrep1 GRE Score - Q - 740, V - 680 Princeton 1 GRE Score - Q - 780, V - 460 GreBible1 GRE Score - Q - 710, V-600 Princeton 2 GRE Score - Q - 770, GreBible2 GRE Score - Q - 620, V-580 GreBible3 GRE Score - Q - 740, V-580 GreBible4 GRE Score - Q - 710, V-630 GreBible5 GRE Score - Q - 770, V-700 GreBible6 GRE Score - Q - 800, V-610 GreBible7 GRE Score - Q - 800, V-660 GreBible8 GRE Score - Q - 740, V-700 GreBible9 GRE Score - Q - 770, V-680 GreBible10 GRE Score - Q - 740, V-720 PowerPrep2 GRE Score - Q - 740, V - 680
As you guys can clearly see. Powerprep GRE score exactly reflects the actual gre scores
Links :
www.grebible.com (Excellent Software. Saved me, After my initial poor first attempt. Changed my poor gre score to an excellent GRE score) www.testmagic.com (Excellent Site) www.syvum.com (Lot of practice tests) www.gre.org (Complete their practice Questions first)
ABOUT ME
I SCORED 1300+ IN GRE FROM INDIA......................................BEING A AVERAGE STUDENT...................................SO Y CANT U................FOLLOW MY SIMPLE STEPS TO SUCCESS.......................AND FLY TO A REPUTED UNIVERSITY IN USA.............................CATCH ME LIVE...............FLY WITH ME THIS FALL........................EMAIL ME WITH YOUR QUERIES...........USA/CANADA/UK....GERMANY.....XCHA
NGE PROGRAMS FROM INDIA...................
MIND POWER GRE WORDS
1853 Most Difficult Words
for GRE
Word List with Meanings
(but Without Sentence Fragments)
By Raj Bapna
www.MindMachineLab.com
Dear Friend,
You now have in your hands a very valuable list of 1,853 most difficult words
that can give you an edge over others for your success in GRE. This is my gift to you
with my best wishes for your big success in GRE and in life.
This list is taken from the vocab books of Vocab-Builder Mind Machine for
GRE, which is a topper’s ultimate vocab system.
This list is free to you.
How to Use This Book
The words are given in bold. The meaning is given after the equal sign (=)
following a word. We have used the US spellings. The British spelling of a word,
when different from the US spelling, is given in bracket after BRITISH as shown for
the word belabor below.
belabor (BRITISH = belabour) = to assail verbally, to insist repeatedly or harp on
The page numbers are listed on the top right side of each page as:
Cassette 1 Side A-4
Here Cassette 1 Side A means that the words are on the Side A of Cassette
1 and 4 means that the page number is 4 of this book
Wishing you best of success in GRE for admission to top US college and
worldwide opportunities for exciting career, great wealth, enriching travel, and family
pride,
Raj Bapna .
Copyright 2005-2007. All rights reserved. Published by Mind Machine Lab, Udaipur
Cassette 1 Side A-2
Cassette 1 Side A
amphitheater (BRITISH = amphitheatre) = oval-shaped theater
anathema = curse, ban
annul = cancel, nullify
anodyne = pain soothing
anoint = consecrate, to apply oil, especially as a sacred rite
anonymity = state of being anonymous, having no name
antediluvian = ancient, obsolete, pre historic
antithesis = direct opposite
apathetic = unconcerned, indifferent
aphasia = inability to speak or use words
aphorism = maxim, old saying
aplomb = poise, confidence
apocryphal = a doubtful authenticity, not genuine, fictional
apostate = one who abandons one's faith
apotheosis = Deification, glorification
approbation = praise, official approval
archaic = Antiquated, from an earlier time
archipelago = group of islands
ardor (BRITISH = ardour) = great emotion or passion
arraign = indict, to call to court to answer a charge
arrogate = seize without right, to demand or claim arrogantly
ascendancy = powerful state
ascribe = to attribute
ashen = resembling ashes, or deathly pale
asinine = stupid
askance = to view with suspicion, scornfully
askew = crooked, tilted
aspersion = slander, false rumor, damaging report
assail = attack
assent = to express agreement
assiduous = hard-working, diligent, persistent
assuage = lessen (pain), to make less severe, ease
astringent = causing contraction, severe, harsh
asunder = apart, into different parts
atone = make amends for a wrong
august = noble, dignified, awe-inspiring, venerable
avow = declare
awry = crooked, askew, amiss
axiom = self-evident truth, premise, postulate
bacchanal = orgy, drunkenly festive
baleful = hostile, malignant, harmful with evil intentions
balk = hesitate, refuse, shirk, prevent
banal = trite, overly common
bane = poison, nuisance, something causing ruin
bastion = fort, fortification, stronghold
beguile = deceive, seduce, mislead
behemoth = monster, huge creature
beleaguer = besiege, to harass, plague
berate = to scold harshly
Cassette 1 Side A-3
bestial = beast-like, brutal
bestow = to give as a gift, grant
bevy = group
bicke r = quarrel, to have a petty argument
bilious = ill-tempered
bilk = swindle, cheat, defraud
blandish = to coax with flattering, grovel
blight = decay, afflict, destroy
blithe = Joyful, cheerful, or without appropriate thought
bombast = pompous speech
bourgeois = middle class
broach = bring up a topic of conversation
brusque = curt, rough and abrupt in manner
bulwark = fortification
burgeon = sprout or flourish
burly = husky, brawny
cabal = plot, a secret group seeking to overturn something
cadaver = corpse, dead body
cajole = encourage, coax, flatter
calumny = Slander, false and malicious accusation
canard = hoax, a lie
candor (BRITISH = candour) = frankness, honesty of expression
canvass = survey, examine thoroughly
capricious = fickle, impulsive, whimsical, without much thought
careen = swerve, to lean on one side
castigate = criticize, punish, chastise
cataclysm = catastrophe, disaster
cathartic = purgative, purifying, cleansing
catholic = universal, worldly
caucus = a small group within an organization or a meeting of such a group
cavil = quibble, raise trivial objections
cede = transfer ownership, to surrender possession of something
censorious = condemning speech, severely critical
chagrin = shame, embarrassment, humiliation
chalice = goblet, cup
chary = cautious, watchful, extremely shy
cherubic = sweet, innocent
chicane ry = trickery, fraud, deception
chide = scold, express disapproval
chime rical = imaginary, impossible
chole ric = easily angered, short-tempered
circumlocution = roundabout expression
circumspect = cautious, wary
circumvent = evade, avoid, to go around
citadel = fortress or stronghold
clamor (BRITISH = clamour) = noisy outcry
cleave = to split or separate, to stick, adhere
clemency = forgiveness, merciful leniency
cloister = refuge, to confine, seclude
coalesce = combine, to grow together
coddle = to pamper, baby, treat indulgently
Cassette 1 Side A-4
cogent = well-put, convincing, logically forceful
cognate = from the same source, related
cognomen = family name, any name, nickname
colloquy = conference
collusion = conspiracy, collaboration, complicity
commodious = spacious
complicity = guilt by association, knowing partnership in wrong doing
compunction = remorse, regret
concur = To agree
Cassette 1 Side B-5
Cassette 1 Side B
conflagration = large fire, big, destructive fire
confluence = flowing together, meeting of two streams, meeting place
confound = bewilder, to baffle, perplex
congeal = solidify, as a liquid freezing, to become thick or solid
conjecture = hypothesis, speculation, prediction
conjure = summon, to evoke a spirit, cast a spell
consanguinity = related by blood, kinship
consecrate = make holy, dedicate to a goal, to declare sacred
construe = interpret or to explain
continence = self-control, self-restraint
contrite = apologetic, deeply sorrowful and repentant for a wrong
contusion = A bruise
conundrum = enigma, puzzle or problem with no solution, riddle
convivial = sociable, festive, fond of eating, drinking, and people
convoke = convene, summon, to call together
coquette = woman who flirts
corroborate = to confirm, verify
coterie = small group, group of people with a common interest or purpose
countenance = facial expression, to favor, support
cower = showing fear, to cringe in fear
crass = crude, unrefined
craven = cowardly
credence = Belief, acceptance of something as true or real
creed = Belief or principle
cringe = cower, to shrink in fear
culpable = blameworthy, guilty, responsible for wrong
cupidity = greed
curmudgeon = boor, cranky person
dally = procrastinate, to act playfully or waste time
debase = to degrade, or lower in quality or stature
debauch = to corrupt, seduce from virtue or duty
debutante = a girl debuting into society
decadence = deterioration, decay (e.g. moral or cultural)
decapitate = kill by beheading
deciduous = shedding leaves, short-lived, temporary
decorous = seemly, proper, tasteful, socially correct
decry = castigate, to belittle, openly condemn
deference = courteously yielding to another, respect, honor
defile = pollute, to make unclean or dishonor
deft = skillful, dexterous
defunct = extinct, no longer existing, dead
deleterious = harmful, destructive, detrimental
deluge = a flood, to submerge, overwhelm
demagogue = An unprincipled politician, leader
demean = to degrade, humiliate, humble
demur = take exception, to express doubts or objections
denigrate = defame, to slur or blacken someone's reputation
depravity = immorality, sinfulness
deprecate = belittle, disparage
Cassette 1 Side B-6
deride = To ridicule, to mock, make fun of
desecrate = profane, to abuse something sacred
desiccate = dehydrate, to dry completely
despondent = depressed, feeling discouraged and dejected
desultory = without direction in life, at random, rambling, unmethodical
diatribe = long denunciation, bitter verbal attack
dichotomy = a division into two parts
didactic = instructional
dilettante = amateur, dabbler
disabuse = correct, to free from a misconception
disburse = pay out
disconsolate = inconsolable, unable to be consoled, extremely sad
discrete = separate, distinct
discursive = rambling, wandering from topic to topic
disdain = to regard with scorn and contempt
disingenuous = deceptive, sly and crafty
dis jointed = disconnected, incoherent, being separated
disparage = belittle, speak disrespectfully about
disparate = various, dissimilar, different in kind
disparity = difference, contrast, dissimilarity
dispirit = discourage, to dishearten, make dejected
dissipate = scatter
distend = swell, inflate, bloat
distraught = distressed, very worried
docile = domesticated, trained, tame
dotage = senility, mental decline
dour = sullen and gloomy, stern and severe
droll = amusing in a wry
dulcet = melodious, pleasant sounding
duplicity = deceit, treachery, dishonesty, double-dealing
duress = coercion, imprisonment
ebb = recede, to fade away
ebullient = exuberant, full of enthusiasm and high spirits
eclectic = joyful
edify = instruct morally and spiritually
efface = To obliterate
effrontery = insolence
effulgent = brilliant
elicit = provoke
elucidate = make clear, clarify
emaciated = underfed, gaunt
embroil = involve, cause to fall into disorder
emend = correct
encomium = warm praise
encumber = burden, to hinder, restrict motion
endemic = Peculiar to some specified country or people
enervate = weaken, sap strength from
engender = generate, to produce
enigmatic = puzzling, inexplicable
enjoin = urge, order, command
ennui = boredom, lack of interest and energy
Cassette 1 Side B-7
enthrall (BRITISH = enthral) = mesmerize, to captivate, enchant
entreat = plead, beg
epicure = gourmet, person with refined taste in food and wine
epigram = saying, short, witty saying or poem
epithet = name, appellation, phrase
equine = pertaining to horses
erode = wear away, to diminish
errant = wandering, mistaken
eschew = avoid, to abstain from
espouse = to support or advocate
estranged = alienated, separated
euthanasia = mercy-killing
evanescent = fleeting, very brief, short-lived
evince = attest, demonstrate, to show clearly
2
Cassette 2 Side A-8
Cassette 2 Side A
exacerbate = worsen
exasperate = irritate, vex
execrable = very bad, abominable, utterly detestable
exemplary = outstanding, serving as an example
exhort = strongly urge
exhume = uncover, to remove from a grave
exonerate = free from blame
exorcise = to expel evil spirits
expedient = advantageous, convenient, efficient
expiate = atone, make amends for
expunge = erase, eliminate completely
extenuate = To diminish the gravity or importance of
extol = praise highly
extraneous = not essential, unnecessary
extricate = Disentangle, free
exuberant = joyous, happy
exude = emit, ooze
exult = rejoice
facetious = joking, sarcastic, witty
facile = very easy
fallow = unproductive, unplowed
fastidious = meticulous, careful with details
fathom = understand, to measure the depth of
fatuous = inane, stupid
fealty = Loyalty
fecund = fertile, fruitful, productive
feign = pretend, give a false impression
fetid = foul-smelling, putrid, stinking
fickle = always changing one's mind
fidelity = Loyalty
filch = steal something of little value
filial = of a son or daughter
fitful = irregular
flagrant = outrageous, shameless
fledgling = just beginning, struggling
flippant = Having a light, pert, trifling disposition
florid = ruddy, with too much decoration
flout = to show disregard for the law or rules
foible = weakness, minor fault
foist = palm off a fake
foment = instigate
fortuitous = happening by luck, fortunate
foster = encourage
fracas = noisy fight
fraught = filled
frenetic = harried, neurotic
frond = bending tree
fulminate = denounce, menace
fulsome = excessive, insincere
Cassette 2 Side A-9
furtive = stealthy
gainsay = to deny
gargantuan = large
garner = gather
garrulous = talkative, loquacious, wordy
gauche = awkward, crude
genre = kind, category
gibe = heckle
glib = insincere manner
glower = stare angrily
goad = encourage
gossamer = thin and flimsy
gouge = overcharge, scoop out
grimace = expression of disgust
grovel = crawl, obey
guile = deceit, trickery
hackneyed = trite
hapless = unlucky
harangue = a pompous speech
harbinger = forerunner
haughty = arrogant
hedonism = the pursuit of pleasure in life
heinous = shocking, wicked
hermetic = airtight, sealed
hew = to cut with an ax
hiatus = interruption
hone = sharpen
illimitable = limitless
imbue = infuse, dye, wet
immure = build a wall around
impair = injure
impassive = calm, without feeling
impeccable = faultless
impecunious = indigent, having no money
imperious = domineering
impertinent = insolent, rude
imperturbable = calm
impervious = Impenetrable
impetuous = quick to act without thinking
implausible = unlikely, inconceivable
impolitic = unwise
importune = urgent request
impregnable = totally safe from attack
impugn = criticize
inadvertent = unintentional
inane = vacuous, stupid
incandescent = brilliant
incarcerate = to put in a jail
incendiary = burning easily, flammable
inchoate = just begun
incipient = beginning to exist
Cassette 2 Side A-10
incisive = keen, penetrating
incognito = disguised
incommunicado = unable to communicate with others
incontrovertible = Indisputable
inculcate = instill, indoctrinate, to teach
incumbent = obligatory, required
incursion = raid
indict = charge with a crime
indigenous = Native
indigent = very poor
indolent = lazy
indomitable = invincible, fearless
indubitable = unquestionable
inexorable = relentless, inflexible
Cassette 2 Side B-11
Cassette 2 Side B
infallible = incapable of making a mistake
infernal = hellish
infirmity = ailment, disease
ingrate = ungrateful person
ingratiate = pleasing, flattering, endearing
inimical = adverse, hostile, unfriendly
innocuous = Harmless
innuendo = indirect and subtle criticism
inscrutable = cannot be fully understood
insinuate = to suggest, imply, say indirectly
insipid = flat, dull, lacking flavor
insolent = insulting
insular = narrow-minded, isolated
insupe rable = insurmountable
insurgent = rebellious
insurrection = uprising, rebellion
inter = bury
interdict = prohibit
interloper = intruder, meddler in others' affairs
interminable = unending
internecine = mutually destructive
intransigent = uncompromising
intrepid = fearless
inundate = flood
invective = verbal insult
inveigh = to rail against, protest strongly
inveterate = habitual, chronic, long-standing
invidious = incurring ill-will
irascible = irritable
itinerant = Wandering, unsettled
jaded = spent, bored with one's situation
juggernaut = unstoppable force
kismet = fate
knell = sound of a funeral bell
lachrymose = tearful
lampoon = satirize, to attack with satire
larceny = theft of property
largess = generous donation
legerdemain = trickery
levity = Frivolity, humor
libertine = one without moral restraint
