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The Lion and the Hare: Learn GRE Vocabulary through Panchatantra Stories

July 4, 2025July 2, 2025Dilip Oak's Academy

This timeless fable imparts valuable moral lessons while serving as a fantastic way to learn GRE vocabulary through Panchatantra stories. In this story, you’ll come across high-level GRE words in context, helping you deepen your understanding and retention of these terms. So, let’s explore the themes of wit and intelligence and simultaneously expand your GRE vocabulary through Panchatantra stories!

Once upon a time, in a lush (abundant) forest where the air was fragrant (aromatic) with the scent of wildflowers, there lived a fearsome (terrifying) lion. His majestic mane (hair, esp. on an animal’s neck) and imposing (impressive) stature (height, size) struck fear into the hearts of all who saw him. The lion, a creature of imperious (commanding) disposition (temperament, attitude), ruled the forest with an iron paw (strong, firm control). All the animals, great and small, quivered (trembled, shook) in trepidation (fear, anxiety) whenever his name was mentioned.

The lion, basking (relaxing) in the glory of his apex (peak) position, demanded that the animals bring him tribute (offering) in the form of food. His insatiable (unquenchable, never satisfied) hunger knew no bounds, and no creature dared to refuse his requests. As the weeks passed, the animals were forced into a cycle of submissive (obedient) compliance (conformity), offering themselves one by one to satisfy the lion’s voracious (insatiable) appetite.

Soon, the lion’s tyrannical (oppressive, dictatorial) rule began to take its toll (cause damage, harm) on the animal kingdom. The once-thriving forest began to feel the absence of its inhabitants. The deer, the rabbits, and even the smaller predators had all fallen prey to the lion’s ravenous (starving, greedy) hunger. The remaining creatures lived in constant fear, knowing that their turn would come soon enough.

However, amidst this grim (bleak, serious) atmosphere, there was one animal who refused to give in to despair. A hare, small in stature yet renowned (famous, well-known) for his sharp intellect, saw an opportunity. While the other animals were filled with anxiety and dread (fear, anxiety), the hare began to devise a plan that would leverage his quick thinking rather than brute (beastly, physical) strength.

The hare, known for his cogent (clear, convincing) reasoning and astute (clever, perceptive) observations, thought long and hard. He realized that if he could outwit (outsmart) the lion, he might be able to save himself and the other animals from the lion’s oppressive (harsh) rule. With a mind as sharp as his quick legs, he began to formulate a strategy that would require fortitude (strength, bravery) and careful timing.

Read the story about the monkey and the crocodile to further build your vocabulary

One day, it was the hare’s turn to go to the lion’s den. He did so not with the mournful (sorrowful) gait of a doomed animal, but with an air of quiet resolve (determination). Upon arriving, the lion greeted him with a low, rumbling growl. “You are late, little hare,” the lion boomed, his voice thundering (loud, booming) through the forest. “Have you come to offer yourself to me, or do you have an excuse?”

The hare, appearing submissive but secretly harboring (concealing) his plan, bowed low before the lion and said, “Oh mighty lion, please forgive me. I was on my way here when I encountered another lion who claimed to be the ruler of this forest. This lion is far stronger and more dominant than you, and he insisted that I serve him instead of you. Terrified for my life, I barely escaped his clutches (grasp, grip) and rushed to present myself before you.”

The lion, inflated (exaggerated, puffed up) with pride and unable to tolerate the thought of another lion rivaling his authority, immediately became incensed (enraged, furious). “Another lion?” he thundered, his eyes glittering (shining, sparkling) with fury (rage, wrath). “Take me to him! I shall show this usurper (claimant, intruder) who truly rules this forest!”

The hare, seeing that the lion was now thoroughly perturbed (disturbed, upset) and eager to confront this imaginary rival, led the lion to a deep well at the edge of the forest. The water in the well was calm, reflecting the sky like a perfect mirror. “There!” the hare said, pointing dramatically to the water’s surface. “That is the lion who dares to challenge your supremacy.”

The lion, now blinded by hubris (arrogance, pride) and intoxicated (overwhelmed) with his desire to confront this antagonist (opponent), peered into the water and saw his own reflection. But in his pride, he was unable to recognize it as merely an image of himself. He saw a fierce lion staring back at him, and in a frenzied (chaotic, frantic) rush, he leapt into the well, roaring loudly as he plunged into the depths of the water.

