GRE Vocabulary Reverse Memory -- Mini Dictionary

Author: Yu Minhong, Huang Qi (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: ★ A sister volume to GRE Word Selection (New Edition); ★ ，; ★ Use to distinguish between frequently tested and less frequently tested GRE words; ★ Added new vocabulary for the GRE exam; ★ Includes a reverse alphabetical index for convenient self-assessment; ★ This book has been a bestseller since its publication. The concept of reverse vocabulary involves arranging words in reverse alphabetical order. Typically, people memorize words in the standard alphabetical order, but this method has a drawback: it can create contextual hints that make it easier to guess the meaning of adjacent words. For example, memorizing penitent (regretful) and penitentiary (prison) together makes it easy to infer their meanings. However, if these words are placed separately, you might struggle to recall their meanings. The advantages of reverse vocabulary are: (1) There is no semantic connection between consecutive words, thus eliminating the drawback of contextual hints. (2) It remains highly convenient to look up a word. For instance, to find incisive (incisive), you can check the "e" section in reverse order. You simply start from the last "e" and quickly locate incisive among words ending with "e". (3) Words with the same part of speech, root, or form are grouped together, which greatly enhances memorization speed. For example, words ending with "a" are mostly nouns: insignia (shoulder insignia), insomnia (insomnia). Similarly, words with the same root are arranged together: pyromania (fire addiction), kleptomania (stealing addiction), both ending with the root mania (maniac). Grouping words with similar forms makes it easier to memorize them by comparison. For instance, flagrant (offensive) and fragrant (fragrant) differ by just one letter: "l" and "r". To remember these words, imagine the "r" resembling a flower, making it fragrant, while the "l" looks like a stick for stirring manure, making it flagrant.
Memorize words in segments. Each page contains about 30 words, making it an ideal unit for memorization. First, review the English-Chinese, then cover the Chinese and try to recall the meaning of the English words. If you can recall the meaning of all 30 words, cover the English and write down the Chinese translations. Spelling reinforces memory. After completing a page, move on to the next. Aim to memorize 10 pages (about 300 words) daily. When you reach 50 pages (about 1,500 words), conduct a comprehensive review 3–5 times to reinforce memory. Following this method, you can become proficient in all GRE vocabulary within a month.