licentious = lewd, immoral
limpid = transparent, clearly understood
lissome (BRITISH = lissom) = agile, supple
lithe = moving and bending with ease
loathe = abhor, hate
loquacious = Talkative
lugubrious = sad, sorrowful
lurid = glowing, shocking
Cassette 2 Side B-12
macabre = gruesome
machination = plot or scheme
maelstrom = whirlpool, agitated state of mind
malapropism = comical misuse of a word
malcontent = one who is forever dissatisfied
malediction = curse
malefactor = evildoer, culprit
malodorous = fetid, foul-smelling
manifold = multiple, diverse
martial = warlike, pertaining to the military
martinet = strict disciplinarian
masochist = one who enjoys pain
maudlin = weepy, sentimental
mave rick = a person who resists adherence to a group
mawkish = sickeningly sentimental
meander = to wander aimlessly without direction
mendicant = beggar
me rcurial = changeable, volatile, quick
mettle = courage, capacity for bravery
minatory = threatening
mirth = jollity, laughter
miscreant = one who behaves criminally
missive = letter or note
modicum = a small amount
mollify = to calm or make less severe
moot = disputable, previously decided
mordant = biting, sarcastic
mores = moral standards, customs
moribund = near death
mote = speck, small particle
motley = diverse, many colored
multifarious = diverse, many-sided
munificent = generous
myriad = innumerable
nascent = incipient, coming into existence
natal = related to birth
necromancy = sorcery, black magic
Nemesis = implacable foe, often victorious opponent
neologism = new word or expression
neophyte = beginner
nether = located under or below
nettle = irritate
niggardly = stingy
noisome = harmful, stinking
nonentity = person of no significance
obdurate = unyielding
obeisance = homage, deference
obfuscate = bewilder, muddle, to confuse
oblique = indirect
obliterate = destroy
obloquy = slander, abusive language
Cassette 2 Side B-13
obsequious = fawning, servile, overly submissive
obsequy = funeral ceremony
obstinate = stubborn
obstreperous = noisy, unruly, troublesome
obtuse = stupid, dull
occlude = block, to shut
odious = despicable, hateful
onerous = burdensome
opprobrious = abusive, disgraceful
ordain = appoint
ossify = harden
ostensible = apparent, seeming
ostentatious = pretentious, showy
overweening = arrogant, forward
3
Cassette 3 Side A-14
Cassette 3 Side A
pacifist = one who opposes all violence
paean = a song of praise
palave r = babble, nonsense
pall = to become dull or weary
palliate = to make less serious, ease
pallid = pale, sallow, lacking color or liveliness
palpable = touchable, obvious, real
paltry = scarce, pitifully small or worthless
panache = flamboyance, flair
pandemic = spread over a whole area or country
panegyric = praise
panoply = full suit of armor
paragon = model of excellence or perfection
pariah = outcast
parley = conference, discussion
parry = avert, ward off, reflect
partisan = supporter
pathos = emotion, feeling of sadness
patrician = aristocrat
patrimony = inheritance or heritage derived from one's father
peccadillo = a minor fault
pedagogue = dull, formal teacher
pedant = a person who is too interested in formal rules and small unimportant details
pejorative = insulting, having bad connotations
pellucid = transparent, easily understood
penance = voluntary suffering to repent for a wrong
penchant = inclination
penitent = repentant
pensive = sad
perdition = damnation, complete ruin
peremptory = dictatorial
perennial = enduring, lasting
perfidious = treacherous ( of a person )
perfunctory = careless, done in a routine way
peripatetic = moving from place to place
pernicious = destructive
pert = flippant, bold
pertinacious = persevering
pertinent = Relevant, applicable
philistine = barbarian, narrow-minded person
phlegmatic = sluggish, someone who is calm
pillory = punish by ridicule
pique = sting, arouse interest
pithy = concise, to the point
pittance = alms, trifle
placid = Serene, calm
platitude = trite remark, stale
plebeian = common, vulgar
plethora = overabundance
Cassette 3 Side A-15
poignant = pungent, sharp, emotionally moving
polemic = a controversy
portend = omen
portly = large, dignified
potentate = sovereign, king
prattle = chatter, foolish talk
precept = principle, law
precipice = cliff, edge
precipitous = steep
precocious = advanced
precursor = forerunner
predilection = inclination, preference
premeditate = plan in advance
preponderance = predominance
preposterous = ridiculous, illogical
presage = omen, indicate in advance
privation = lack of usual necessities or comforts
probity = integrity, complete honesty
proclivity = inclination, tendency
prodigal = wasteful
prodigious = marvelous, enormous
profligate = licentious, prodigal, corrupt
progenitor = ancestor
progeny = children
prognosis = forecast
prognosticate = foretell
prolix = long-winded, wordy
promontory = headland, cape
promulgate = publish, disseminate
propensity = inclination
propinquity = nearness, kinship
propitiate = satisfy, to win over
propitious = auspicious, favorable
prosaic = uninspired, flat, dull
proscribe = prohibit, to condemn
proselytize (BRITISH = proselytise) = recruit, convert
protean = changing readily
protract = To prolong, extend
provident = having foresight, thrifty
prude = puritan
prudent = cautious, careful
prurient = exhibiting lewd desires
puerile = Childish
pugnacious = combative, quarrelsome
pulchritude = beauty
punctilious = careful in observing rules of behavior or ceremony
pungent = sharp smell or taste
purport = claim to be
pusillanimous = cowardly
quaff = to drink heartily
quagmire = difficult situation
Cassette 3 Side A-16
quandary = dilemma, difficulty
quell = suppress, allay
querulous = complaining
quibble = to argue about insignificant and irrelevant details
quiescent = still, motionless, at rest
Quixotic = impractical, romantic
raconteur = story teller
rampant = unbridled, raging
rancor (BRITISH = rancour) = resentment, dislike
rant = rage, scold
rapacious = grasping, avaricious, greedy
rapprochement = reconciliation
raze = destroy
recalcitrant = resisting authority or control
Cassette 3 Side B-17
Cassette 3 Side B
recant = retract a statement
recidivism = habitual criminal activity
recondite = known to only a few
recreant = coward, betrayer of faith
refractory = obstinate
regal = royal
relegate = assign to an inferior position
renege = break a promise
replete = complete
reprehensible = blameworthy, unacceptable
reproach = blame
reprobate = morally unprincipled person
reprove = to criticize or correct
repudiate = to reject as having no authority
requiem = rest, a mass for the dead
requite = to return in kind
rescind = revoke, cancel
respite = interval or relief
resplendent = shining, splendid
restitution = act of compensating for loss or damage
restive = nervous, uneasy
retort = quick replay
retrench = reorganize, to regroup
retrieve = reclaim
retrograde = regress
revelry = merrymaking
revere = honor
revile = to criticize with harsh language
revulsion = aversion
ribald = coarse, vulgar
rife = widespread, abundant
risque = off-color, racy
rostrum = stage for public speaking
ruminate = reflect upon
rustic = rural
sacrosanct = sacred
sagacious = wise
sallow = sickly yellow in color
sanguine = cheerful
sapient = wise, shrewd
sardonic = scornful
saunte r = walk in a leisurely manner
savant = scholar
schism = a division or separation
scintilla = very small amount
scintillate = sparkle
scoff = ridicule
scurrilous = abusive, insulting
secular = worldly, nonreligious
Cassette 3 Side B-18
sedition = treason, resistance to authority
sententious = concise, trying to appear wise
sequester = to remove or set apart
seraphic = angelic, pure
serendipity = making fortunate discoveries
servile = slavish, obedient
simian = monkey like
simper = smile foolishly, smirk
sinecure = well paid position with little responsibility
skulk = sneak about
slake = to calm down or moderate
sloth = laziness
slovenly = sloppy
sobriety = composed
sobriquet = nickname
sodden = soaked
sojourn = trip, visit
solace = consolation
solecism = ungrammatical construction
solicitous = considerate, concerned
soliloquy = A monologue
solstice = furthest point
sombe r (BRITISH = sombre) = Gloomy
somnambulist = sleepwalker
somnolent = Sleepy
soporific = sleep inducing
sordid = foul, ignoble, dirty and unpleasant
spawn = produce
specious = false but plausible
sporadic = occurring irregularly
sportive = playful
spurn = reject
squalid = filthy
staid = demure, sedate, boring
steadfast = loyal, immovable
stentorian = extremely loud
stigma = mark of disgrace
stilted = formal, stiff, unnatural
stoic = indifferent to pain or pleasure
stolid = impassive
stratagem = trick
stricture = negative criticism
stultify = inhibit, enfeeble
stymie = hinder, thwart
suave = smooth
sublimate = to repress impulses
sublime = lofty, excellent
subte rfuge = cunning, ruse
succulent = juicy, delicious
sully = stain
supercilious = arrogant
Cassette 3 Side B-19
supplant = replace
surly = rude, crass
surmise = to guess
surmount = overcome
surreptitious = secretive
sustenance = supplying the necessities of life
swarthy = dark (as in complexion)
Sybarite = pleasure-seeker, lover of luxury
sycophant = flatterer, flunky
taciturn = who does not talk much
talon = claw of an animal
tantamount = equivalent
tawdry = gaudy, cheap
temerity = boldness
4
Cassette 4 Side A-20
Cassette 4 Side A
ample = enough, specious, abundant
amplify = enlarge, increase, intensify
ancillary = supplementary, subsidiary, subordinate
anomaly = deviation from the rule, irregularity
artifact (BRITISH = artefact) = an object made by human, of historical interest
artisan = a skilled handicraftsman
authoritarian = dictator, extremely strict, bossy
autocrat = dictator or a high ranking government officer
bifurcated = divided into two branches, forked
blatant = glaring, obvious, showy
bountiful = abundant, plentiful
brazen = bold, shameless, impudent
breach = breaking of a rule, agreement, or law
caricature = cartoon, exaggerated portrait
carnivorous = meat-eating
catalyst = something that causes change without being changed
centripetal = tending toward the center
chaotic = in utter disorder
chauvinist = a man who thinks men are better than women
complement = To make complete, perfect
composure = Calmness of appearance
compress = to reduce, squeeze
constituent = electorate, component, part
constraint = something that limits what you can do
correlation = mutual relationship, association
corrugate = to wrinkle or draw into folds
depose = testify, to remove from a high position
depreciate = To lessen the worth of
determinate = Definitely limited or fixed, conclusive
dexterous = skillful, adroit
dwindle = To diminish or become less
earthy = crude
entity = being, existence
equity = impartiality, justice
equivocal = Ambiguous, open to two interpretations
eulogy = high praise
exotic = Foreign, romantic
extemporaneous = unrehearsed
fabricate = construct
fallible = Capable of erring
felicitous = very appropriate, pertinent
flair = a natural aptitude
flaunt = to show off
flora = plants
fraudulent = Counterfeit
fusion = union, coalition
germinate = To begin to develop into an embryo or higher form
heterogeneous = composed of unlike parts, different
hypothetical = theoretical, speculative
Cassette 4 Side A-21
immune = Exempt, as from disease
imprudent = unwise
inception = The beginning
inconsequential = Valueless
indefatigable = never getting tired
indicative = suggestive, implying
indisputable = not disputed, unquestioned
infantile = childish, immature
ingenuous = naïve and unsophisticated
injurious = harmful
innovate = to invent, modernize
integrity = decency, honest, wholeness
intermittent = starting and stopping
introspective = looking within oneself
introvert = To turn within
invoke = request assistance or protection
iota = A small mark or part
irreverent = disrespectful
jaundice = disease of yellowish discoloration of skin
lackluster (BRITISH = lacklustre) = dull, dreary, colorless
laudable = Praiseworthy
lexicon = A dictionary
litigation = lawsuit
lunar = related to the moon
luscious = Rich, sweet, and delicious
metaphor = figure of speech comparing two different things
microcosm = The world on a small scale
migratory = Wandering from place to place with the seasons
mishap = Misfortune
mnemonic = related to memory
monotony = A lack of variation
omnivorous = eating everything
opportunist = One who takes advantage of circumstances
orifice = a small opening
overt = open to view
paradox = seemingly in contradiction
parasite = one who lives at another's expense
patent = the right to make or sell a new invention
pediatrician (BRITISH = paediatrician) = a child doctor
perusal = reading carefully
plenitude = Abundance
polyglot = Speaking several tongues
propagate = To spread
reactionary = related to, or favoring reaction
reciprocate = To give and take mutually
regimen = government rule, systematic plan
rehabilitate = To restore to a former status
reminiscence = remembrance of past events
renegade = rebel, dissident
resilient = the quality of springing back
retroactive = applying to an earlier time
Cassette 4 Side A-22
sensual = related to the physical senses
strident = rough, harsh, caustic, loud
subliminal = subconscious, imperceptible
superannuated = retired
Cassette 4 Side B-23
Cassette 4 Side B
superficial = shallow and phony
supple = Easily bent
synchronous = happening at the same time
tainted = contaminated, corrupt
talisman = an object supposed to bring good luck
theocracy = government by the priests
therapeutic = medicinal
tortuous = with bends or turns
transcend = To surpass
transmute = To change in nature or form
tribute = a gift or statement showing respect
turbulence = violent agitation
unobtrusive = inconspicuous, not blatant
vent = small opening, outlet
verisimilitude = appearance of being true
versatile = adaptable, all-purpose
vicarious = substitute, surrogate
viscous = sticky, gluey, thick
warranty = guarantee of a product's soundness
wax = increase, grow
weather = endure the effects of weather or other forces
yoke = join together, unite
temporal = limited by time, secular, not lasting forever
tenacious = persistent
tendentious = biased
tenet = doctrine, principle
tensile = capable of being stretched
tenuous = thin, insubstantial
tepid = lukewarm
terse = concise, brief
tether = tie down, tie with a rope
thrall = slave
thwart = to block or prevent from happening
timorous = fearful, timid
tirade = scolding speech
toady = fawner, sycophant
torpid = lethargic, inactive
transient = fleeting, temporary
translucent = clear, lucid, almost transparent
travesty = caricature, farce, parody
trenchant = incisive, penetrating
trepidation = fear
trite = commonplace, insincere
truculent = fierce, savage, tending to argue a lot
truism = self-evident truth
tryst = meeting, rendezvous
tumult = commotion
turbid = muddy, clouded
turgid = Swollen, not flowing
Cassette 4 Side B-24
turpitude = Depravity, evil
tyro = beginner
umbrage = resentment
unctuous = insincere
unkempt = messy in appearance
unsullied = spotless
usurp = seize, to appropriate
usury = overcharge, lending money at illegal rates of interest
vacillate = To waver
vacuous = inane, empty, not showing intelligence or purpose
vapid = vacuous, insipid
venal = willing to do wrong for money
vendetta = grudge, feud
venerable = respected because of age
verdant = green, lush
vex = annoy, to irritate
vicissitude = changing fortunes
vie = compete
vignette = scene, decorative design
vilify = defame
vindicate = free from blame
virile = manly
virulent = deadly, poisonous
vitiate = spoil, ruin
vitriolic = scathing, burning
vociferous = adamant, clamoring
volition = free will
voluminous = bulky, extensive, or great quantity
wallow = indulge, luxuriate
wan = sickly pale
wane = dissipate, wither
wary = guarded, careful
welte r = confusion, hodgepodge
whet = stimulate, to sharpen
wily = shrewd, clever
winsome = charming
wizened = shriveled
wraith = ghost
wry = twisted, amusing
zephyr = gentle breeze, west wind
5
Cassette 5 Side A-25
Cassette 5 Side A
amphibian = creature that lives on land and water
anachronism = Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time
angular = Sharp-cornered or sharp angled
anthropomorphous = Nonhuman having or resembling human form or quality
apothegm = a short saying
appraise = assess, evaluate the value
arable = suitable for cultivation
asperity = roughness of temper
assay = to analyze or estimate
audit = formal examination of final records
augury = prophecy or prediction of events