The lion struggled in the water, but his strength could not overcome the pull of the depths. In his impetuous (impulsive) rage, he drowned, never realizing that he had fallen victim to the hare’s crafty (clever, sly) plan.

The hare, though small and seemingly powerless in the face of such a mighty foe (enemy, opponent), had triumphed through intelligence and ingenuity (creativity, cleverness). The animals of the forest, who had been living in fear for so long, were now free from the lion’s oppressive rule. They celebrated the hare’s victory, hailing him as a hero who had demonstrated that wisdom often prevails (triumphs) over brute force.

As for the hare, he did not bask in vain glory (self-importance, pride) or brag (boast) about his triumph. Instead, he reminded his fellow creatures that, while strength has its place, it is often prudence (caution, wisdom), foresight (anticipation, planning), and resourcefulness that lead to true success. From that day forward, the animals lived in harmony, no longer cowering (trembling) under the shadow of the lion’s tyranny. The lesson of the hare’s victory became an enduring (lasting) tale of the power of intellect over raw strength.

Moral: Intelligence is often more powerful than brute strength.

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from University Selection to Visa Counseling. In addition to our full-range services, we also provide a dedicated, standalone VISA Counseling service specifically designed to assist you with visa applications. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 33,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!

GRE Vocabulary with the Timeless Panchatantra Tale of The Monkey and the Crocodile

March 21, 2025March 25, 2025Dilip Oak's Academy

In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through one of the most famous Panchatantra tales: The Monkey and the Crocodile. This ancient fable not only offers timeless wisdom but also provides the perfect opportunity to learn and reinforce high-level vocabulary. By immersing yourself in this story, you’ll discover new words in context, helping you understand their meanings more deeply and retain them longer. So, let’s dive into the world of Panchatantra and enrich your vocabulary for GRE while enjoying a classic tale of wit, friendship, and moral lessons!

Once upon a time, in a verdant (lush and green) forest, there stood an imposing (grand and impressive) tree beside a meandering (wandering or winding) river. This tree was the domicile (residence or home) of a sagacious (wise) and vivacious (full of life) monkey. The monkey reveled (enjoyed greatly) in the bountiful (abundant) fruits and the refreshing breeze, living an uncomplicated and contented life. In the same river lived a crocodile, whose disposition (nature, temperament) was unusually affable (friendly and pleasant). Though his outward appearance was formidable (powerful and intimidating), he was a creature of gentle temperament.

One day, the crocodile noticed the monkey perched on the tree, savoring a delectable (delicious) fruit. Intrigued (curious) by the monkey’s actions, he swam closer to the tree and greeted the monkey with a cordial (warm and friendly) salute.

“Greetings, dear friend! What are you consuming? It looks delectable,” the crocodile remarked.

The monkey, always generous, tossed a fruit to the crocodile, who eagerly accepted it and tasted it. The fruit, brimming (full, overflowing) with sweetness, delighted the crocodile. “This fruit is ambrosial (delicious, divine). Where did you find it?” the crocodile asked.

The monkey, now amused, explained that it grew from the tree. As they conversed, the two became fast friends. The monkey, in turn, would routinely drop fruits from the tree for the crocodile, while the crocodile would swim over to chat with his friend. Their camaraderie (friendship) grew, and they spent many a delightful hour together.

However, unbeknownst (unaware, unknown) to the monkey, the crocodile’s wife had grown inquisitive (eager to know) about the monkey’s heart. She had heard from the jungle’s gossipers that monkey hearts were said to be delicious and nourishing, a delicacy to behold. Her greed consumed her, and she yearned to devour (eat) the monkey’s heart. She implored (begged) her husband to bring the monkey to her, so that she could feast upon it. The crocodile, though hesitant, succumbed (yielded, surrendered) to his wife’s insistence.

“I do not wish to harm our dear friend,” the crocodile muttered, “but my wife’s desire is insatiable (impossible to satisfy). I must fulfill it, but I will seek a way to preserve our friendship.”

