GRE Verbal Strategies and Tips: Master the Verbal Reasoning Section

1. Understanding the GRE Verbal Section

The GRE verbal reasoning section consists of three main types of questions:

• Reading Comprehension: You’ll be given passages to read and must answer questions about their content, including the main idea, inferences, and tone.
• Text Completion: These questions present a sentence or passage with missing words, and you must choose the correct word(s) to complete the sentence based on context.
• Sentence Equivalence: You’ll be given a sentence with a blank and must select two words that will fit the blank and make the sentence complete and coherent.

The verbal section is scored on a range from 130 to 170, with each question carrying equal weight. You will have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions, so time management and strategy are key.

2. Essential GRE Verbal Strategies

Expand Your Vocabulary

A large part of the GRE verbal reasoning section relies on a strong vocabulary. A well-developed vocabulary allows you to understand reading passages and make accurate inferences. Here are some tips to build and reinforce your vocabulary:

• Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with challenging GRE words and their definitions. Review these cards daily to strengthen your memory.
• Read Widely: Regularly read academic articles, essays, and books in a variety of fields. This exposes you to a wide range of vocabulary and contexts.
• Learn Word Roots: Understanding common prefixes, suffixes, and roots will help you decipher unfamiliar words on the test.

Focus on Context

Many GRE verbal questions require you to infer meaning from context. Whether you’re answering reading comprehension questions or text completion, understanding the broader context is crucial. Pay close attention to the surrounding text for clues about the correct answer.

For example, in reading comprehension, if a passage discusses a positive development but then introduces a word like “however,” it likely signals a contrast. Recognizing these cues will help you select the most appropriate answer.

Improve Reading Comprehension Skills

Reading comprehension questions require both a deep understanding of the material and the ability to analyze complex texts. To improve your reading comprehension:

• Practice Active Reading: Engage with the text by highlighting key points, taking notes, or summarizing paragraphs in your own words.
• Skim for Main Ideas: In the beginning, quickly skim the passage to understand the main idea before diving deeper into the details.
• Answer in Context: Ensure that your answer is grounded in the passage. Never assume details that are not explicitly mentioned in the text.

Use Process of Elimination

If you’re unsure about a question, use the process of elimination to rule out obviously incorrect answers. This is particularly helpful for questions with multiple word choices, such as text completion and sentence equivalence.

When eliminating answers, focus on the meanings of the words and how well they fit within the context of the sentence or passage. Often, two choices will appear similar, but one will fit the context better than the other.

Work on Time Management

The GRE verbal reasoning section is time-sensitive, so managing your time effectively is essential. Here are some time management tips:

• Don’t get stuck on one question: If you’re unsure about an answer, move on and return to it later if you have time.
• Set a target time per question: Aim to spend no more than 1 minute per question. For reading comprehension, limit your reading to 2-3 minutes per passage.
• Answer easier questions first: Start with questions that seem easier to you, and leave more difficult questions for later.

3. GRE Verbal Question Types and How to Tackle Them

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is one of the most significant parts of the GRE verbal section. To perform well, focus on understanding the structure of the passage and its main argument.

• Identify the Author’s Purpose: Is the author explaining, arguing, or analyzing something? Understanding the author's purpose helps you interpret the passage correctly.
• Pay Attention to Structure: Often, the introduction and conclusion will provide you with a summary of the main points. Use these to guide your understanding of the entire passage.
• Practice Speed Reading: Time is limited, so being able to quickly scan and understand passages is critical. Try practicing reading at a faster pace without sacrificing comprehension.

Text Completion

Text completion questions test your ability to choose the correct word(s) to complete a passage. These questions are often tricky because they require you to understand both the literal meaning of words and the implied meaning of the passage.

• Consider the Context: Look at the surrounding words and the tone of the passage to help you choose the right word.
• Test the Words: Once you’ve chosen your answer, plug it into the sentence to see if it makes sense in context. The word should fit both grammatically and semantically.

Sentence Equivalence

In sentence equivalence questions, you must choose two words that fit a sentence and make it complete. These questions are designed to test your ability to find synonyms and understand nuances in word meaning.

• Look for Clues in the Sentence: Focus on the surrounding words that give you clues about the meaning of the blank. Words like “however” or “but” may suggest a contrast.
• Test Each Pair of Words: After selecting your words, read the entire sentence with both options to ensure they make sense.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid in the GRE Verbal Section

• Rushing Through Reading Comprehension: Don’t rush through passages. Take the time to understand the main idea and the author’s argument before answering questions.
• Overlooking Vocabulary: Don’t ignore words that you don’t know. Try to deduce their meanings from context, or eliminate answers that are clearly wrong.
• Misinterpreting the Question: Make sure you understand what each question is asking. Reading comprehension questions may be subtle in their phrasing, so always double-check the question before answering.

5. Final Tips for GRE Verbal Success

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is the key to improving your verbal skills. Set aside time each day to practice reading comprehension, vocabulary, and sentence equivalence.
• Use Quality Resources: Use GRE-specific resources like official practice questions, prep books, and online courses to ensure you’re practicing with the right materials.
• Stay Positive: The verbal reasoning section can be challenging, but with determination and practice, you can improve. Stay focused, and don’t get discouraged by tough questions.

Conclusion

With the right strategies and consistent practice, you can significantly improve your GRE verbal reasoning score. Focus on expanding your vocabulary, mastering reading comprehension, and applying the process of elimination to tricky questions. Time management and staying calm under pressure will also help you succeed. Keep practicing, and you’ll be well on your way to acing the GRE verbal section!