aver = to declare to be true
aversion = intense dislike
aviary = cage where birds are kept
banter = to tease playfully and in good humor
beatific = supremely happy, angelic, saintly
benighted = un enlightened
benison = Blessing
blanch = bleach, whiten, to take the color out
bludgeon = to hit someone several times with a heavy object
bolster = To support or make something strong
burnish = To make brilliant or shining
canny = clever and able to think quickly, especially about money or business
carnal = of the flesh, sensual
carp = to find faults, complain constantly
cavalcade = a procession or sequence
celerity = quick moving or acting
cession = Surrender, as of possessions or rights
champ = to chew noisily
chastise = to criticize or punish someone
chattel = piece of personal property
churlish = rude, ungracious
circumscribe = To confine within bounds
clairvoyant = who can see the future, having ESP
collate = to sort or put in proper order
complaisant = Agreeable, friendly
consequential = important
contumacious = rebellious
cuisine = cookery, style of cooking
culmination = climax, final stage
curator = in charge of a library or museum
daunt = to frighten, subdue
declivity = a place that declines or slopes downwards
deranged = insane, delirious, maniacal
derivative = copied or adapted, not original
descry = To discern, to discover or reveal
diffidence = shyness, lack of confidence
dirge = lament with music, funeral hymn
discomfit = To put to confusion, discomfort
Cassette 5 Side A-26
discordant = harsh-sounding, badly out of tune
dissimulate = to disguise
distaff = the female branch of a family
dolt = a stupid person
domineer = to rule over something in a tyrannical way
doughty = brave, dauntless
dross = waste matter, worthless impurities
dyspeptic = suffering from indigestion, gloomy and irritable
effluvium = noxious smells
effusive = expressing emotion without restraint
elation = exhilaration, joy
eloquence = fluent and effective speech
emollient = cream for softening, making supple
ensconce = to hide safely, settle comfortably
enunciate = verbalize, articulate
epilogue = The close of a narrative or poem
epitome = A simplified representation
equestrian = one who rides on horseback
excoriate = to denounce
exculpate = to clear of blame or fault
expatiate = to discuss in detail, elaborate
expatriate = who does not live in one's own country
expurgate = to purify by removing obscenities
extrinsic = not inherent or essential, coming from without
extrovert = an outgoing person
fell = to chop, cut down
fervid = fervent, passionate
fetter = to restrain, to bind
finicky = meticulous, fussy
fissure = a crack or break
flaccid = limp, flabby, weak
flamboyant = Characterized by extravagance
fluster = confuse
forbearance = Patient endurance or toleration of offenses
forte = A strong point
fractious = wayward, unruly, disorderly
frenzied = feverishly fast, hectic
funereal = mournful, appropriate to a funeral
gall = bitterness, nerve
gambol = Playful leaping or frisking
gaunt = thin, emaciated
gustatory = relevant to the sense of tasting
hallow = to make holy
hoary = white, old
holocaust = widespread destruction
ignominious = Shameful
impious = not devout in religion
implacable = doubtful, dubious
improvident = lacking foresight or thrift
incarnadine = blood-red in color
indenture = bound to another by contract
Cassette 5 Side A-27
interstice = a small space between things
iridescent = showing many colors
jettison = to throw overboard, abandon
jingoism = extremely aggressive and militant patriotism
lackadaisical = Listless, idle
languor = Lassitude of body or depression
lapidary = relating to precious stones
latitude = freedom from narrow limitations
lionize = treat as a celebrity
loiter = dawdle, loaf
lull = moment of calm
Cassette 5 Side B-28
Cassette 5 Side B
maritime = Situated on or near the sea
megalomania = mental state with delusions of wealth and power
mendacious = Untrue
me retricious = Alluring by false or gaudy show
molt = to shed hair, skin periodically
monastic = related to monks
morbid = abnormally gloomy
naiveté = a lack of worldly wisdom
nihilism = a belief in nothing, extreme skepticism
nomadic = moving from place to place
non sequitur = an irrelevant conclusion
nuptial = relating to marriage
objurgate = to chide, scold
opalescent = iridescent, displaying colors
ornithologist = scientist who studies birds
orotund = pompously said
palette = board for mixing paints
pastiche = imitation of another's style
patricide = murder of one's own father
peculation = theft of money or goods
pediment = triangular gable on a roof or façade
penumbra = partial shadow in an eclipse
permeable = penetrable
philology = study of words
plaintiff = injured person in a lawsuit
plangent = plaintive, resounding sadly
politic = expedient, prudent, well devised
potable = suitable for drinking
presentiment = sense of foreboding
primordial = existing at the beginning, rudimentary
pummel = beat, attack
putrid = dirty, rotten
quintessence = The most essential part of anything
ramshackle = dilapidated, falling to pieces
ratiocination = reasoning
raucous = Harsh sounding
ravenous = extremely hungry
rectitude = moral uprightness
refectory = dining hall
remediable = capable of being corrected
remonstrate = to protest or object
retinue = group of attendants
rococo = ornate, highly decorated
roil = to disturb or cause disorder
salubrious = healthy
serenity = calm, peacefulness
serrated = toothed, with a zigzag edge
sinuous = Curving in and out
slough = to discard or shed
Cassette 5 Side B-29
sluggard = lazy, inactive person
sophist = person good at arguing deviously
sophomoric = immature and overconfident
staccato = marked by abrupt, clear-cut sounds
succinct = Concise
synthetic = artificial, imitation
threnody = a sad poem or song, dirge
tremulous = trembling, fearful
tundra = treeless plain found in Arctic or sub arctic regions
upbraid = to scold sharply
vagrant = An idle wanderer
variegated = many-colored
vaunted = boasted, bragged
veracious = truthful, accurate
verity = Truth
vernal = related to spring
wrangle = loud quarrel
6
Cassette 6 Side A-30
Cassette 6 Side A
abase = lower, humiliate
abash = humiliate, embarrass
abdicate = give up power or position
abeyance = postponement, temporary suspension
abhor = detest, loathe
abjure = renounce, to formally reject or abandon
ablution = cleansing, washing
abortive = unsuccessful, interruptive while incomplete
abrogate = cancel, to abolish by authority
absolve = acquit, to forgive or free from blame
abstruse = difficult to comprehend
abut = touch, border on
abysmal = deficient, sub par
accede = yield, express approval, agree to
acclimate = accustom oneself to a climate
acclivity = ascent, incline
accolade = applause, praise
accost = to approach and speak to someone
accoute r (BRITISH = accoutre) = equip
acme = summit, highest point
acquiesce = to agree, comply passively
acrid = harsh, bitter, pungent, caustic
acrimonious = caustic, bitter
actuate = induce, start
acumen = sharpness of insight
adamant = insistent, uncompromising, unyielding
adduce = offer as example
adjunct = addition, something added, attached, or joined
admonish = warn gently, caution, or reprimand
adroit = skillful, accomplished, highly competent
adulation = applause, high praise
advent = arrival
adventitious = accidental
aegis = that which protects
affect = influence
affray = public brawl
agape = openmouthed, wonder
aggrandize = exaggerate, to make larger or greater in power
aghast = horrified
alacrity = swiftness, speed, cheerful willingness, eagerness
allay = to reassure; to lessen, ease, or soothe
allege = assert without proof
allegory = fable, symbolic representation
alliteration = repetition of the same sound
allude = refer to indirectly
amenable = agreeable
amiss = wrong, out of place
amity = Friendship
amorous = strongly attracted to love; showing love
Cassette 6 Side A-31
amorphous = shapeless
amortize = to diminish by installment payments
amuck = murderous frenzy
anarchist = terrorist
animadversion = critical remark
animus = hate
annals = historical records
apocalyptic = ominous, doomed
apoplexy = stroke
appall (BRITISH = appal) = horrify
apparition = phantom
appellation = title, name
apposite = apt
apropos = Appropriate
arbiter = judge
archetype = original model
argot = slang
aria = operatic song
array = arrangement
arroyo = gully
artifice = trick
aseptic = sterile
atelier = workshop
avuncular = like an uncle
azure = sky blue
badger = To pester
badinage = banter, teasing conversation
bagatelle = nonentity, trifle
bandy = discuss lightly
bard = poet
baroque = ornate
bask = take pleasure in, sun
bauble = A trinket, trifle
beatitude = state of bliss
begrudge = resent, envy
beholden = in debt
bereft = deprived of
beset = harass, surround
besmirch = slander, sully
bicame ral = having two legislative branches
bivouac = encampment
blase = bored with life
bode = portend
bogus = forged, false
brackish = salty
bucolic = rustic
burlesque = farce
cache = hiding place
cadaverous = haggard
callow = inexperienced
canine = pertaining to dogs
Cassette 6 Side A-32
captious = fond of finding fault in others
carafe = bottle
cardinal = chief
Cassette 6 Side B-33
Cassette 6 Side B
carrion = decaying flesh
cascade = small waterfall
casuistry = clever argument to trick people
caute rize (BRITISH = cauterise) = to sear
chafe = abrade
chaste = pure, virgin
chasten = castigate
ciphe r = zero
cleft = split
clique = a small group
cloven = split
codicil = supplement to a will
cogitate = ponder
cognizant = aware
cohere = To stick together
cohort = an associate
comport = to conduct oneself
conch = spiral shell
concordat = Agreement
condescend = patronize, talk down to, to treat someone as though you are better
condiment = seasoning
condolence = sympathy for the family or friends of a person who has recently died
coniferous = bearing cones
consort = spouse
contagion = infectious agent
contingent = conditional
contort = twist
controve rt = dispute
cordon = bond, chain
corollary = consequence
corpulent = fat
cortege = procession
coruscate = sparkle
covenant = agreement, pact
crestfallen = dejected
crevice = crack
cruet = small bottle
cull = pick out, select
culve rt = drain
curry = seek favor by flattery
cynosure = celebrity
dank = damp
dauntless = courageous
deadpan = expressionless
debonair = sophisticated, affable
decant = pour
decrepitude = enfeeblement
defamation = slander
deflect = turn aside
Cassette 6 Side B-34
defray = pay
deign = condescend
delirium = mental confusion, ecstasy
delve = dig, explore (of ideas)
demeanor (BRITISH = demeanour) = behavior
demented = deranged
demure = sedate, reserved
denizen = dweller
denouement = resolution
deposition = testimony
depredation = preying on, plunder
derelict = negligent
desolate = forsaken
desuetude = disuse
dialectic = pertaining to debate
diminution = Reduction
disconcert = confuse
discretion = prudence
dishevel = muss
disinter = unearth
disinterested = Impartial
disputatious = fond of arguing
disquisition = elaborate treatise
dissolute = profligate, immoral
dissonance = Discord
distrait = preoccupied, absent-minded
doggerel = poor verse
dolorous = gloomy
dregs = residue, riffraff
drone = speak in a monotonic voice
duenna = governess
ecclesiastical = churchly
eclat = brilliance
educe = draw forth, evoke
effete = worn out
effusion = pouring forth
elegiac = sad
emblazon = imprint, brand
embryonic = rudimentary
emeritus = retired, but retaining title
enamored (BRITISH = enamoured) = charmed, captivated
enclave = area enclosed within another region
engross = captivate
epoch = era
escapade = adventure
eviscerate = disembowel
ex officio = by virtue of position
excision = removal
exegesis = interpretation
exigency = urgency
exiguous = scanty
Cassette 6 Side B-35
expletive = oath
extant = existing
extirpate = seek out and destroy
extrude = force out
facet = aspect
factious = causing disagreement
factitious = artificial
factotum = handyman
faux pas = false step, mistake
febrile = feverish, delirious
ferment = turmoil
ferret = rummage through
fervor (BRITISH = fervour) = intensity
fester = decay
7
Cassette 7 Side A-36
Cassette 7 Side A
festive = joyous
fete = to honor
fiat = decree
firebrand = agitator
flagellate = whip
flail = whip
foray = raid
fortitude = patience, courage
fret = worry
fritter = squander
frivolity = playfulness
fruition = realization, completion
galvanize = excite to action
gamut = range
garnish = decorate
genealogy = ancestry
genesis = beginning
genuflect = kneel in reverence
ghastly = horrible
glean = gather
gnome = dwarf-like being
gorge = stuff, satiate
gory = bloody
grapple = struggle
grisly = gruesome
guffaw = laughter
gusto = Keen enjoyment
guttural = throaty
haggard = gaunt
halcyon = serene
hale = healthy
hamper = obstruct
harbor (BRITISH = harbour) = give shelter, conceal
harridan = hag or an ugly old woman
harry = harass
heedless = careless
hegira = a journey to a more pleasant place
hibernal = wintry
histrionic = overly dramatic
homily = sermon
horde = group
hortatory = inspiring good deeds
hovel = shanty, cabin
hoyden = tomboy, boisterous girl
hubris = arrogance
hummock = knoll, mound
humus = soil
ichthyology = study of fish
idyllic = natural, picturesque
Cassette 7 Side A-37
immolate = sacrifice
impale = pierce
impetus = stimulus, spark
impinge = encroach, touch
imponde rable = difficult to estimate
imprimatur = sanction
impunity = exemption from harm
impute = charge
inalienable = that which cannot be taken away
incantation = chant
incapacitate = disable
inclement = harsh
incriminate = accuse
incubus = nightmare
ineffable = inexpressible
ineluctable = inescapable
infidel = nonbeliever
influx = inflow
infraction = violation
inimitable = peerless
iniquitous = unjust, wicked
inopportune = untimely
inordinate = excessive
insensate = without feeling
insouciant = nonchalant
insubordinate = disobedient
integument = a covering
inveigle = lure
irresolute = hesitant, uncertain
je june = barren
jostle = push, brush against
ken = range of comprehension
knave = con man
knead = massage
lacerate = tear, cut
lackey = servant
laity = laymen
lambent = softly radiant
lave = wash
lax = loose, careless
lectern = reading desk
limn = portray, describe
litany = list
litotes = understatement for emphasis
lout = goon
lupine = wolf-like
luxuriant = lush
maim = injure
manacle = shackle
marauder = plunderer
masticate = chew
Cassette 7 Side A-38
matriarch = matron
maul = rough up
mausoleum = tomb
mayhem = mutilation
medley = mixture
melee = riot
mellifluous = sweet sounding
menial = humble, degrading
mete = distribute
miasma = toxin
mien = appearance, demeanor
minion = subordinate
minutiae = trivia
mire = marsh
Cassette 7 Side B-39
Cassette 7 Side B
miscegenation = intermarriage between races
miscellany = mixture of items
modish = chic
molten = melted
monolithic = large and uniform
mortify = humiliate
mottled = spotted
mountebank = charlatan
muffle = stifle, quiet
mulct = defraud
muse = ponder
muster = to gather one's forces
noncommittal = neutral, circumspect
nonplus = bring to a halt by confusion
nubile = marriageable
nugatory = useless, worthless
oaf = awkward person
obelisk = tall column, monument
obituary = eulogy
oblation = offering, sacrifice
obliquity = perversity
odoriferous = pleasant odor
offal = inedible parts of a butchered animal
offertory = church collection
ogle = flirt
onus = burden
opprobrium = disgrace
opus = literary work of musical composition
orison = prayer
paleontologist (BRITISH = palaeontologist) = one who studies fossils
palpitate = beat, throb
pandemonium = din, commotion
pander = cater to people's baser instincts
pantomime = mime
papyrus = paper
paramour = lover
parapet = rampart, defense
paroxysm = outburst, convulsion
parsimonious = stingy
parvenu = newcomer, social climber
passe = outmoded
pastoral = rustic
peculate = embezzle, steal
pedantic = bookish
pell-mell = in a confused manner
penurious = stingy
peregrination = wandering
perforce = by necessity
perigee = point when moon is nearest to the earth
Cassette 7 Side B-40
perjury = lying
peroration = conclusion of an oration
petrify = calcify, shock
petty = trivial
petulant = irritable, peevish
picaresque = roguish, adventurous
pied = mottled, brindled
piquant = tart-tasting, spicy
platonic = nonsexual
plebiscite = referendum
plumb = measure
polity = methods of government
poltroon = coward
portend = signify, augur
prate = babble
preamble = introduction
preternatural = abnormal
prim = formal, prudish
primogeniture = first-born child