The next day, the crocodile invited the monkey to his abode (home) on the other side of the river, claiming that he had a surprise for him. The monkey, ever trusting, eagerly accepted the invitation and climbed onto the crocodile’s back. As they ventured (dared to go) across the river, the monkey marveled at the shimmering (glistening, shining) water and the splendor (grandeur, brilliance) of nature surrounding them.

However, when they reached the center of the river, the crocodile suddenly ceased his swimming. With an air of treachery (dishonesty), he submerged the monkey into the water.

Ready to build a stronger vocabulary for GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL? Explore more tips and learning resources on the Dilip Oak Academy — start your journey today!

“Why are you doing this?” the monkey demanded, his voice tinged with panic.

The crocodile, his face now twisted with malevolence (ill-willed intent), revealed his true intention. “I regret to inform you that I am bound by my wife’s wishes. She covets (desires greedily) your heart. You shall be the sacrifice (victim) so that she may satiate (satisfy) her hunger.”

The monkey, momentarily taken aback, swiftly regained his composure (calmness, self-control) and devised a stratagem (plan). He realized that monkeys are known for their adroit (skillful) wit, and so he began to speak in a calm and calculated (thoughtful) manner.

“Crocodile,” the monkey began, “I am afraid you’ve been deceived by your own misperception. I left my heart hanging on the tree. If you return me to the shore, I shall bring you my heart.”

The crocodile, blinded by his avarice (greed) and eager to please his wife, believed the monkey’s story. He turned around and swam back to the shore. As soon as they arrived, the monkey sprang from the crocodile’s back and, with a swift leap, climbed to safety on the tree.

“You are a fool!” the monkey called down. “If you had only asked for it before, I might have given my heart to you. But now, your greed has led you astray (off course). You are outwitted (outsmarted, deceived), and your plan has failed.”

The crocodile, crestfallen (disappointed), swam away, his face burning with humiliation. From that day onward, the monkey and the crocodile never spoke again, their friendship severed (cut off) by the crocodile’s greed.

Moral of the Story:

The story imparts a valuable lesson about the importance of wisdom, quick thinking, and the destructive nature of greed. It underscores how intelligence and cleverness can triumph over brute strength, while unchecked desire often leads to one’s downfall.

Right time to take the GRE: A Comprehensive Guide to Timing and Preparation

May 9, 2024May 9, 2024Dilip Oak's Academy

As you prepare to show off your reading, math, and writing skills on the GRE, it is important to know that this decision depends on a few things, like your school background, what you want to do in your career, and how ready you feel for the test. This blog will guide you through everything you need about the GRE preparation timeline.

Understanding the GRE:

The GRE General Test checks your skills in three main areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These skills indicate your ability to do well in college and at work. Let’s break down what each of these skills means:

Verbal Reasoning:

This part of the GRE looks at how well you know high-level English vocabulary, analyze written information and understand relationships among ideas. For example, you might be asked to read a passage and answer questions about its main idea or the author’s point of view.

Quantitative Reasoning:

This part of the test checks how good you are at math. It looks at elementary concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. It also looks at your ability to interpret quantitative information and solve complex problems using mathematical models. For instance, you might have to solve equations or analyze graphs to answer questions in the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section.

Why GRE Preparation is Important:

The GRE test can still be tough even if you are good at English, math, and writing because there is limited time to solve each question, and the level of language and vocabulary is high. That’s why studying and preparing for the test is important.

How long should you study for the GRE?

When it comes to the GRE, preparation is key to achieving success on the exam. So, it is best to give yourself about four months to prepare for the GRE. Let’s break this down further:

Practice Makes Perfect:

While individual study habits and schedules may vary from person to person, you will become more familiar with the test format and improve your performance by dedicating time to study and practice.

Identify Weaknesses:

Practice tests can help you identify areas where you need improvement, allowing you to focus your studying where it is needed most.

Boost Confidence:

The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel on test day, which can positively impact your performance.

Avoid Cramming:

Don’t try to cram all your studying into just two weeks, as that can lead to burnout, and you might not remember everything well. Instead, spread your study sessions over a longer time to help you remember things better.

Also read our blog on Financing your master’s program in the USA.

When should you take the GRE?

