If you are a non-native English speaker preparing for the GRE, you’re not alone, and you’re not at any disadvantage. Each year, thousands of students from non-English-speaking countries take the GRE and are admitted to some of the top graduate schools in the world.
The thing that distinguishes them is not perfect English but a concentrated strategic approach to preparation.
Let’s look at how non-native English speakers can achieve the desired score on the GRE.
Why Is the GRE Is Challenging for Non-Native Speakers?
The GRE is not a TOEFL, IELTS, or an English proficiency test. Instead, it measures how well you can lead analytical thinking, analyze arguments, interpret information, and articulate your views in writing.
Therefore, the verbal reasoning and analytical writing sections can also be a challenging task to complete for non-native speakers, due to vocabulary, difficult-to-comprehend reading passages, and writing styles. However, all of your concerns will be sorted out if you’re a non-native English speaker and you choose Jamboree India’s GRE online coaching.
Learn Vocabulary Through Context
Memorizing lists of GRE words without a proper understanding of their usage usually backfires. Rather than this technique, the more efficient strategy is to learn vocabulary in context. It is through reading editorial pieces, academic essays, and long-form journalism that you will unconsciously learn new words and expressions. When you come across a new word in a text, stop, create a meaning for yourself in your head, try its usage in a sentence, and find its role in the author’s argument.
A vocabulary journal may be helpful. Rather than placing the definitions, use full sentences using new words. This practically strengthens your memory and helps you remember them easily in the exam process. Moreover, choosing a GRE online course will help a lot in improving your vocabulary.
Improve Your Reading Comprehension Strategically
Reading comprehension is one of the biggest parts of the verbal section and can be a real beast if you are not used to academic text. The GRE passages are from science, economics, and humanities, and they’re written in a dense, analytical voice.
To read well, select materials from a GRE coaching program that includes GRE material. Pay attention to what the main point of the author is, how the argument is organized, and where tone or logic changes.
As you read, ask yourself:
- What is each paragraph for?
- What is the purpose of the author’s argument or criticism?
Doing this regularly will not only help you gain speed in reading but also sharpen your ability to answer GRE-type questions correctly.
Listening and Speaking Can Improve Your Writing
While the GRE does not have a listening or speaking part, it is still beneficial to develop them. Listening to English podcasts or watching debates and academic talks may help you to get a better understanding of the grammar, sentence flow, logical structure, and tone. This is particularly useful for the analytical writing section, where clarity in articulation of complicated ideas is preferable to complicated vocabulary.
Talking to yourself about the GRE concepts will also help to reinforce your thinking and language capabilities. It helps in clarifying your understanding and boosts your confidence to express your thoughts.
How to Approach the Analytical Writing Section
The GRE essays can be the subject of nervousness for non-native speakers. In any case, you do not have to use excellent grammar and high-level vocabulary to deliver a strong response. What is important is a clear structure, logical development of ideas, and relevant examples.
Begin your essay with a simple introduction. Conclude it with two or three body paragraphs where you opt for separate points, the support of which may either be the formulation of reasoning or an example.
As a final salutation, restate your main argument and summarize your points. Doing this format under time constraints will help you prepare well for the test day.
Managing Time During the Verbal Section
One of the biggest problems with non-native test takers is the ability to control time during the verbal part of the test. You might even re-read passages or do it in your head, and that will make you go slower. This habit is reduced through the practice of timed reading exercises.
It is also important to periodically simulate test conditions. Full-length practice tests will teach you about pacing, when to skip a question, as well as how to manage fatigue. The better you get to know the structure and timing of the GRE, the less stressed you will feel while taking the GRE.
Choosing the Right Online Resources
There are a lot of online GRE prep tools, not all of which are useful. Stay with a few good quality resources with realistic practice questions and video lessons. Official GRE practice tests are particularly helpful in learning what to expect from the actual exam.
There are also online study groups or forums that may be useful. Articulation of questions, explanation, and strategies to other non-native test takers motivates you and provides new perspectives. Just ensure that your GRE prep time is on practicing and reviewing, not on forever sourcing new resources.
Understand Cultural Context Without Stressing About It
GRE questions themselves may be misleading. In that they feature idioms or Western culture examples. But don’t panic, as you’re not being tested by your cultural knowledge. The GRE is developed to test reasoning skills. When you stumble upon a quote that you don’t understand, pay attention to the logic of the argument or the structure of the question instead. The right answer usually involves more reasoning than facts.
Reading novels and opinion essays, then academic articles, can help you become more accustomed to different tones and styles.
Consistency Brings Confidence
GRE preparation as a non-native speaker is not easy, but it pays up. Confidence cannot be molded by elaborating on perfect English. It develops from exercise, routine self-evaluation, and getting accustomed to the test.
You may be challenged by unfamiliar words at first or feel lost in a tough part of a reading passage, but every single step adds up. With every mock test and every essay you write, you gain from it. Keep yourself patient and monitor your progress, and in no time, you will notice the score increment goal you once set.
Final Thoughts
A high score on the GRE is achievable as a non-native English speaker. Through smart online prep, regular practice, and focus on skills, you can be world-class. Regardless of where your goal is, be it a graduate school in the USA, Europe, or anywhere. Remember, the GRE has nothing to do with your home or background – it only tells you how well prepared you are.