primp = groom
proboscis = snout
prod = urge
profusion = overabundance
propellant = rocket fuel
prophylactic = preventive
propound = propose
proscenium = platform, rostrum
prosody = study of poetic structure
provender = dry food, fodder
proviso = stipulation
puissant = strong
purblind = obtuse, dim-sighted
purgatory = limbo, netherworld
purloin = To steal
purview = range, understanding
putative = reputed
quail = shrink, cower
quaint = old-fashioned
qualms = misgivings
quarry = prey, game
quay = wharf
queasy = squeamish
quip = joke
quirk = eccentricity
quizzical = odd
quorum = majority
8
Cassette 8 Side A-41
Cassette 8 Side A
rabid = mad, furious
raiment = clothing
rankle = cause bitterness, resentment
realm = kingdom, domain
reconnaissance = surveillance
recrimination = countercharge, retaliation
recumbent = reclining
redolent = fragrant
redoubtable = formidable, steadfast
redundant = repetitious
reek = smell
refraction = bending, deflection
regale = entertain
remiss = Negligent
remnant = residue, fragment
remorse = guilt
rend = to tear apart
render = deliver, provide
rendezvous = a meeting
rendition = version, interpretation
reparation = amends, atonement
repartee = witty conversation
repellent = causing aversion
repercussion = consequence
repine = fret
reprieve = temporary suspension
reprimand = rebuke
reprisal = retaliation
retaliate = revenge
retribution = reprisal
reverent = respectful
reverie = daydream
rigor = harshness
rime = white frost
risible = laughable
roseate = rosy, optimistic
roster = list of people
rout = vanquish
rubicund = ruddy, having healthy reddish color
ruffian = brutal person, bully
rummage = hunt
ruse = trick
sacerdotal = priestly
salutary = good, wholesome
sanctimonious = self-righteous
sang-froid = coolness under fire
sanguinary = gory, murderous
sapid = interesting
sarcophagus = stone coffin
Cassette 8 Side A-42
sartorial = pertaining to clothes
sate = satisfy fully
saturnine = gloomy
satyr = demigod, goat-man
savoir-faire = tact, polish
savor (BRITISH = savour) = enjoy
scarify = criticize
scurry = move briskly
scuttle = to sink
sebaceous = like fat
seclusion = solitude
sedulous = diligent
seethe = fume, resent
semblance = likeness
senescence = old age
sepulcher (BRITISH = sepulchre) = tomb
sequacious = eager to follow, ductile
serried = saw-toothed
shibboleth = password
shoal = reef
shrew = virago
sidereal = pertaining to the stars
sinewy = fibrous, stringy
skinflint = miser
skittish = excitable
skullduggery (BRITISH = skulduggery) = trickery
slande r = defame
sleight = dexterity
slithe r = slide
smattering = superficial knowledge
smirk = smug look
snivel = whine
solvent = financially sound
somatic = pertaining to the body
spasmodic = intermittent
spate = sudden outpouring
spectral = ghostly
splenetic = peevish
spry = nimble
spume = foam
stanza = division of a poem
stoke = prod, fuel
stratum = layer
stupor = lethargy
sub rosa = in secret
substantiate = verify
Cassette 8 Side B-43
Cassette 8 Side B
substantive = substantial
succor (BRITISH = succour) = help, comfort
succumb = yield, submit
suffuse = pervade, permeate
sultry = sweltering
sunder = split
sundry = various
supernume rary = subordinate
suture = surgical stitch
sylvan = rustic
tantalize = tease
taper = candle
tarn = small lake
tarry = linger
taurine = bull-like
taut = tight, stretched
temperate = moderate
tempo = speed
tentative = provisional
tenure = status given after a period of time
terrapin = turtle
testy = petulant
thespian = actor
throes = anguish
throng = crowd
timbre = tonal quality, resonance
Titanic = huge
tithe = donate one-tenth
titular = in name only, figurehead
tocsin = alarm bell, signal
touchstone = standard
traduce = slander
travail = work, drudgery
tribunal = court
troglodyte = cave dweller
truckle = yield
tutelage = guardianship
tyranny = oppression
unassuming = modest
uncouth = uncultured, crude
undulate = surge, fluctuate
uniformity = sameness
unsavory (BRITISH = unsavoury) = distasteful, offensive
unscathed = unhurt
unseemly = unbecoming, improper
untenable = cannot be achieved
ursine = bear-like
uxorious = a doting husband
vagary = whim
Cassette 8 Side B-44
vainglorious = conceited
valor (BRITISH = valour) = bravery
vanguard = leading position
vassal = subject
vehement = adamant
veneer = false front, façade
venial = excusable
venturesome = bold, risky
viand = food
victuals = food
visage = facial expression
viscid = thick, gummy
vitreous = glassy
vituperative = abusive
votary = fan, aficionado
vouchsafe = confer, bestow
vulpine = fox-like
waggish = playful
wastrel = spendthrift
waylay = ambush
wean = remove from nursing, break a habit
wheedle = coax
whimsical = capricious
wince = cringe
winnow = separate
wither = shrivel
wont = custom
wrath = anger, fury
wreak = inflict
wrest = snatch
writhe = contort
yen = desire
yore = long ago
9
Cassette 9 Side A-45
Cassette 9 Side A
aberration = different from normal or usual
abettor = encourager
abnegation = repudiation, self-sacrifice
abominate = to hate
abrade = to rub off a surface
abstemious = Characterized by self denial or abstinence
accretion = grow in size or increase in amount
acerbity = bitterness of speech or temper
acetic = related to vinegar
acidulous = sour in taste or manner
acquiescence = Passive consent
acquittal = release from blame (as by a court)
actuarial = calculating
acuity = sharpness
addiction = compulsive, habitual need
addle = To make inefficient or unable to think
adjuration = solemn urging
adjure = to request solemnly
admonition = Genteelly point out mistake
agility = nimbleness
agitation = excitement, uneasiness
alimentary = supplying nourishment
allure = appeal, attract
allusion = indirect reference
alluvial = soil deposits left by rivers
amalgamate = To mix or join together to become one
amazon = female warrior
ambrosia = food of the Greek gods that provided immortal youth & beauty, anything sweet
and pleasing
andirons = metal supports in a fireplace
anneal = to gradually heat and cool in order to soften, reduce brittleness
annuity = An annual payment or income
antecede = To precede
anthropoid = manlike
apiary = A place where bees are kept
apogee = The climax
apothecary = One who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions
appurtenances = subordinate possessions
aquiline = like an eagle, bent, booked, curved
arcade = a roofed passage between shops
archaeology = the study of ancient cultures by looking for and examining their buildings,
tools
aromatic = fragrant
arrant = Notoriously bad
asceticism = doctrine of self-denial
assessment = estimation
astronomical = enormously large or extensive
athwart = across, opposition
aureole = sun's corona, halo
auroral = pertaining to the aurora borealis
Cassette 9 Side A-46
auscultation = act of listening to the heart or lungs to discover abnormalities
austerity = quality of being self disciplined
baffle = to frustrate or unable to understand
bandanna = large, bright-colored handkerchief
barb = sharp projection from fishhook
barrage = a lot of questions or criticism
barte r = to give in exchange rather than paying money
bassoon = reed instrument of the woodwind family
bate = let down, restrain
bawdy = indecent, obscene
bedizen = dress with vulgar finery
bedraggle = wet thoroughly
befuddle = confuse thoroughly
behoove = to be fit, to be right
benignant = Benevolent in feeling, character
bereavement = state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved
bete noire = aversion
betrothal = Engagement to marry
bibulous = Fond of drinking
bigotry = discrimination, prejudice
blasphemous = profane, impious
blazon = print or decorate something in a very noticeable way
blurt = to say something suddenly and without thinking, especially when you are excited or
nervous
boorish = Rude
bouillon = clear beef soup
Bowdlerize = To expurgate in editing
braggadocio = someone who boasts
brazier = An open pan or basin for holding live coals
brindled = tawny or grayish with streaks or spots
brittle = Fragile
brocade = rich, gaudy fabric
brooch = a piece of jewelry for women which is fastened onto clothes with a pin
buffoone ry = coarse jokes, etc
bugaboo = bugbear, object of baseless terror
bumptious = full of offensive self-conceit
bungle = to do something wrong in a very careless or stupid way
buskin = thick-soled half boot worn by actors of Greek tragedy
buxom = plump, vigorous, jolly
cameo = when someone famous appears for a short time in a film or play
canker = any ulcerous sore, any evil
canto = part of an extended poem
caparison = showy harnesser, ornamentation for a horse
caprice = A whim
carillon = a set of bells capable of being played
carmine = rich red
carousal = To drink deeply and in boisterous or jovial manner
carte blanche = complete freedom to do what you want
caryatid = sculptured column of a female figure
caste = one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society
catapult = slingshot
Cassette 9 Side A-47
catechism = book for religious instruction
censor = to prohibit publication by law
centaur = mythical figure, half man and half horse
cerebration = thought
chaff = worthless products of an endeavor
chasm = a long, deep, narrow hole in rock or ice
chiropodist = one who treats disorders of the feet
chivalrous = courteous to ladies
Cassette 9 Side B-48
Cassette 9 Side B
ciliated = having minute hairs, one-celled animal
circlet = small ring, band
clangor (BRITISH = clangour) = loud, resounding noise
clarion = shrill, trumpet like sound
clavicle = collarbone
climactic = relating to the highest point
clime = region, climate
coadjutor = assistant, colleague
cockade = decoration worn on hat
coeval = living at the same time as contemporary
cog = a spoke in a wheel, a small and unimportant person
cohesion = consistency
colande r = utensil with perforated bottom used for straining
collage = a picture made by sticking small pieces of paper or other materials
collie r = worker in coal mine, ship carrying coal
colossal = huge
comely = a woman who is attractive in appearance
comestible = something fit to be eaten
comeuppance = rebuke, one's deserved fate or punishment
comity = courteousness, civility
conclave = private meeting
condign = adequate, deservedly severe
connivance = pretence of ignorance of something wrong, assistance or permission to offend
connubial = related to marriage or matrimony
cormorant = greedy, rapacious bird
cornice = a decorative border around the walls of a room close to the ceiling
corsair = pirate ship
covetous = very desirous of something, avaricious, greedy
coy = shy, modest
cozen = cheat, hoodwink, swindle
crabbed = sour, peevish
credo = a set of beliefs
crepuscular = pertaining to twilight
crone = hag
crotchet = a fancy, a whim, an eccentricity
cul-de-sac = a blind alley, a trap
dappled = spotted
dastard = A base coward
daub = to paint carelessly, to smear
dawdle = to waste time by trifling, to move slowly
debenture = bond issued to secure a loan
decollete = having a low-necked dress
decrepit = Enfeebled, as by old age or some chronic infirmity
deducible = derived by reasoning
defalcate = to misuse money put in trust
defection = desertion
deify = To regard as a god
deliquescent = capable of absorbing moisture from air and becoming liquid
delusion = Mistaken conviction
Cassette 9 Side B-49
delusive = deceptive, raising vain hopes
demesne = domain
demolition = destruction
demoniacal = related to evil spirits, devilish
denotation = the exact literary meaning of a word, designation, definition
depilate = remove hair
derision = Ridicule
dermatologist = one who studies the skin and its diseases
descant = discuss fully
desideratum = that which is desired
despoil = to bereave, rob, plunder, strip of possessions
despotism = Any severe and strict rule
detergent = cleansing agent
detonation = explosion
devolve = to roll down, to hand down
diadem = crown
dint = means, effort
dipsomaniac = a person having an uncontrollable desire for alcohol, inebriate
disapprobation = rejection, disapproval
disavowal = Denial
dishabille = in a state of undress
dishearten = discourage, lose spirit
dismember = cut into small parts
disport = amuse
dissuasion = advise against
dive rgent = Tending in different directions
divination = The forecast of future events or discovery of what is lost or hidden
docket = a list of cases to be dealt with
doddering = shaky, infirm from old age
doff = take off
dorsal = belonging to the back side, posterior, tail
douse = to plunge into water, to extinguish
dowdy = slovenly, untidy
drudgery = Hard and constant work in any dull occupation
durance = confinement
eclipse = The obstruction of Sun by moon, or of moon by earth
eerie = weird
efflorescent = opening in flower
elusory = tending to deceive expectations
elysian = relating to paradise, blissful
emanate = to express a feeling or quality through the way one looks
emendation = corrections of errors
emetic = a medicine that causes vomiting
emolument = salary or fees for a job, remuneration, pay scale
empyreal = celestial, fiery
encomiastic = praising, eulogistic
Cassette 9 Side B-50
1 0 What is the Biggest Problem with Vocab and
Why Even Serious, Hard Working Students
Fail to Build Huge Vocab Required to Score
High in GRE?
Here it is: Becoming Familiar with New Uncommon and Unusual
GRE Words is Easy, But Still Remembering Them After a Few
Weeks is Extremely Difficult
The biggest problem is that though it is relatively easy to learn new words at home or
in coaching classes, it is very very difficult to memorize the words and remember
after a few weeks/months.
Even the best coaching classes fail to put 4,000 to 4,500 words in the long-term
memory of your mind because they do not specialize in mind power and mind
technologies. The best they can do, no matter how hard they work, is to prepare a
good book offering you word lists and then motivate you to repeatedly read the word
lists in different ways many many times over several months and hope that you
remember many of the words.
But, you cannot blame the coaching institutes because it is not their fault. It is the
nature of our mind, which is simply not capable of remembering many uncommon
and odd words just by reading word lists a few times and you know there is not a lot
of time to revise many many many times.
If you are concerned or worried about memorizing vocab, you are not alone--almost
every student faces the same problem. Despite my hard work for over a year, I myself
got only 20% in Verbal, though I got 97% in Quantitative in GRE (see my GRE
score card below), so I know how one can feel.
My wife, Dr Anju Bapna, who is a medical doctor, took GMAT exam in USA for
admission to MBA. To get a good score, she took classroom coaching in California
from Kaplan, which is world's number one coaching institute for GMAT training. The
fee was about $1,200. The Kaplan coaching proved ineffective and it totally failed to
Cassette 9 Side B-51
help her improve vocab for the GMAT exam. She was just lucky to get admission to
MBA she wanted. In fact, this coaching experience of her was what motivated me to
develop the Vocab-Builder Mind Machine on our return to India.
“Vocab-Builder Mind Machine is Becoming More and More Popular
Among GRE, SAT, CAT, GMAT Aspirants Because Good Coaching
Alone is Not Enough for Vocab”
As you already know, Indian students tend to score high in Maths but low in English
part. The main reason for low score in Verbal is not knowing the vocab well which
makes it much harder to answer questions correctly. Most of us in India are not so
good in English vocab even if we have studied in English schools.
GRE is also like a competition, where you get percentile (meaning you are better than
so many of the students). So, you need to find various ways, both small and big, if
possible unique and not-yet-common ways, to gain "unfair advantage" and get ahead
of others and win the race.
A competition is like a race where only certain number of students get success and
remaining fail. Mind Machine is kind of like being on an airplane when others in the
race are on bikes, cars or cycles. Guess who will win such an unfair race?
The mind machine provides one way to gain such "unfair advantage" because it puts
words into your mind effortlessly. You perhaps realize that toppers are not two times
as intelligent as others and that toppers don’t study two times as many hours as others
per day, but knowingly or unknowingly they use more mind power. “Using mind
power” is the missing link in our education system and that makes the difference
between success and failure.