Choosing your GRE preparation timeline depends on your goals and deadlines. If you plan to go to grad school right after graduation in India, taking the GRE in the pre-final year of your graduation is a good idea. This gives you time to prepare without worrying about your final-year projects or internships. Plus, your GRE score is good for five years, so you can use it even if you wait a bit before applying to school.

However, that may not always be possible. So, let’s break down some scenarios:

Pre-Final Year Student:

If you are currently a pre-final year student thinking about studying in the USA in August (Fall) 2025, it is best to take your GRE test before the end of September 2024. This gives you about 8-10 weeks to write a Statement of Purpose, get recommendation letters, and take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. This will also give you time to retake the GRE if you want to improve your GRE score. Please note that you can take the GRE only once every 21 days and up to five times a year. Your official GRE score will come about 8 to 10 days after the test.

Final-Year Student:

For final-year students graduating around June 2024 and planning to start their master’s program in the USA in August (Fall) 2025, you should start preparing for the GRE in May/June 2024. Depending on when you feel ready, you can take the test anytime between September and November 2024. This will help you to still meet the deadlines by December 31, 2024.

Working Professionals:

If you are a working professional or want to work for a few years after graduation before studying abroad, it is best to start preparing 8 to 10 months before the deadline. This gives you enough time to balance work and study commitments. Joining a weekend class at Dilip Oak’s Academy one of the best GRE preparation classes in Pune and practicing during the week would be a good way to get GRE-ready.

Ultimately, deciding when to take the GRE depends on your circumstances and goals. By breaking down the preparation process and using examples, this guide aims to make it easier for you to plan and prepare effectively for the exam. Good luck!

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. To explore our services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

Expert Tips for Mastering GRE Verbal Reasoning: Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence

August 31, 2023April 1, 2024Dilip Oak's Academy

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section is often perceived as a challenging hurdle for many test-takers. Within this section, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions can be particularly challenging but fear not- we’re here to guide you. Our expert faculty members have curated valuable tips and strategies to help test-takers like you conquer these question types. By honing your skills in Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, you can confidently tackle the GRE Verbal Reasoning section and achieve your desired scores.

Understanding Text Completion:

Text Completion questions present a passage with one to three blank spaces, and candidates must select the correct words or phrases to fill these gaps. The challenge lies in choosing the most appropriate words that maintain the coherence and meaning of the passage. To tackle Text Completion effectively, follow these tips:

Focus on Context: Grasp the passage’s context and main idea to predict the type of words needed
to fill the blanks.
Look for Clues: Analyze surrounding words and sentences for hints about the missing words’
meanings, including transitional phrases and tone.
Eliminate Irrelevant Options: Rule out answer choices that do not fit the passage’s context or alter the intended meaning.
Consider Logical Flow: Ensure the selected words maintain a coherent and logical flow within the passage.

Mastering Sentence Equivalence:

Sentence Equivalence questions present a single sentence with one blank space. Candidates are tasked with selecting two words from the six given options that create sentences with similar meanings. While the core strategies remain the same for both questions types, here’s how to tackle Sentence Equivalence questions effectively:

Identify Keyword Clues: Pay attention to crucial keywords in the sentence, as they often provide clues about the missing word’s meaning.
Antonyms and Synonyms: Consider words with opposite or synonymous meanings that fit the sentence’s context.
Avoid Extreme Choices: Eliminate answer choices with extreme meanings that do not align with the sentence’s tone or context.
Utilize the Process of Elimination: Narrow down choices by eliminating unlikely options, increasing the chances of selecting the correct word pair.

Build a Strong Vocabulary

A robust vocabulary is vital for excelling in GRE Verbal Reasoning. Regularly practice learning new words, understanding their meanings, and exploring their usage in context. Dilip Oak Academy offers comprehensive GRE preparation resources, including word lists and mnemonic techniques to aid memorization. Read this blog for more tips to master your vocabulary: 5 Tips from Our Expert Faculty

Read Diverse Texts

Expand your vocabulary and comprehension skills by engaging with a wide range of topics, including literature, academic articles, and news pieces. Read extensively to bolster your language proficiency. Here are some blogs to get you started: GREat Five Minute Reads

Familiarize with GRE Question Styles

Practice with official GRE Verbal Reasoning questions to become familiar with the question styles, formats, and difficulty levels. Analyzing answer explanations for incorrect choices helps you understand common pitfalls and improves your critical thinking skills.

