Step 1: Learn Vocabulary in Context
Instead of starting with pre-made flashcards, begin by reading GRE prep materials, articles, and essays — and highlight every word or phrase you don’t fully understand.
The key is to engage with real sentences. When you highlight an unfamiliar word inside a passage, your brain naturally connects it to a context and tone.
Add a short note or definition in your own words next to each highlight.
This step alone makes learning more active and meaningful — no more memorizing random definitions out of context.
Step 2: Extract Your Highlights Automatically
When I realized my notes and highlights were scattered across multiple PDFs, I started using Readoku — a tool that lets you extract both highlights and notes from PDF documents in just one click.
For GRE preparation, it was a game-changer.
I used a simple color system:
- 🟧 Orange highlights → Sentences or examples I wanted to reread later
- 🟨 Yellow highlights → Vocabulary I needed to study
After finishing a reading session, I exported my highlights as an Excel file directly from Readoku. Then I filtered the yellow highlights only — and voilà, I had a clean list of all the new words I needed to learn.
This saved hours of manual copy-pasting and made my vocabulary list 100% customized to my reading habits.
Step 3: Turn Your List into Custom Flashcards
Next, I gave this exported list of words to AI tools to generate:
- Clear definitions
- Example sentences
- Translations in the languages I know
That created the perfect study material: personalized flashcards built from my own reading.
Because I had already seen each word in context, remembering it became much easier.
Why This Method Works
This approach works because it connects context + repetition + personal engagement.
Instead of cramming isolated words, you’re:
✅ Learning directly from your reading materials
✅ Building memory through context
✅ Saving time by using Readoku to automate your note collection
It turns GRE prep from a passive memorization task into an active, personalized learning process.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the GRE doesn’t have to feel like a race against endless flashcards.
By using your reading materials as the foundation, highlighting unknown words, and extracting them with Readoku, you can build a vocabulary list that’s truly yours — relevant, memorable, and effective.
If you’re starting your GRE journey, give this method a try.
👉 Readoku makes it easy to organize your highlights, export notes, and create your own GRE vocabulary list effortlessly.