"Vocab-Builder Mind Machine:
New Way to Memorize Vocab for GRE"
Vocab-Builder Mind Machine (GRE)
It consists of Mind Machine Player, ten pencil cells, 30 vocab cassettes with 5,871
words and vocabulary books in 3 beautiful spiral-bound volumes.
Now, the new Vocab-Builder Mind Machine makes it possible to memorize vocab:
All you have to do is close your eyes, relax, and listen to Mind Machine Cassettes on
Mind Machine Player, and you memorize 3 to 7 times faster. In addition to
Cassette 9 Side B-52
memorizing words quickly, you also become better in English usage, pronunciation,
and fluency, which builds self-confidence.
B.E. (BITS Pilani), M.Tech. (IIT Kgp)
Former Intel engineer in USA
www.MindPowerIndia.com/mindmachinelab/gre-exam-vocab-secrets.htm
and
www.MindMachineLab.com
(visit for full details and discount price offer for Vocab-Builder Mind Machine for GRE)
for GRE
Word List with Meanings
(but Without Sentence Fragments)
By Raj Bapna
www.MindMachineLab.com
Dear Friend,
You now have in your hands a very valuable list of 1,853 most difficult words
that can give you an edge over others for your success in GRE. This is my gift to you
with my best wishes for your big success in GRE and in life.
This list is taken from the vocab books of Vocab-Builder Mind Machine for
GRE, which is a topper’s ultimate vocab system.
This list is free to you.
How to Use This Book
The words are given in bold. The meaning is given after the equal sign (=)
following a word. We have used the US spellings. The British spelling of a word,
when different from the US spelling, is given in bracket after BRITISH as shown for
the word belabor below.
belabor (BRITISH = belabour) = to assail verbally, to insist repeatedly or harp on
The page numbers are listed on the top right side of each page as:
Cassette 1 Side A-4
Here Cassette 1 Side A means that the words are on the Side A of Cassette
1 and 4 means that the page number is 4 of this book
Wishing you best of success in GRE for admission to top US college and
worldwide opportunities for exciting career, great wealth, enriching travel, and family
pride,
Raj Bapna .
Copyright 2005-2007. All rights reserved. Published by Mind Machine Lab, Udaipur
Cassette 1 Side A-2
Cassette 1 Side A
amphitheater (BRITISH = amphitheatre) = oval-shaped theater
anathema = curse, ban
annul = cancel, nullify
anodyne = pain soothing
anoint = consecrate, to apply oil, especially as a sacred rite
anonymity = state of being anonymous, having no name
antediluvian = ancient, obsolete, pre historic
antithesis = direct opposite
apathetic = unconcerned, indifferent
aphasia = inability to speak or use words
aphorism = maxim, old saying
aplomb = poise, confidence
apocryphal = a doubtful authenticity, not genuine, fictional
apostate = one who abandons one's faith
apotheosis = Deification, glorification
approbation = praise, official approval
archaic = Antiquated, from an earlier time
archipelago = group of islands
ardor (BRITISH = ardour) = great emotion or passion
arraign = indict, to call to court to answer a charge
arrogate = seize without right, to demand or claim arrogantly
ascendancy = powerful state
ascribe = to attribute
ashen = resembling ashes, or deathly pale
asinine = stupid
askance = to view with suspicion, scornfully
askew = crooked, tilted
aspersion = slander, false rumor, damaging report
assail = attack
assent = to express agreement
assiduous = hard-working, diligent, persistent
assuage = lessen (pain), to make less severe, ease
astringent = causing contraction, severe, harsh
asunder = apart, into different parts
atone = make amends for a wrong
august = noble, dignified, awe-inspiring, venerable
avow = declare
awry = crooked, askew, amiss
axiom = self-evident truth, premise, postulate
bacchanal = orgy, drunkenly festive
baleful = hostile, malignant, harmful with evil intentions
balk = hesitate, refuse, shirk, prevent
banal = trite, overly common
bane = poison, nuisance, something causing ruin
bastion = fort, fortification, stronghold
beguile = deceive, seduce, mislead
behemoth = monster, huge creature
beleaguer = besiege, to harass, plague
berate = to scold harshly
Cassette 1 Side A-3
bestial = beast-like, brutal
bestow = to give as a gift, grant
bevy = group
bicke r = quarrel, to have a petty argument
bilious = ill-tempered
bilk = swindle, cheat, defraud
blandish = to coax with flattering, grovel
blight = decay, afflict, destroy
blithe = Joyful, cheerful, or without appropriate thought
bombast = pompous speech
bourgeois = middle class
broach = bring up a topic of conversation
brusque = curt, rough and abrupt in manner
bulwark = fortification
burgeon = sprout or flourish
burly = husky, brawny
cabal = plot, a secret group seeking to overturn something
cadaver = corpse, dead body
cajole = encourage, coax, flatter
calumny = Slander, false and malicious accusation
canard = hoax, a lie
candor (BRITISH = candour) = frankness, honesty of expression
canvass = survey, examine thoroughly
capricious = fickle, impulsive, whimsical, without much thought
careen = swerve, to lean on one side
castigate = criticize, punish, chastise
cataclysm = catastrophe, disaster
cathartic = purgative, purifying, cleansing
catholic = universal, worldly
caucus = a small group within an organization or a meeting of such a group
cavil = quibble, raise trivial objections
cede = transfer ownership, to surrender possession of something
censorious = condemning speech, severely critical
chagrin = shame, embarrassment, humiliation
chalice = goblet, cup
chary = cautious, watchful, extremely shy
cherubic = sweet, innocent
chicane ry = trickery, fraud, deception
chide = scold, express disapproval
chime rical = imaginary, impossible
chole ric = easily angered, short-tempered
circumlocution = roundabout expression
circumspect = cautious, wary
circumvent = evade, avoid, to go around
citadel = fortress or stronghold
clamor (BRITISH = clamour) = noisy outcry
cleave = to split or separate, to stick, adhere
clemency = forgiveness, merciful leniency
cloister = refuge, to confine, seclude
coalesce = combine, to grow together
coddle = to pamper, baby, treat indulgently
Cassette 1 Side A-4
cogent = well-put, convincing, logically forceful
cognate = from the same source, related
cognomen = family name, any name, nickname
colloquy = conference
collusion = conspiracy, collaboration, complicity
commodious = spacious
complicity = guilt by association, knowing partnership in wrong doing
compunction = remorse, regret
concur = To agree
Cassette 1 Side B-5
Cassette 1 Side B
conflagration = large fire, big, destructive fire
confluence = flowing together, meeting of two streams, meeting place
confound = bewilder, to baffle, perplex
congeal = solidify, as a liquid freezing, to become thick or solid
conjecture = hypothesis, speculation, prediction
conjure = summon, to evoke a spirit, cast a spell
consanguinity = related by blood, kinship
consecrate = make holy, dedicate to a goal, to declare sacred
construe = interpret or to explain
continence = self-control, self-restraint
contrite = apologetic, deeply sorrowful and repentant for a wrong
contusion = A bruise
conundrum = enigma, puzzle or problem with no solution, riddle
convivial = sociable, festive, fond of eating, drinking, and people
convoke = convene, summon, to call together
coquette = woman who flirts
corroborate = to confirm, verify
coterie = small group, group of people with a common interest or purpose
countenance = facial expression, to favor, support
cower = showing fear, to cringe in fear
crass = crude, unrefined
craven = cowardly
credence = Belief, acceptance of something as true or real
creed = Belief or principle
cringe = cower, to shrink in fear
culpable = blameworthy, guilty, responsible for wrong
cupidity = greed
curmudgeon = boor, cranky person
dally = procrastinate, to act playfully or waste time
debase = to degrade, or lower in quality or stature
debauch = to corrupt, seduce from virtue or duty
debutante = a girl debuting into society
decadence = deterioration, decay (e.g. moral or cultural)
decapitate = kill by beheading
deciduous = shedding leaves, short-lived, temporary
decorous = seemly, proper, tasteful, socially correct
decry = castigate, to belittle, openly condemn
deference = courteously yielding to another, respect, honor
defile = pollute, to make unclean or dishonor
deft = skillful, dexterous
defunct = extinct, no longer existing, dead
deleterious = harmful, destructive, detrimental
deluge = a flood, to submerge, overwhelm
demagogue = An unprincipled politician, leader
demean = to degrade, humiliate, humble
demur = take exception, to express doubts or objections
denigrate = defame, to slur or blacken someone's reputation
depravity = immorality, sinfulness
deprecate = belittle, disparage
Cassette 1 Side B-6
deride = To ridicule, to mock, make fun of
desecrate = profane, to abuse something sacred
desiccate = dehydrate, to dry completely
despondent = depressed, feeling discouraged and dejected
desultory = without direction in life, at random, rambling, unmethodical
diatribe = long denunciation, bitter verbal attack
dichotomy = a division into two parts
didactic = instructional
dilettante = amateur, dabbler
disabuse = correct, to free from a misconception
disburse = pay out
disconsolate = inconsolable, unable to be consoled, extremely sad
discrete = separate, distinct
discursive = rambling, wandering from topic to topic
disdain = to regard with scorn and contempt
disingenuous = deceptive, sly and crafty
dis jointed = disconnected, incoherent, being separated
disparage = belittle, speak disrespectfully about
disparate = various, dissimilar, different in kind
disparity = difference, contrast, dissimilarity
dispirit = discourage, to dishearten, make dejected
dissipate = scatter
distend = swell, inflate, bloat
distraught = distressed, very worried
docile = domesticated, trained, tame
dotage = senility, mental decline
dour = sullen and gloomy, stern and severe
droll = amusing in a wry
dulcet = melodious, pleasant sounding
duplicity = deceit, treachery, dishonesty, double-dealing
duress = coercion, imprisonment
ebb = recede, to fade away
ebullient = exuberant, full of enthusiasm and high spirits
eclectic = joyful
edify = instruct morally and spiritually
efface = To obliterate
effrontery = insolence
effulgent = brilliant
elicit = provoke
elucidate = make clear, clarify
emaciated = underfed, gaunt
embroil = involve, cause to fall into disorder
emend = correct
encomium = warm praise
encumber = burden, to hinder, restrict motion
endemic = Peculiar to some specified country or people
enervate = weaken, sap strength from
engender = generate, to produce
enigmatic = puzzling, inexplicable
enjoin = urge, order, command
ennui = boredom, lack of interest and energy
Cassette 1 Side B-7
enthrall (BRITISH = enthral) = mesmerize, to captivate, enchant
entreat = plead, beg
epicure = gourmet, person with refined taste in food and wine
epigram = saying, short, witty saying or poem
epithet = name, appellation, phrase
equine = pertaining to horses
erode = wear away, to diminish
errant = wandering, mistaken
eschew = avoid, to abstain from
espouse = to support or advocate
estranged = alienated, separated
euthanasia = mercy-killing
evanescent = fleeting, very brief, short-lived
evince = attest, demonstrate, to show clearly
2
Cassette 2 Side A-8
Cassette 2 Side A
exacerbate = worsen
exasperate = irritate, vex
execrable = very bad, abominable, utterly detestable
exemplary = outstanding, serving as an example
exhort = strongly urge
exhume = uncover, to remove from a grave
exonerate = free from blame
exorcise = to expel evil spirits
expedient = advantageous, convenient, efficient
expiate = atone, make amends for
expunge = erase, eliminate completely
extenuate = To diminish the gravity or importance of
extol = praise highly
extraneous = not essential, unnecessary
extricate = Disentangle, free
exuberant = joyous, happy
exude = emit, ooze
exult = rejoice
facetious = joking, sarcastic, witty
facile = very easy
fallow = unproductive, unplowed
fastidious = meticulous, careful with details
fathom = understand, to measure the depth of
fatuous = inane, stupid
fealty = Loyalty
fecund = fertile, fruitful, productive
feign = pretend, give a false impression
fetid = foul-smelling, putrid, stinking
fickle = always changing one's mind
fidelity = Loyalty
filch = steal something of little value
filial = of a son or daughter
fitful = irregular
flagrant = outrageous, shameless
fledgling = just beginning, struggling
flippant = Having a light, pert, trifling disposition
florid = ruddy, with too much decoration
flout = to show disregard for the law or rules
foible = weakness, minor fault
foist = palm off a fake
foment = instigate
fortuitous = happening by luck, fortunate
foster = encourage
fracas = noisy fight
fraught = filled
frenetic = harried, neurotic
frond = bending tree
fulminate = denounce, menace
fulsome = excessive, insincere
Cassette 2 Side A-9
furtive = stealthy
gainsay = to deny
gargantuan = large
garner = gather
garrulous = talkative, loquacious, wordy
gauche = awkward, crude
genre = kind, category
gibe = heckle
glib = insincere manner
glower = stare angrily
goad = encourage
gossamer = thin and flimsy
gouge = overcharge, scoop out
grimace = expression of disgust
grovel = crawl, obey
guile = deceit, trickery
hackneyed = trite
hapless = unlucky
harangue = a pompous speech
harbinger = forerunner
haughty = arrogant
hedonism = the pursuit of pleasure in life
heinous = shocking, wicked
hermetic = airtight, sealed
hew = to cut with an ax
hiatus = interruption
hone = sharpen
illimitable = limitless
imbue = infuse, dye, wet
immure = build a wall around
impair = injure
impassive = calm, without feeling
impeccable = faultless
impecunious = indigent, having no money
imperious = domineering
impertinent = insolent, rude
imperturbable = calm
impervious = Impenetrable
impetuous = quick to act without thinking
implausible = unlikely, inconceivable
impolitic = unwise
importune = urgent request
impregnable = totally safe from attack
impugn = criticize
inadvertent = unintentional
inane = vacuous, stupid
incandescent = brilliant
incarcerate = to put in a jail
incendiary = burning easily, flammable
inchoate = just begun
incipient = beginning to exist
Cassette 2 Side A-10
incisive = keen, penetrating
incognito = disguised
incommunicado = unable to communicate with others
incontrovertible = Indisputable
inculcate = instill, indoctrinate, to teach
incumbent = obligatory, required
incursion = raid
indict = charge with a crime
indigenous = Native
indigent = very poor
indolent = lazy
indomitable = invincible, fearless
indubitable = unquestionable
inexorable = relentless, inflexible
Cassette 2 Side B-11
Cassette 2 Side B
infallible = incapable of making a mistake
infernal = hellish
infirmity = ailment, disease
ingrate = ungrateful person
ingratiate = pleasing, flattering, endearing
inimical = adverse, hostile, unfriendly
innocuous = Harmless
innuendo = indirect and subtle criticism
inscrutable = cannot be fully understood
insinuate = to suggest, imply, say indirectly
insipid = flat, dull, lacking flavor
insolent = insulting
insular = narrow-minded, isolated
insupe rable = insurmountable
insurgent = rebellious
insurrection = uprising, rebellion
inter = bury
interdict = prohibit
interloper = intruder, meddler in others' affairs
interminable = unending
internecine = mutually destructive
intransigent = uncompromising
intrepid = fearless
inundate = flood
invective = verbal insult
inveigh = to rail against, protest strongly
inveterate = habitual, chronic, long-standing
invidious = incurring ill-will
irascible = irritable
itinerant = Wandering, unsettled
jaded = spent, bored with one's situation
juggernaut = unstoppable force
kismet = fate
knell = sound of a funeral bell
lachrymose = tearful
lampoon = satirize, to attack with satire
larceny = theft of property
largess = generous donation
legerdemain = trickery
levity = Frivolity, humor
libertine = one without moral restraint
licentious = lewd, immoral
limpid = transparent, clearly understood
lissome (BRITISH = lissom) = agile, supple
lithe = moving and bending with ease
loathe = abhor, hate
loquacious = Talkative
lugubrious = sad, sorrowful
lurid = glowing, shocking
Cassette 2 Side B-12
macabre = gruesome
machination = plot or scheme
maelstrom = whirlpool, agitated state of mind
malapropism = comical misuse of a word
malcontent = one who is forever dissatisfied
malediction = curse
malefactor = evildoer, culprit
malodorous = fetid, foul-smelling
manifold = multiple, diverse
martial = warlike, pertaining to the military