Time Management

Efficient time management is crucial during GRE Verbal Reasoning. Allocate appropriate time to each question, and if you encounter a challenging question, flag it and move on. Later, during the review phase, allocate time to revisit flagged questions. The well-designed study plan and guidance from the expert faculty during the classes will boost your GRE preparation and give you the confidence to ace the test.

Take Full-Length Practice Tests

Simulate the real GRE experience by taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Full-length practice tests help build endurance, identify weak areas, and fine-tune your test-taking strategies. This will help you get accustomed to the pressure and time constraints.

By mastering Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, you can confidently approach the GRE and achieve your dream of pursuing further studies, like MS in the USA.

As a premier study abroad institute in Pune, Dilip Oak Academy is committed to helping students excel in the GRE exam. Our comprehensive GRE preparation resources include coaching- classroom & online with our experienced faculty members, online prep resources with access to over 2000 questions and a self-prep module which includes video lessons. With a focus on excellence, Dilip Oak Academy is your partner in achieving GRE success.

We also offer TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK. To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495

Explaining the New Shorter GRE and Its Implications for Test-Takers

July 10, 2023July 13, 2023Dilip Oak's Academy

For many years, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has served as a crucial first step for students planning to pursue graduate study in the United States. This year, the GRE will be shorter thanks to a series of reforms. The test will have shorter versions of each section, but will still accurately assess test takers’ verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. If you plan to take the GRE General Test after September 2023, you should familiarize yourself with these changes and prepare accordingly. The following is a comprehensive summary of all the key modifications to the new, shorter GRE:

Change 1: Reduced Number of Questions and Shorter Testing Period

The length of the GRE General Test has been reduced from 4 hours to 1 hour and 58 minutes. This is a significant change aimed at improving test-takers’ concentration and decreasing test fatigue. The reduced time has been achieved by implementing the following changes in the test.

Reduced number of questions: The number of questions in the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning tests will be reduced. The number of questions in each section will drop from 40 to 27. These 27 questions will be broken up into 12 and 15 for for Section 1 and 2 respectively. This change applies to both quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning. Despite the reduction in total number of questions, the average time allotted for each question has remained unchanged.

Removal of ‘argument’ section: “Analyze an argument” task has been removed from the analytical writing section. Moving forward, the AWM section will only have the “analyze an issue” task. As a result, you’ll only have to write only one essay.

Removal of the Unscored section: The GRE currently has an unscored section that is used for evaluation of questions by ETS. This section will be removed from the new, shorter GRE, as it does not affect the test taker’s final score.

No Scheduled Breaks: The current 10-minute break after the two hours of the test will be eliminated because the new test time will be less than 2 hours. Those taking the GRE at a testing center can still take unscheduled breaks; however, the clock will not stop. Exemptions to this policy will be made for test takers with disabilities or health-related needs.Online examinees are not permitted to take unscheduled breaks during the exam.

Change 2: faster Reporting of Test Results

Official GRE scores will be reported to test takers within 8-10 days after the exam. This is a significant improvement over the previous time frame of ten and fifteen calendar days. In the long run, this will save time for those filling out applications.

What won’t change as the GRE moves from its current format to a shorter one?

Despite the fact that the GRE General Test will be shorter, many features will remain unchanged. Given below are the important aspects of the test that won’t be changing:

The basic structure of the GRE, including the presence of Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections, will remain unchanged.
Scoring: All three sections will use the same scoring procedure, and the shorter test will use the same performance scales as the current test.
The shorter GRE will still be section adaptive I. e., the difficulty level of the second section will be based on your performance in the first section.
Although the GRE has been shortened, testing fees have not changed.
Graduate and professional schools will use scores from the GRE General Test similarly, regardless of the length.
As before, you can retake the GRE General Test up to five times in any rolling 12-month period (365 days), with a maximum of one attempt every 21 days.
Your GRE scores will be considered valid for five years after your test date.

