Long, complex reading comprehension passages on the GRE can be mentally draining—even for strong readers. Between dense language, abstract topics, and time pressure, it’s easy to lose focus or forget key points. But with the right strategies, you can stay sharp, improve retention, and boost your accuracy.
Here are seven proven techniques to help you stay focused and conquer long GRE passages:
1. Understand the Structure Before You Read
Before diving in, glance over the passage to get a sense of its structure. Look for:
- Paragraph breaks and transitions
- Keywords that signal tone or purpose (“however,” “for example,” “in contrast”)
- The author’s position or argument, if any
This initial pass helps you anticipate what’s coming and stay grounded as you read.
2. Skim for the Big Picture
On your first read, don’t get bogged down in details. Skim to identify:
- Main idea or thesis
- Supporting points and examples
- Any contrast or counterarguments
This big-picture understanding will guide you when answering detailed questions later.
3. Take Brief Notes as You Go
Note-taking keeps your brain active and helps with retention. Try:
- Writing one-line summaries for each paragraph
- Jotting down the passage’s central argument
- Marking where key examples or contrasts appear
These notes act as a roadmap when you need to return to the passage.
4. Read Actively, Not Passively
Ask yourself questions while reading:
- “What’s the point of this paragraph?”
- “How does this support the main idea?”
- “What is the author’s tone here?”
This keeps your mind engaged and improves comprehension—especially for abstract or technical topics.
5. Practice Time Management
You’ll have around 10–12 minutes per passage, including questions. Use your time wisely:
- Spend no more than 3–4 minutes reading
- Answer easy questions first, then return to tougher ones
- Mark and move on if a question is eating up time
Practice under timed conditions to find your ideal pacing strategy.
6. Use the Process of Elimination
GRE answer choices are designed to mislead. Use elimination to narrow down:
- Eliminate answers that contradict the passage
- Watch out for extreme language (“always,” “never,” etc.)
- Choose the best-supported option—not just one that sounds smart
Even if you’re unsure, removing just one wrong answer improves your odds.
7. Build Stamina with Practice
Long passages require mental endurance. The only way to build it? Practice consistently.
Use official GRE materials and platforms like ETS, Magoosh, and Kaplan to simulate test-day conditions. Track your accuracy and timing, and reflect on missed questions to sharpen your strategy.
Final Thoughts
Long GRE passages don’t have to derail your test performance. By reading strategically, staying engaged, and managing your time wisely, you can tackle even the toughest passages without losing focus.
Remember to:
- Understand the structure of the passage
- Skim for main ideas
- Take notes and read actively
- Stay aware of time and eliminate wrong answers
With consistent practice, these techniques will become second nature—and so will higher scores.