martinet = strict disciplinarian
masochist = one who enjoys pain
maudlin = weepy, sentimental
mave rick = a person who resists adherence to a group
mawkish = sickeningly sentimental
meander = to wander aimlessly without direction
mendicant = beggar
me rcurial = changeable, volatile, quick
mettle = courage, capacity for bravery
minatory = threatening
mirth = jollity, laughter
miscreant = one who behaves criminally
missive = letter or note
modicum = a small amount
mollify = to calm or make less severe
moot = disputable, previously decided
mordant = biting, sarcastic
mores = moral standards, customs
moribund = near death
mote = speck, small particle
motley = diverse, many colored
multifarious = diverse, many-sided
munificent = generous
myriad = innumerable
nascent = incipient, coming into existence
natal = related to birth
necromancy = sorcery, black magic
Nemesis = implacable foe, often victorious opponent
neologism = new word or expression
neophyte = beginner
nether = located under or below
nettle = irritate
niggardly = stingy
noisome = harmful, stinking
nonentity = person of no significance
obdurate = unyielding
obeisance = homage, deference
obfuscate = bewilder, muddle, to confuse
oblique = indirect
obliterate = destroy
obloquy = slander, abusive language
Cassette 2 Side B-13
obsequious = fawning, servile, overly submissive
obsequy = funeral ceremony
obstinate = stubborn
obstreperous = noisy, unruly, troublesome
obtuse = stupid, dull
occlude = block, to shut
odious = despicable, hateful
onerous = burdensome
opprobrious = abusive, disgraceful
ordain = appoint
ossify = harden
ostensible = apparent, seeming
ostentatious = pretentious, showy
overweening = arrogant, forward
3
Cassette 3 Side A-14
Cassette 3 Side A
pacifist = one who opposes all violence
paean = a song of praise
palave r = babble, nonsense
pall = to become dull or weary
palliate = to make less serious, ease
pallid = pale, sallow, lacking color or liveliness
palpable = touchable, obvious, real
paltry = scarce, pitifully small or worthless
panache = flamboyance, flair
pandemic = spread over a whole area or country
panegyric = praise
panoply = full suit of armor
paragon = model of excellence or perfection
pariah = outcast
parley = conference, discussion
parry = avert, ward off, reflect
partisan = supporter
pathos = emotion, feeling of sadness
patrician = aristocrat
patrimony = inheritance or heritage derived from one's father
peccadillo = a minor fault
pedagogue = dull, formal teacher
pedant = a person who is too interested in formal rules and small unimportant details
pejorative = insulting, having bad connotations
pellucid = transparent, easily understood
penance = voluntary suffering to repent for a wrong
penchant = inclination
penitent = repentant
pensive = sad
perdition = damnation, complete ruin
peremptory = dictatorial
perennial = enduring, lasting
perfidious = treacherous ( of a person )
perfunctory = careless, done in a routine way
peripatetic = moving from place to place
pernicious = destructive
pert = flippant, bold
pertinacious = persevering
pertinent = Relevant, applicable
philistine = barbarian, narrow-minded person
phlegmatic = sluggish, someone who is calm
pillory = punish by ridicule
pique = sting, arouse interest
pithy = concise, to the point
pittance = alms, trifle
placid = Serene, calm
platitude = trite remark, stale
plebeian = common, vulgar
plethora = overabundance
Cassette 3 Side A-15
poignant = pungent, sharp, emotionally moving
polemic = a controversy
portend = omen
portly = large, dignified
potentate = sovereign, king
prattle = chatter, foolish talk
precept = principle, law
precipice = cliff, edge
precipitous = steep
precocious = advanced
precursor = forerunner
predilection = inclination, preference
premeditate = plan in advance
preponderance = predominance
preposterous = ridiculous, illogical
presage = omen, indicate in advance
privation = lack of usual necessities or comforts
probity = integrity, complete honesty
proclivity = inclination, tendency
prodigal = wasteful
prodigious = marvelous, enormous
profligate = licentious, prodigal, corrupt
progenitor = ancestor
progeny = children
prognosis = forecast
prognosticate = foretell
prolix = long-winded, wordy
promontory = headland, cape
promulgate = publish, disseminate
propensity = inclination
propinquity = nearness, kinship
propitiate = satisfy, to win over
propitious = auspicious, favorable
prosaic = uninspired, flat, dull
proscribe = prohibit, to condemn
proselytize (BRITISH = proselytise) = recruit, convert
protean = changing readily
protract = To prolong, extend
provident = having foresight, thrifty
prude = puritan
prudent = cautious, careful
prurient = exhibiting lewd desires
puerile = Childish
pugnacious = combative, quarrelsome
pulchritude = beauty
punctilious = careful in observing rules of behavior or ceremony
pungent = sharp smell or taste
purport = claim to be
pusillanimous = cowardly
quaff = to drink heartily
quagmire = difficult situation
Cassette 3 Side A-16
quandary = dilemma, difficulty
quell = suppress, allay
querulous = complaining
quibble = to argue about insignificant and irrelevant details
quiescent = still, motionless, at rest
Quixotic = impractical, romantic
raconteur = story teller
rampant = unbridled, raging
rancor (BRITISH = rancour) = resentment, dislike
rant = rage, scold
rapacious = grasping, avaricious, greedy
rapprochement = reconciliation
raze = destroy
recalcitrant = resisting authority or control
Cassette 3 Side B-17
Cassette 3 Side B
recant = retract a statement
recidivism = habitual criminal activity
recondite = known to only a few
recreant = coward, betrayer of faith
refractory = obstinate
regal = royal
relegate = assign to an inferior position
renege = break a promise
replete = complete
reprehensible = blameworthy, unacceptable
reproach = blame
reprobate = morally unprincipled person
reprove = to criticize or correct
repudiate = to reject as having no authority
requiem = rest, a mass for the dead
requite = to return in kind
rescind = revoke, cancel
respite = interval or relief
resplendent = shining, splendid
restitution = act of compensating for loss or damage
restive = nervous, uneasy
retort = quick replay
retrench = reorganize, to regroup
retrieve = reclaim
retrograde = regress
revelry = merrymaking
revere = honor
revile = to criticize with harsh language
revulsion = aversion
ribald = coarse, vulgar
rife = widespread, abundant
risque = off-color, racy
rostrum = stage for public speaking
ruminate = reflect upon
rustic = rural
sacrosanct = sacred
sagacious = wise
sallow = sickly yellow in color
sanguine = cheerful
sapient = wise, shrewd
sardonic = scornful
saunte r = walk in a leisurely manner
savant = scholar
schism = a division or separation
scintilla = very small amount
scintillate = sparkle
scoff = ridicule
scurrilous = abusive, insulting
secular = worldly, nonreligious
Cassette 3 Side B-18
sedition = treason, resistance to authority
sententious = concise, trying to appear wise
sequester = to remove or set apart
seraphic = angelic, pure
serendipity = making fortunate discoveries
servile = slavish, obedient
simian = monkey like
simper = smile foolishly, smirk
sinecure = well paid position with little responsibility
skulk = sneak about
slake = to calm down or moderate
sloth = laziness
slovenly = sloppy
sobriety = composed
sobriquet = nickname
sodden = soaked
sojourn = trip, visit
solace = consolation
solecism = ungrammatical construction
solicitous = considerate, concerned
soliloquy = A monologue
solstice = furthest point
sombe r (BRITISH = sombre) = Gloomy
somnambulist = sleepwalker
somnolent = Sleepy
soporific = sleep inducing
sordid = foul, ignoble, dirty and unpleasant
spawn = produce
specious = false but plausible
sporadic = occurring irregularly
sportive = playful
spurn = reject
squalid = filthy
staid = demure, sedate, boring
steadfast = loyal, immovable
stentorian = extremely loud
stigma = mark of disgrace
stilted = formal, stiff, unnatural
stoic = indifferent to pain or pleasure
stolid = impassive
stratagem = trick
stricture = negative criticism
stultify = inhibit, enfeeble
stymie = hinder, thwart
suave = smooth
sublimate = to repress impulses
sublime = lofty, excellent
subte rfuge = cunning, ruse
succulent = juicy, delicious
sully = stain
supercilious = arrogant
Cassette 3 Side B-19
supplant = replace
surly = rude, crass
surmise = to guess
surmount = overcome
surreptitious = secretive
sustenance = supplying the necessities of life
swarthy = dark (as in complexion)
Sybarite = pleasure-seeker, lover of luxury
sycophant = flatterer, flunky
taciturn = who does not talk much
talon = claw of an animal
tantamount = equivalent
tawdry = gaudy, cheap
temerity = boldness
4
Cassette 4 Side A-20
Cassette 4 Side A
ample = enough, specious, abundant
amplify = enlarge, increase, intensify
ancillary = supplementary, subsidiary, subordinate
anomaly = deviation from the rule, irregularity
artifact (BRITISH = artefact) = an object made by human, of historical interest
artisan = a skilled handicraftsman
authoritarian = dictator, extremely strict, bossy
autocrat = dictator or a high ranking government officer
bifurcated = divided into two branches, forked
blatant = glaring, obvious, showy
bountiful = abundant, plentiful
brazen = bold, shameless, impudent
breach = breaking of a rule, agreement, or law
caricature = cartoon, exaggerated portrait
carnivorous = meat-eating
catalyst = something that causes change without being changed
centripetal = tending toward the center
chaotic = in utter disorder
chauvinist = a man who thinks men are better than women
complement = To make complete, perfect
composure = Calmness of appearance
compress = to reduce, squeeze
constituent = electorate, component, part
constraint = something that limits what you can do
correlation = mutual relationship, association
corrugate = to wrinkle or draw into folds
depose = testify, to remove from a high position
depreciate = To lessen the worth of
determinate = Definitely limited or fixed, conclusive
dexterous = skillful, adroit
dwindle = To diminish or become less
earthy = crude
entity = being, existence
equity = impartiality, justice
equivocal = Ambiguous, open to two interpretations
eulogy = high praise
exotic = Foreign, romantic
extemporaneous = unrehearsed
fabricate = construct
fallible = Capable of erring
felicitous = very appropriate, pertinent
flair = a natural aptitude
flaunt = to show off
flora = plants
fraudulent = Counterfeit
fusion = union, coalition
germinate = To begin to develop into an embryo or higher form
heterogeneous = composed of unlike parts, different
hypothetical = theoretical, speculative
Cassette 4 Side A-21
immune = Exempt, as from disease
imprudent = unwise
inception = The beginning
inconsequential = Valueless
indefatigable = never getting tired
indicative = suggestive, implying
indisputable = not disputed, unquestioned
infantile = childish, immature
ingenuous = naïve and unsophisticated
injurious = harmful
innovate = to invent, modernize
integrity = decency, honest, wholeness
intermittent = starting and stopping
introspective = looking within oneself
introvert = To turn within
invoke = request assistance or protection
iota = A small mark or part
irreverent = disrespectful
jaundice = disease of yellowish discoloration of skin
lackluster (BRITISH = lacklustre) = dull, dreary, colorless
laudable = Praiseworthy
lexicon = A dictionary
litigation = lawsuit
lunar = related to the moon
luscious = Rich, sweet, and delicious
metaphor = figure of speech comparing two different things
microcosm = The world on a small scale
migratory = Wandering from place to place with the seasons
mishap = Misfortune
mnemonic = related to memory
monotony = A lack of variation
omnivorous = eating everything
opportunist = One who takes advantage of circumstances
orifice = a small opening
overt = open to view
paradox = seemingly in contradiction
parasite = one who lives at another's expense
patent = the right to make or sell a new invention
pediatrician (BRITISH = paediatrician) = a child doctor
perusal = reading carefully
plenitude = Abundance
polyglot = Speaking several tongues
propagate = To spread
reactionary = related to, or favoring reaction
reciprocate = To give and take mutually
regimen = government rule, systematic plan
rehabilitate = To restore to a former status
reminiscence = remembrance of past events
renegade = rebel, dissident
resilient = the quality of springing back
retroactive = applying to an earlier time
Cassette 4 Side A-22
sensual = related to the physical senses
strident = rough, harsh, caustic, loud
subliminal = subconscious, imperceptible
superannuated = retired
Cassette 4 Side B-23
Cassette 4 Side B
superficial = shallow and phony
supple = Easily bent
synchronous = happening at the same time
tainted = contaminated, corrupt
talisman = an object supposed to bring good luck
theocracy = government by the priests
therapeutic = medicinal
tortuous = with bends or turns
transcend = To surpass
transmute = To change in nature or form
tribute = a gift or statement showing respect
turbulence = violent agitation
unobtrusive = inconspicuous, not blatant
vent = small opening, outlet
verisimilitude = appearance of being true
versatile = adaptable, all-purpose
vicarious = substitute, surrogate
viscous = sticky, gluey, thick
warranty = guarantee of a product's soundness
wax = increase, grow
weather = endure the effects of weather or other forces
yoke = join together, unite
temporal = limited by time, secular, not lasting forever
tenacious = persistent
tendentious = biased
tenet = doctrine, principle
tensile = capable of being stretched
tenuous = thin, insubstantial
tepid = lukewarm
terse = concise, brief
tether = tie down, tie with a rope
thrall = slave
thwart = to block or prevent from happening
timorous = fearful, timid
tirade = scolding speech
toady = fawner, sycophant
torpid = lethargic, inactive
transient = fleeting, temporary
translucent = clear, lucid, almost transparent
travesty = caricature, farce, parody
trenchant = incisive, penetrating
trepidation = fear
trite = commonplace, insincere
truculent = fierce, savage, tending to argue a lot
truism = self-evident truth
tryst = meeting, rendezvous
tumult = commotion
turbid = muddy, clouded
turgid = Swollen, not flowing
Cassette 4 Side B-24
turpitude = Depravity, evil
tyro = beginner
umbrage = resentment
unctuous = insincere
unkempt = messy in appearance
unsullied = spotless
usurp = seize, to appropriate
usury = overcharge, lending money at illegal rates of interest
vacillate = To waver
vacuous = inane, empty, not showing intelligence or purpose
vapid = vacuous, insipid
venal = willing to do wrong for money
vendetta = grudge, feud
venerable = respected because of age
verdant = green, lush
vex = annoy, to irritate
vicissitude = changing fortunes
vie = compete
vignette = scene, decorative design
vilify = defame
vindicate = free from blame
virile = manly
virulent = deadly, poisonous
vitiate = spoil, ruin
vitriolic = scathing, burning
vociferous = adamant, clamoring
volition = free will
voluminous = bulky, extensive, or great quantity
wallow = indulge, luxuriate
wan = sickly pale
wane = dissipate, wither
wary = guarded, careful
welte r = confusion, hodgepodge
whet = stimulate, to sharpen
wily = shrewd, clever
winsome = charming
wizened = shriveled
wraith = ghost
wry = twisted, amusing
zephyr = gentle breeze, west wind
5
Cassette 5 Side A-25
Cassette 5 Side A
amphibian = creature that lives on land and water
anachronism = Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time
angular = Sharp-cornered or sharp angled
anthropomorphous = Nonhuman having or resembling human form or quality
apothegm = a short saying
appraise = assess, evaluate the value
arable = suitable for cultivation
asperity = roughness of temper
assay = to analyze or estimate
audit = formal examination of final records
augury = prophecy or prediction of events
aver = to declare to be true
aversion = intense dislike
aviary = cage where birds are kept
banter = to tease playfully and in good humor
beatific = supremely happy, angelic, saintly
benighted = un enlightened
benison = Blessing
blanch = bleach, whiten, to take the color out
bludgeon = to hit someone several times with a heavy object
bolster = To support or make something strong
burnish = To make brilliant or shining
canny = clever and able to think quickly, especially about money or business
carnal = of the flesh, sensual
carp = to find faults, complain constantly
cavalcade = a procession or sequence
celerity = quick moving or acting
cession = Surrender, as of possessions or rights
champ = to chew noisily