Why the ETS is changing the test format

These changes are based on feedback from previous test takers and are the result of expert analysis about how a better experience could be introduced for test takers while retaining the strong validity and reliability that universities expect.

Applying to graduate and professional programs is time-consuming. While you want to show your potential in a comprehensive way, you also want to get through your application checklist ASAP. Shortening the test will help students to stay focused and reduce fatigue. The shorter test will also allow ETS to deliver GRE scores faster. Students can complete their applications sooner as well.

What is yet to be announced?

Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning have had their total number of questions cut down to 27, but how those questions will be distributed among the subsections such as sentence equivalence, text completion and reading comprehension in verbal section, remains to be seen.

We also don’t yet have details on how the scoring algorithm might adapt to the reduced number of questions.

Which version of the test should you take- Shorter GRE vs. Current GRE

You should weigh your application deadlines against your personal preferences when deciding between the shorter GRE and the current GRE. The current GRE will be phased out on September 22, 2023, in favor of the shorter GRE. If your application deadline is early October or earlier, you should probably take the current GRE. However, if you have more time and your application deadlines are not pressing, you may want to take the shorter GRE because of its streamlined format.

At Dilip Oak’s Academy, We also provide detailed guidance on these processes under our Admission Counseling Services, including a selection of universities, documentation process and visa counseling, and mock visa interviews. In addition, as India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we have helped more than 33,000 students to secure their dream admits for various universities in America including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and other top-ranked universities.

We also offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK. To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495

How To Improve GRE Reading Comprehension

October 6, 2022April 1, 2024Dilip Oak's Academy

7 Techniques to improve GRE Reading Comprehension

“Reading” may not be one of your hobbies, but it is an important skill to grow. Therefore, even if you get scared or bored by looking at the long black text, somehow you have to develop a knack for effective reading. The more you read and practice, the easier it will be for you to comprehend what you are reading. Here are the seven straightforward techniques to improve your GRE reading comprehension abilities:

1. Increase vocabulary power

When you understand the meaning of the words you read, it can be easier for you to grasp the author’s perspective. You can improve your vocabulary by developing a habit of active reading. You can mark the difficult words and phrases that you come across while reading and search for their meaning in the dictionary. Once you understand the meaning of words, use it in your own language and try to use it in different contexts. This will aid in your long-term retention of those words.

2. Ask questions regarding the text you are reading

As you become more immersed in the text, asking questions about what you are reading can help you become a better reader. In order to gain a deeper understanding of what you are reading, consider themes, motifs, and other aspects of the text that you may have overlooked.

You can ask yourself the following questions as you read:

Why did the author choose to start the book that way?
What sort of bond do these two characters have?
What do we now know about the protagonist of the story?
Are there any recurring themes throughout the book? If so, what do they mean?

Click here for tips to master Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence and here to learn about mastering the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section.

3. Visualize the content

Creating mental images related to the content can aid in reading comprehension for GRE. Imagine that you’re watching a movie in your mind while you read. Picture the characters, places, and events described in the text. When you visualize what you’re reading, it’s like bringing the words to life! This technique helps you understand and remember the ideas better because you can see them in your imagination. So, next time you’re reading, try to make pictures in your mind to help you understand the content more easily!

4. Make use of situational cues

Even if you are unfamiliar with all the words being used, using context clues can really help you grasp what you are reading. The words and sentences that precede and follow the unfamiliar word can provide context cues. By concentrating on the major words or concepts in a sentence, you can use context clues to infer the sentence or paragraph’s core theme. Additionally, you can search for neighboring terms that are either synonyms or antonyms of the unknown word.

5. Identify the core idea

You can evaluate the relevance of an article by finding the main idea in a paragraph. Understanding the significance of what you’re reading may help you better understand the author’s perspective. After reading every paragraph, stop reading and try to figure out what the major point is. Then, for even better understanding, try to rephrase the primary idea in your own words.

6. Summarize the information you read

Writing a summary is a foolproof method to learn more about what you have read. In order to summarize, you must first determine what is crucial in the text and then express it in your own terms. Summarizing enables you to assess your comprehension of the text and improves your long-term retention of what you have read.

