How to Study for the Literature in English GRE

Thankfully, preparing for the GRE Literature Subject Test does not involve reading every major work of literature.

For most colleges in the United States, The GRE Subject Test for Literature is required along with the standard GRE test for those applicants seeking a PhD. program in English. Studying the entire body of literature for a single test is a virtually impossible task; thankfully there are a few much more reasonable steps that can be taken in a relatively short period to help prepare you for the test.

Things You'll Need

• Literature in English GRE prep books
• 2-3 months preparation time
• Notebook
• Calendar
• Poster board and markers

Instructions

1. Read the Princeton Review Guide. "Cracking the GRE Literature in English Subject Test," published by The Princeton Review, is widely considered to be the definitive guide to GRE preparation. The book should be available at your nearest library but if not, it can also be purchased online. Be sure to seek the most recent edition.

2. Study a Norton Anthology Literature Collection. The GRE Literature Test focuses mainly on canonical works that can all be found in any Norton Anthology Collection, particularly the British literature editions. Read the introductions very closely to each author in the anthology but don't spend too much time on each individual work.

3. Take the practice test. When you submit your application for the GRE Subject Test in Literature, you will receive a welcome packet that includes a practice test. Take this test after you have had a chance to read through the Princeton Review Guide or any of the Norton Anthologies.

Tips & Warnings

• The GRE Literature test focuses mainly on primary authors, genre and style, rather than the content of individual works. Leaning to associate authors with a particular genre and style will get you farther than spending time reading works that were not assigned to you as an undergraduate.

• It's virtually impossible to know the answer to every question on the test; be sure to gloss over the ones you don't know to get to questions that seem more familiar to you.

References

• Amazon; "Cracking the GRE Literature in English Subject Test", 6th Edition (Graduate School Test Preparation); Princeton Review