chastise = to criticize or punish someone
chattel = piece of personal property
churlish = rude, ungracious
circumscribe = To confine within bounds
clairvoyant = who can see the future, having ESP
collate = to sort or put in proper order
complaisant = Agreeable, friendly
consequential = important
contumacious = rebellious
cuisine = cookery, style of cooking
culmination = climax, final stage
curator = in charge of a library or museum
daunt = to frighten, subdue
declivity = a place that declines or slopes downwards
deranged = insane, delirious, maniacal
derivative = copied or adapted, not original
descry = To discern, to discover or reveal
diffidence = shyness, lack of confidence
dirge = lament with music, funeral hymn
discomfit = To put to confusion, discomfort
Cassette 5 Side A-26
discordant = harsh-sounding, badly out of tune
dissimulate = to disguise
distaff = the female branch of a family
dolt = a stupid person
domineer = to rule over something in a tyrannical way
doughty = brave, dauntless
dross = waste matter, worthless impurities
dyspeptic = suffering from indigestion, gloomy and irritable
effluvium = noxious smells
effusive = expressing emotion without restraint
elation = exhilaration, joy
eloquence = fluent and effective speech
emollient = cream for softening, making supple
ensconce = to hide safely, settle comfortably
enunciate = verbalize, articulate
epilogue = The close of a narrative or poem
epitome = A simplified representation
equestrian = one who rides on horseback
excoriate = to denounce
exculpate = to clear of blame or fault
expatiate = to discuss in detail, elaborate
expatriate = who does not live in one's own country
expurgate = to purify by removing obscenities
extrinsic = not inherent or essential, coming from without
extrovert = an outgoing person
fell = to chop, cut down
fervid = fervent, passionate
fetter = to restrain, to bind
finicky = meticulous, fussy
fissure = a crack or break
flaccid = limp, flabby, weak
flamboyant = Characterized by extravagance
fluster = confuse
forbearance = Patient endurance or toleration of offenses
forte = A strong point
fractious = wayward, unruly, disorderly
frenzied = feverishly fast, hectic
funereal = mournful, appropriate to a funeral
gall = bitterness, nerve
gambol = Playful leaping or frisking
gaunt = thin, emaciated
gustatory = relevant to the sense of tasting
hallow = to make holy
hoary = white, old
holocaust = widespread destruction
ignominious = Shameful
impious = not devout in religion
implacable = doubtful, dubious
improvident = lacking foresight or thrift
incarnadine = blood-red in color
indenture = bound to another by contract
Cassette 5 Side A-27
interstice = a small space between things
iridescent = showing many colors
jettison = to throw overboard, abandon
jingoism = extremely aggressive and militant patriotism
lackadaisical = Listless, idle
languor = Lassitude of body or depression
lapidary = relating to precious stones
latitude = freedom from narrow limitations
lionize = treat as a celebrity
loiter = dawdle, loaf
lull = moment of calm
Cassette 5 Side B-28
Cassette 5 Side B
maritime = Situated on or near the sea
megalomania = mental state with delusions of wealth and power
mendacious = Untrue
me retricious = Alluring by false or gaudy show
molt = to shed hair, skin periodically
monastic = related to monks
morbid = abnormally gloomy
naiveté = a lack of worldly wisdom
nihilism = a belief in nothing, extreme skepticism
nomadic = moving from place to place
non sequitur = an irrelevant conclusion
nuptial = relating to marriage
objurgate = to chide, scold
opalescent = iridescent, displaying colors
ornithologist = scientist who studies birds
orotund = pompously said
palette = board for mixing paints
pastiche = imitation of another's style
patricide = murder of one's own father
peculation = theft of money or goods
pediment = triangular gable on a roof or façade
penumbra = partial shadow in an eclipse
permeable = penetrable
philology = study of words
plaintiff = injured person in a lawsuit
plangent = plaintive, resounding sadly
politic = expedient, prudent, well devised
potable = suitable for drinking
presentiment = sense of foreboding
primordial = existing at the beginning, rudimentary
pummel = beat, attack
putrid = dirty, rotten
quintessence = The most essential part of anything
ramshackle = dilapidated, falling to pieces
ratiocination = reasoning
raucous = Harsh sounding
ravenous = extremely hungry
rectitude = moral uprightness
refectory = dining hall
remediable = capable of being corrected
remonstrate = to protest or object
retinue = group of attendants
rococo = ornate, highly decorated
roil = to disturb or cause disorder
salubrious = healthy
serenity = calm, peacefulness
serrated = toothed, with a zigzag edge
sinuous = Curving in and out
slough = to discard or shed
Cassette 5 Side B-29
sluggard = lazy, inactive person
sophist = person good at arguing deviously
sophomoric = immature and overconfident
staccato = marked by abrupt, clear-cut sounds
succinct = Concise
synthetic = artificial, imitation
threnody = a sad poem or song, dirge
tremulous = trembling, fearful
tundra = treeless plain found in Arctic or sub arctic regions
upbraid = to scold sharply
vagrant = An idle wanderer
variegated = many-colored
vaunted = boasted, bragged
veracious = truthful, accurate
verity = Truth
vernal = related to spring
wrangle = loud quarrel
6
Cassette 6 Side A-30
Cassette 6 Side A
abase = lower, humiliate
abash = humiliate, embarrass
abdicate = give up power or position
abeyance = postponement, temporary suspension
abhor = detest, loathe
abjure = renounce, to formally reject or abandon
ablution = cleansing, washing
abortive = unsuccessful, interruptive while incomplete
abrogate = cancel, to abolish by authority
absolve = acquit, to forgive or free from blame
abstruse = difficult to comprehend
abut = touch, border on
abysmal = deficient, sub par
accede = yield, express approval, agree to
acclimate = accustom oneself to a climate
acclivity = ascent, incline
accolade = applause, praise
accost = to approach and speak to someone
accoute r (BRITISH = accoutre) = equip
acme = summit, highest point
acquiesce = to agree, comply passively
acrid = harsh, bitter, pungent, caustic
acrimonious = caustic, bitter
actuate = induce, start
acumen = sharpness of insight
adamant = insistent, uncompromising, unyielding
adduce = offer as example
adjunct = addition, something added, attached, or joined
admonish = warn gently, caution, or reprimand
adroit = skillful, accomplished, highly competent
adulation = applause, high praise
advent = arrival
adventitious = accidental
aegis = that which protects
affect = influence
affray = public brawl
agape = openmouthed, wonder
aggrandize = exaggerate, to make larger or greater in power
aghast = horrified
alacrity = swiftness, speed, cheerful willingness, eagerness
allay = to reassure; to lessen, ease, or soothe
allege = assert without proof
allegory = fable, symbolic representation
alliteration = repetition of the same sound
allude = refer to indirectly
amenable = agreeable
amiss = wrong, out of place
amity = Friendship
amorous = strongly attracted to love; showing love
Cassette 6 Side A-31
amorphous = shapeless
amortize = to diminish by installment payments
amuck = murderous frenzy
anarchist = terrorist
animadversion = critical remark
animus = hate
annals = historical records
apocalyptic = ominous, doomed
apoplexy = stroke
appall (BRITISH = appal) = horrify
apparition = phantom
appellation = title, name
apposite = apt
apropos = Appropriate
arbiter = judge
archetype = original model
argot = slang
aria = operatic song
array = arrangement
arroyo = gully
artifice = trick
aseptic = sterile
atelier = workshop
avuncular = like an uncle
azure = sky blue
badger = To pester
badinage = banter, teasing conversation
bagatelle = nonentity, trifle
bandy = discuss lightly
bard = poet
baroque = ornate
bask = take pleasure in, sun
bauble = A trinket, trifle
beatitude = state of bliss
begrudge = resent, envy
beholden = in debt
bereft = deprived of
beset = harass, surround
besmirch = slander, sully
bicame ral = having two legislative branches
bivouac = encampment
blase = bored with life
bode = portend
bogus = forged, false
brackish = salty
bucolic = rustic
burlesque = farce
cache = hiding place
cadaverous = haggard
callow = inexperienced
canine = pertaining to dogs
Cassette 6 Side A-32
captious = fond of finding fault in others
carafe = bottle
cardinal = chief
Cassette 6 Side B-33
Cassette 6 Side B
carrion = decaying flesh
cascade = small waterfall
casuistry = clever argument to trick people
caute rize (BRITISH = cauterise) = to sear
chafe = abrade
chaste = pure, virgin
chasten = castigate
ciphe r = zero
cleft = split
clique = a small group
cloven = split
codicil = supplement to a will
cogitate = ponder
cognizant = aware
cohere = To stick together
cohort = an associate
comport = to conduct oneself
conch = spiral shell
concordat = Agreement
condescend = patronize, talk down to, to treat someone as though you are better
condiment = seasoning
condolence = sympathy for the family or friends of a person who has recently died
coniferous = bearing cones
consort = spouse
contagion = infectious agent
contingent = conditional
contort = twist
controve rt = dispute
cordon = bond, chain
corollary = consequence
corpulent = fat
cortege = procession
coruscate = sparkle
covenant = agreement, pact
crestfallen = dejected
crevice = crack
cruet = small bottle
cull = pick out, select
culve rt = drain
curry = seek favor by flattery
cynosure = celebrity
dank = damp
dauntless = courageous
deadpan = expressionless
debonair = sophisticated, affable
decant = pour
decrepitude = enfeeblement
defamation = slander
deflect = turn aside
Cassette 6 Side B-34
defray = pay
deign = condescend
delirium = mental confusion, ecstasy
delve = dig, explore (of ideas)
demeanor (BRITISH = demeanour) = behavior
demented = deranged
demure = sedate, reserved
denizen = dweller
denouement = resolution
deposition = testimony
depredation = preying on, plunder
derelict = negligent
desolate = forsaken
desuetude = disuse
dialectic = pertaining to debate
diminution = Reduction
disconcert = confuse
discretion = prudence
dishevel = muss
disinter = unearth
disinterested = Impartial
disputatious = fond of arguing
disquisition = elaborate treatise
dissolute = profligate, immoral
dissonance = Discord
distrait = preoccupied, absent-minded
doggerel = poor verse
dolorous = gloomy
dregs = residue, riffraff
drone = speak in a monotonic voice
duenna = governess
ecclesiastical = churchly
eclat = brilliance
educe = draw forth, evoke
effete = worn out
effusion = pouring forth
elegiac = sad
emblazon = imprint, brand
embryonic = rudimentary
emeritus = retired, but retaining title
enamored (BRITISH = enamoured) = charmed, captivated
enclave = area enclosed within another region
engross = captivate
epoch = era
escapade = adventure
eviscerate = disembowel
ex officio = by virtue of position
excision = removal
exegesis = interpretation
exigency = urgency
exiguous = scanty
Cassette 6 Side B-35
expletive = oath
extant = existing
extirpate = seek out and destroy
extrude = force out
facet = aspect
factious = causing disagreement
factitious = artificial
factotum = handyman
faux pas = false step, mistake
febrile = feverish, delirious
ferment = turmoil
ferret = rummage through
fervor (BRITISH = fervour) = intensity
fester = decay
7
Cassette 7 Side A-36
Cassette 7 Side A
festive = joyous
fete = to honor
fiat = decree
firebrand = agitator
flagellate = whip
flail = whip
foray = raid
fortitude = patience, courage
fret = worry
fritter = squander
frivolity = playfulness
fruition = realization, completion
galvanize = excite to action
gamut = range
garnish = decorate
genealogy = ancestry
genesis = beginning
genuflect = kneel in reverence
ghastly = horrible
glean = gather
gnome = dwarf-like being
gorge = stuff, satiate
gory = bloody
grapple = struggle
grisly = gruesome
guffaw = laughter
gusto = Keen enjoyment
guttural = throaty
haggard = gaunt
halcyon = serene
hale = healthy
hamper = obstruct
harbor (BRITISH = harbour) = give shelter, conceal
harridan = hag or an ugly old woman
harry = harass
heedless = careless
hegira = a journey to a more pleasant place
hibernal = wintry
histrionic = overly dramatic
homily = sermon
horde = group
hortatory = inspiring good deeds
hovel = shanty, cabin
hoyden = tomboy, boisterous girl
hubris = arrogance
hummock = knoll, mound
humus = soil
ichthyology = study of fish
idyllic = natural, picturesque
Cassette 7 Side A-37
immolate = sacrifice
impale = pierce
impetus = stimulus, spark
impinge = encroach, touch
imponde rable = difficult to estimate
imprimatur = sanction
impunity = exemption from harm
impute = charge
inalienable = that which cannot be taken away
incantation = chant
incapacitate = disable
inclement = harsh
incriminate = accuse
incubus = nightmare
ineffable = inexpressible
ineluctable = inescapable
infidel = nonbeliever
influx = inflow
infraction = violation
inimitable = peerless
iniquitous = unjust, wicked
inopportune = untimely
inordinate = excessive
insensate = without feeling
insouciant = nonchalant
insubordinate = disobedient
integument = a covering
inveigle = lure
irresolute = hesitant, uncertain
je june = barren
jostle = push, brush against
ken = range of comprehension
knave = con man
knead = massage
lacerate = tear, cut
lackey = servant
laity = laymen
lambent = softly radiant
lave = wash
lax = loose, careless
lectern = reading desk
limn = portray, describe
litany = list
litotes = understatement for emphasis
lout = goon
lupine = wolf-like
luxuriant = lush
maim = injure
manacle = shackle
marauder = plunderer
masticate = chew
Cassette 7 Side A-38
matriarch = matron
maul = rough up
mausoleum = tomb
mayhem = mutilation
medley = mixture
melee = riot
mellifluous = sweet sounding
menial = humble, degrading
mete = distribute
miasma = toxin
mien = appearance, demeanor
minion = subordinate
minutiae = trivia
mire = marsh
Cassette 7 Side B-39
Cassette 7 Side B
miscegenation = intermarriage between races
miscellany = mixture of items
modish = chic
molten = melted
monolithic = large and uniform
mortify = humiliate
mottled = spotted
mountebank = charlatan
muffle = stifle, quiet
mulct = defraud
muse = ponder
muster = to gather one's forces
noncommittal = neutral, circumspect
nonplus = bring to a halt by confusion
nubile = marriageable
nugatory = useless, worthless
oaf = awkward person
obelisk = tall column, monument
obituary = eulogy
oblation = offering, sacrifice
obliquity = perversity
odoriferous = pleasant odor
offal = inedible parts of a butchered animal
offertory = church collection
ogle = flirt
onus = burden
opprobrium = disgrace
opus = literary work of musical composition
orison = prayer
paleontologist (BRITISH = palaeontologist) = one who studies fossils
palpitate = beat, throb
pandemonium = din, commotion
pander = cater to people's baser instincts
pantomime = mime
papyrus = paper
paramour = lover
parapet = rampart, defense
paroxysm = outburst, convulsion
parsimonious = stingy
parvenu = newcomer, social climber
passe = outmoded
pastoral = rustic
peculate = embezzle, steal
pedantic = bookish
pell-mell = in a confused manner
penurious = stingy
peregrination = wandering
perforce = by necessity
perigee = point when moon is nearest to the earth
Cassette 7 Side B-40
perjury = lying
peroration = conclusion of an oration
petrify = calcify, shock
petty = trivial
petulant = irritable, peevish
picaresque = roguish, adventurous
pied = mottled, brindled
piquant = tart-tasting, spicy
platonic = nonsexual
plebiscite = referendum
plumb = measure
polity = methods of government
poltroon = coward
portend = signify, augur
prate = babble
preamble = introduction
preternatural = abnormal
prim = formal, prudish
primogeniture = first-born child
primp = groom
proboscis = snout
prod = urge
profusion = overabundance
propellant = rocket fuel
prophylactic = preventive
propound = propose
proscenium = platform, rostrum
prosody = study of poetic structure
provender = dry food, fodder
proviso = stipulation
puissant = strong
purblind = obtuse, dim-sighted
purgatory = limbo, netherworld
purloin = To steal
purview = range, understanding
putative = reputed
quail = shrink, cower
quaint = old-fashioned
qualms = misgivings
quarry = prey, game
quay = wharf
queasy = squeamish
quip = joke
quirk = eccentricity
quizzical = odd
quorum = majority
8
Cassette 8 Side A-41
Cassette 8 Side A
rabid = mad, furious
raiment = clothing
rankle = cause bitterness, resentment
realm = kingdom, domain
reconnaissance = surveillance
recrimination = countercharge, retaliation
recumbent = reclining