7. Diversify your reading materials

Try reading different kinds of books, articles, and stories. Each type of writing has its own style and way of presenting information. By exposing yourself to different genres and topics, you’ll become familiar with various writing styles, vocabulary, and ideas. This exposure broadens your understanding of language and context, making it easier for you to understand different types of texts. So, try to mix up what you read to improve your reading skills and learn new things along the way!

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. To explore our services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

Question of the Week

April 12, 2022December 24, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy1 Comment

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answer in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

GREat Five-Minute Reads: Episode 11

June 18, 2020June 23, 2023Dilip Oak's Academy

Dear Reader,

As promised, from this week onwards, we will present some old and some new articles along with questions on Reading Comprehension, Sentence Equivalence, and Text Completion from the Verbal Reasoning section.

Tell us your guesses in the comments section and look for the answers in our next edition!

Dinosaurs weren’t the only ones!

Question 1

Select a sentence in the article that provides evidence that the comet struck while the village was under human habitation.

Question 2

Why did the scientists rule out earthly causes such as volcanic activity or thunderstorms for the fires? Select all that apply.

A] They found evidence that natural sources of fire can also reach such high temperatures.

B] No magnetic marks, characteristic of lightning strikes, were found.

C] Molten metal was not found at the site.

Question 3

None of the following were reasons for the Abu Hureyra culture becoming agrarian EXCEPT

A] Climatic changes

B] Technological modifications

C] Survival of a few people

D] Animal husbandry

E] Ground-breaking invention of systematic agriculture

Alterations to Art

Question 1

The presence of halos as identifying appurtenances of holy figures in early Netherlandish paintings is as ________ an occurrence as it is commonplace in Italian paintings of the same period.

Select the two answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole, and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.

A] trite

B] exceptional

C] recognizable

D] atypical

E] perceptible

F] sacral

The representation of mortals as saints, reflecting a desire to (i) ________ the lives of the saints and to follow their sacrifices and devotion to Christ, becomes increasingly (ii) _______ in the early sixteenth century. The practice reflects an extension of the beliefs of and widespread adherence to the Modern Devotion, a popular reform movement begun by Geert Grote in the late fourteenth century and initially practiced by the Brothers of the Common Life.

Question 2

For each blank select one entry from the corresponding column of choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

Blank (i)	Blank (ii)
A] imitate	D] prevalent
B] animate	E] predictable
C] stipple	F] pretentious

GREat Five-Minute Reads: Episode 10

June 12, 2020June 23, 2023Dilip Oak's Academy

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We celebrate the big 10 with a nod to big transformations and changes! From the tiniest of organisms to the infinite vastness of space, small changes tend to have big repercussions. From the next edition of the reading list, we will change too. To know more, keep following our lists.

Happy Readings!

Look out for a new Reading List every week on Thursday!

GREat Five-Minute Reads: Episode 9

June 8, 2020June 23, 2023Dilip Oak's Academy

Dear Reader,

As the end of the lockdown nears, we are on cloud nine. Let us remember to dress to the nines as we take solace in the fact that we went the whole nine yards in our fight against coronavirus, boredom, and Zoom fatigue! With prompt implementation of the lockdown and its subsequent easing, we have proudly proven that “a stitch in time saves nine”.

Read on to know more about the ninth edition of the reading list:

GREat Five-Minute Reads: Episode 7

May 22, 2020June 23, 2023Dilip Oak's Academy

Going into the fourth (and hopefully, final) iteration of the lockdown, forgive us for getting a little philosophical. As the quotidian becomes dishearteningly humdrum — jokes abound on how no one knows nor cares what day of the week it is — it is time to find transcendent beauty and muse on how the ordinary becomes extraordinary with patience and passion.

Here’s hoping this week’s reading helps you find your desire, something you can pursue with diligence and dedication, so, you too can achieve for perfection in an imperfect, kaput world.

Look out for a new Reading List every week on Thursday!

GREat Five-Minute Reads: Episode 6

May 14, 2020June 23, 2023Dilip Oak's Academy

It seems like the end of the lockdown is in view. Social distancing may soon be a thing of the past, but we would like to start a new trend: social reading! Ask your parents if they remember the now-antiquated public libraries…you can do the same with a click: read and share these articles!

Some forward fodder for you to impress your friends!