Using Imagery to Remember GRE Words
The creation of visual images to represent words is an effective vocabulary building strategy. Of course, some words are easier to visualize than others. Generally this technique works best with words that correspond to "concrete" objects. It does not work very well with words that denote abstract concepts.
An example of a concrete object is computer. It is easy to visualize a computer while saying the word "computer" in your head. This will enhance your memory and understanding of the word and lower the chance that you will forget it.
An example of an abstract concept is "truth". This is much harder to visualize and for that reason we don't recommend using imagery to learn this kind of word. For abstract words, other techniques covered in this course such as 'elaboration' will be more useful.
As a general guide, when you read the definition of a word, try to picture it in your head. If you can easily form a picture of an object that reminds you of the word, then imagine the picture for a few seconds while saying the word to yourself.
- Effective for words that correspond to concrete objects.
- Not very effective for words that correspond to abstract objects such as "truth".
This is of critical importance for your GRE exam preparation, when it is essential that you remember the words you learn and can recall them under the stress of an exam situation. Because this is so important, we'll dedicate a section in several upcoming lessons that give you examples of how to use your imagination to ensure you *really know* the GRE words you are learning!