redolent = fragrant
redoubtable = formidable, steadfast
redundant = repetitious
reek = smell
refraction = bending, deflection
regale = entertain
remiss = Negligent
remnant = residue, fragment
remorse = guilt
rend = to tear apart
render = deliver, provide
rendezvous = a meeting
rendition = version, interpretation
reparation = amends, atonement
repartee = witty conversation
repellent = causing aversion
repercussion = consequence
repine = fret
reprieve = temporary suspension
reprimand = rebuke
reprisal = retaliation
retaliate = revenge
retribution = reprisal
reverent = respectful
reverie = daydream
rigor = harshness
rime = white frost
risible = laughable
roseate = rosy, optimistic
roster = list of people
rout = vanquish
rubicund = ruddy, having healthy reddish color
ruffian = brutal person, bully
rummage = hunt
ruse = trick
sacerdotal = priestly
salutary = good, wholesome
sanctimonious = self-righteous
sang-froid = coolness under fire
sanguinary = gory, murderous
sapid = interesting
sarcophagus = stone coffin
Cassette 8 Side A-42
sartorial = pertaining to clothes
sate = satisfy fully
saturnine = gloomy
satyr = demigod, goat-man
savoir-faire = tact, polish
savor (BRITISH = savour) = enjoy
scarify = criticize
scurry = move briskly
scuttle = to sink
sebaceous = like fat
seclusion = solitude
sedulous = diligent
seethe = fume, resent
semblance = likeness
senescence = old age
sepulcher (BRITISH = sepulchre) = tomb
sequacious = eager to follow, ductile
serried = saw-toothed
shibboleth = password
shoal = reef
shrew = virago
sidereal = pertaining to the stars
sinewy = fibrous, stringy
skinflint = miser
skittish = excitable
skullduggery (BRITISH = skulduggery) = trickery
slande r = defame
sleight = dexterity
slithe r = slide
smattering = superficial knowledge
smirk = smug look
snivel = whine
solvent = financially sound
somatic = pertaining to the body
spasmodic = intermittent
spate = sudden outpouring
spectral = ghostly
splenetic = peevish
spry = nimble
spume = foam
stanza = division of a poem
stoke = prod, fuel
stratum = layer
stupor = lethargy
sub rosa = in secret
substantiate = verify
Cassette 8 Side B-43
Cassette 8 Side B
substantive = substantial
succor (BRITISH = succour) = help, comfort
succumb = yield, submit
suffuse = pervade, permeate
sultry = sweltering
sunder = split
sundry = various
supernume rary = subordinate
suture = surgical stitch
sylvan = rustic
tantalize = tease
taper = candle
tarn = small lake
tarry = linger
taurine = bull-like
taut = tight, stretched
temperate = moderate
tempo = speed
tentative = provisional
tenure = status given after a period of time
terrapin = turtle
testy = petulant
thespian = actor
throes = anguish
throng = crowd
timbre = tonal quality, resonance
Titanic = huge
tithe = donate one-tenth
titular = in name only, figurehead
tocsin = alarm bell, signal
touchstone = standard
traduce = slander
travail = work, drudgery
tribunal = court
troglodyte = cave dweller
truckle = yield
tutelage = guardianship
tyranny = oppression
unassuming = modest
uncouth = uncultured, crude
undulate = surge, fluctuate
uniformity = sameness
unsavory (BRITISH = unsavoury) = distasteful, offensive
unscathed = unhurt
unseemly = unbecoming, improper
untenable = cannot be achieved
ursine = bear-like
uxorious = a doting husband
vagary = whim
Cassette 8 Side B-44
vainglorious = conceited
valor (BRITISH = valour) = bravery
vanguard = leading position
vassal = subject
vehement = adamant
veneer = false front, façade
venial = excusable
venturesome = bold, risky
viand = food
victuals = food
visage = facial expression
viscid = thick, gummy
vitreous = glassy
vituperative = abusive
votary = fan, aficionado
vouchsafe = confer, bestow
vulpine = fox-like
waggish = playful
wastrel = spendthrift
waylay = ambush
wean = remove from nursing, break a habit
wheedle = coax
whimsical = capricious
wince = cringe
winnow = separate
wither = shrivel
wont = custom
wrath = anger, fury
wreak = inflict
wrest = snatch
writhe = contort
yen = desire
yore = long ago
9
Cassette 9 Side A-45
Cassette 9 Side A
aberration = different from normal or usual
abettor = encourager
abnegation = repudiation, self-sacrifice
abominate = to hate
abrade = to rub off a surface
abstemious = Characterized by self denial or abstinence
accretion = grow in size or increase in amount
acerbity = bitterness of speech or temper
acetic = related to vinegar
acidulous = sour in taste or manner
acquiescence = Passive consent
acquittal = release from blame (as by a court)
actuarial = calculating
acuity = sharpness
addiction = compulsive, habitual need
addle = To make inefficient or unable to think
adjuration = solemn urging
adjure = to request solemnly
admonition = Genteelly point out mistake
agility = nimbleness
agitation = excitement, uneasiness
alimentary = supplying nourishment
allure = appeal, attract
allusion = indirect reference
alluvial = soil deposits left by rivers
amalgamate = To mix or join together to become one
amazon = female warrior
ambrosia = food of the Greek gods that provided immortal youth & beauty, anything sweet
and pleasing
andirons = metal supports in a fireplace
anneal = to gradually heat and cool in order to soften, reduce brittleness
annuity = An annual payment or income
antecede = To precede
anthropoid = manlike
apiary = A place where bees are kept
apogee = The climax
apothecary = One who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions
appurtenances = subordinate possessions
aquiline = like an eagle, bent, booked, curved
arcade = a roofed passage between shops
archaeology = the study of ancient cultures by looking for and examining their buildings,
tools
aromatic = fragrant
arrant = Notoriously bad
asceticism = doctrine of self-denial
assessment = estimation
astronomical = enormously large or extensive
athwart = across, opposition
aureole = sun's corona, halo
auroral = pertaining to the aurora borealis
Cassette 9 Side A-46
auscultation = act of listening to the heart or lungs to discover abnormalities
austerity = quality of being self disciplined
baffle = to frustrate or unable to understand
bandanna = large, bright-colored handkerchief
barb = sharp projection from fishhook
barrage = a lot of questions or criticism
barte r = to give in exchange rather than paying money
bassoon = reed instrument of the woodwind family
bate = let down, restrain
bawdy = indecent, obscene
bedizen = dress with vulgar finery
bedraggle = wet thoroughly
befuddle = confuse thoroughly
behoove = to be fit, to be right
benignant = Benevolent in feeling, character
bereavement = state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved
bete noire = aversion
betrothal = Engagement to marry
bibulous = Fond of drinking
bigotry = discrimination, prejudice
blasphemous = profane, impious
blazon = print or decorate something in a very noticeable way
blurt = to say something suddenly and without thinking, especially when you are excited or
nervous
boorish = Rude
bouillon = clear beef soup
Bowdlerize = To expurgate in editing
braggadocio = someone who boasts
brazier = An open pan or basin for holding live coals
brindled = tawny or grayish with streaks or spots
brittle = Fragile
brocade = rich, gaudy fabric
brooch = a piece of jewelry for women which is fastened onto clothes with a pin
buffoone ry = coarse jokes, etc
bugaboo = bugbear, object of baseless terror
bumptious = full of offensive self-conceit
bungle = to do something wrong in a very careless or stupid way
buskin = thick-soled half boot worn by actors of Greek tragedy
buxom = plump, vigorous, jolly
cameo = when someone famous appears for a short time in a film or play
canker = any ulcerous sore, any evil
canto = part of an extended poem
caparison = showy harnesser, ornamentation for a horse
caprice = A whim
carillon = a set of bells capable of being played
carmine = rich red
carousal = To drink deeply and in boisterous or jovial manner
carte blanche = complete freedom to do what you want
caryatid = sculptured column of a female figure
caste = one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society
catapult = slingshot
Cassette 9 Side A-47
catechism = book for religious instruction
censor = to prohibit publication by law
centaur = mythical figure, half man and half horse
cerebration = thought
chaff = worthless products of an endeavor
chasm = a long, deep, narrow hole in rock or ice
chiropodist = one who treats disorders of the feet
chivalrous = courteous to ladies
Cassette 9 Side B-48
Cassette 9 Side B
ciliated = having minute hairs, one-celled animal
circlet = small ring, band
clangor (BRITISH = clangour) = loud, resounding noise
clarion = shrill, trumpet like sound
clavicle = collarbone
climactic = relating to the highest point
clime = region, climate
coadjutor = assistant, colleague
cockade = decoration worn on hat
coeval = living at the same time as contemporary
cog = a spoke in a wheel, a small and unimportant person
cohesion = consistency
colande r = utensil with perforated bottom used for straining
collage = a picture made by sticking small pieces of paper or other materials
collie r = worker in coal mine, ship carrying coal
colossal = huge
comely = a woman who is attractive in appearance
comestible = something fit to be eaten
comeuppance = rebuke, one's deserved fate or punishment
comity = courteousness, civility
conclave = private meeting
condign = adequate, deservedly severe
connivance = pretence of ignorance of something wrong, assistance or permission to offend
connubial = related to marriage or matrimony
cormorant = greedy, rapacious bird
cornice = a decorative border around the walls of a room close to the ceiling
corsair = pirate ship
covetous = very desirous of something, avaricious, greedy
coy = shy, modest
cozen = cheat, hoodwink, swindle
crabbed = sour, peevish
credo = a set of beliefs
crepuscular = pertaining to twilight
crone = hag
crotchet = a fancy, a whim, an eccentricity
cul-de-sac = a blind alley, a trap
dappled = spotted
dastard = A base coward
daub = to paint carelessly, to smear
dawdle = to waste time by trifling, to move slowly
debenture = bond issued to secure a loan
decollete = having a low-necked dress
decrepit = Enfeebled, as by old age or some chronic infirmity
deducible = derived by reasoning
defalcate = to misuse money put in trust
defection = desertion
deify = To regard as a god
deliquescent = capable of absorbing moisture from air and becoming liquid
delusion = Mistaken conviction
Cassette 9 Side B-49
delusive = deceptive, raising vain hopes
demesne = domain
demolition = destruction
demoniacal = related to evil spirits, devilish
denotation = the exact literary meaning of a word, designation, definition
depilate = remove hair
derision = Ridicule
dermatologist = one who studies the skin and its diseases
descant = discuss fully
desideratum = that which is desired
despoil = to bereave, rob, plunder, strip of possessions
despotism = Any severe and strict rule
detergent = cleansing agent
detonation = explosion
devolve = to roll down, to hand down
diadem = crown
dint = means, effort
dipsomaniac = a person having an uncontrollable desire for alcohol, inebriate
disapprobation = rejection, disapproval
disavowal = Denial
dishabille = in a state of undress
dishearten = discourage, lose spirit
dismember = cut into small parts
disport = amuse
dissuasion = advise against
dive rgent = Tending in different directions
divination = The forecast of future events or discovery of what is lost or hidden
docket = a list of cases to be dealt with
doddering = shaky, infirm from old age
doff = take off
dorsal = belonging to the back side, posterior, tail
douse = to plunge into water, to extinguish
dowdy = slovenly, untidy
drudgery = Hard and constant work in any dull occupation
durance = confinement
eclipse = The obstruction of Sun by moon, or of moon by earth
eerie = weird
efflorescent = opening in flower
elusory = tending to deceive expectations
elysian = relating to paradise, blissful
emanate = to express a feeling or quality through the way one looks
emendation = corrections of errors
emetic = a medicine that causes vomiting
emolument = salary or fees for a job, remuneration, pay scale
empyreal = celestial, fiery
encomiastic = praising, eulogistic
Cassette 9 Side B-50
1 0 What is the Biggest Problem with Vocab and
Why Even Serious, Hard Working Students
Fail to Build Huge Vocab Required to Score
High in GRE?
Here it is: Becoming Familiar with New Uncommon and Unusual
GRE Words is Easy, But Still Remembering Them After a Few
Weeks is Extremely Difficult
The biggest problem is that though it is relatively easy to learn new words at home or
in coaching classes, it is very very difficult to memorize the words and remember
after a few weeks/months.
Even the best coaching classes fail to put 4,000 to 4,500 words in the long-term
memory of your mind because they do not specialize in mind power and mind
technologies. The best they can do, no matter how hard they work, is to prepare a
good book offering you word lists and then motivate you to repeatedly read the word
lists in different ways many many times over several months and hope that you
remember many of the words.
But, you cannot blame the coaching institutes because it is not their fault. It is the
nature of our mind, which is simply not capable of remembering many uncommon
and odd words just by reading word lists a few times and you know there is not a lot
of time to revise many many many times.
If you are concerned or worried about memorizing vocab, you are not alone--almost
every student faces the same problem. Despite my hard work for over a year, I myself
got only 20% in Verbal, though I got 97% in Quantitative in GRE (see my GRE
score card below), so I know how one can feel.
My wife, Dr Anju Bapna, who is a medical doctor, took GMAT exam in USA for
admission to MBA. To get a good score, she took classroom coaching in California
from Kaplan, which is world's number one coaching institute for GMAT training. The
fee was about $1,200. The Kaplan coaching proved ineffective and it totally failed to
Cassette 9 Side B-51
help her improve vocab for the GMAT exam. She was just lucky to get admission to
MBA she wanted. In fact, this coaching experience of her was what motivated me to
develop the Vocab-Builder Mind Machine on our return to India.
“Vocab-Builder Mind Machine is Becoming More and More Popular
Among GRE, SAT, CAT, GMAT Aspirants Because Good Coaching
Alone is Not Enough for Vocab”
As you already know, Indian students tend to score high in Maths but low in English
part. The main reason for low score in Verbal is not knowing the vocab well which
makes it much harder to answer questions correctly. Most of us in India are not so
good in English vocab even if we have studied in English schools.
GRE is also like a competition, where you get percentile (meaning you are better than
so many of the students). So, you need to find various ways, both small and big, if
possible unique and not-yet-common ways, to gain "unfair advantage" and get ahead
of others and win the race.
A competition is like a race where only certain number of students get success and
remaining fail. Mind Machine is kind of like being on an airplane when others in the
race are on bikes, cars or cycles. Guess who will win such an unfair race?
The mind machine provides one way to gain such "unfair advantage" because it puts
words into your mind effortlessly. You perhaps realize that toppers are not two times
as intelligent as others and that toppers don’t study two times as many hours as others
per day, but knowingly or unknowingly they use more mind power. “Using mind
power” is the missing link in our education system and that makes the difference
between success and failure.
"Vocab-Builder Mind Machine:
New Way to Memorize Vocab for GRE"
Vocab-Builder Mind Machine (GRE)
It consists of Mind Machine Player, ten pencil cells, 30 vocab cassettes with 5,871
words and vocabulary books in 3 beautiful spiral-bound volumes.
Now, the new Vocab-Builder Mind Machine makes it possible to memorize vocab:
All you have to do is close your eyes, relax, and listen to Mind Machine Cassettes on
Mind Machine Player, and you memorize 3 to 7 times faster. In addition to
Cassette 9 Side B-52
memorizing words quickly, you also become better in English usage, pronunciation,
and fluency, which builds self-confidence.
B.E. (BITS Pilani), M.Tech. (IIT Kgp)
Former Intel engineer in USA
www.MindPowerIndia.com/mindmachinelab/gre-exam-vocab-secrets.htm
and
www.MindMachineLab.com
(visit for full details and discount price offer for Vocab-Builder Mind Machine for GRE)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)