The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE is designed to test your ability to analyze written material, understand complex vocabulary in context, and apply logical reasoning to reading comprehension questions. For many test-takers, this section presents a significant challenge, especially if they’re not accustomed to academic reading or have gaps in their vocabulary knowledge.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key areas tested in GRE Verbal, discuss effective study strategies, and provide actionable tips to help you improve your score.
Understanding the GRE Verbal Reasoning Section
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section consists of two 35-minute sections, each containing 20 questions. These questions are divided into three primary categories:
1. Reading Comprehension (RC)
- Approximately 10 questions per section
- Includes short and long passages
- Question types: Main idea, inference, author’s purpose, specific details, sentence selection
🔗 ETS Official Guide to GRE Reading Comprehension
2. Text Completion (TC)
- 6 questions per section
- Requires filling in one, two, or three blanks in a passage
- Answers must maintain the logical coherence and meaning of the passage
🔗 ETS Guide to Text Completion Questions
3. Sentence Equivalence (SE)
- 4 questions per section
- Requires selecting two words that complete the sentence with the same meaning
- Tests understanding of synonyms and sentence context
🔗 ETS Guide to Sentence Equivalence Questions
1. Develop a Strong Vocabulary
One of the biggest hurdles in GRE Verbal is vocabulary. While you don’t need to memorize the entire dictionary, knowing high-frequency GRE words is crucial.
Strategies to Improve Your Vocabulary:
- Use Flashcards – Apps like Anki, Quizlet, or Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcards offer GRE-specific vocabulary decks.
- Make a Word Journal – Write new words, their meanings, example sentences, and synonyms.
- Learn Words in Context – Read articles from The Economist, The New York Times, or Scientific American to see GRE words in action.
- Use Mnemonics – Create memory aids for tough words. For example, “laconic” (meaning brief) can be remembered as “Lack of words = Laconic.”
- Practice Word Groups – Instead of memorizing single words, group similar words together (e.g., words related to criticism: rebuke, chastise, castigate).
Must-Know Word Lists:
- 🔗 Barron’s 333 High-Frequency GRE Words
- 🔗 Magoosh GRE Vocabulary List
- 🔗 Manhattan Prep Essential & Advanced GRE Words
2. Mastering Text Completion (TC) and Sentence Equivalence (SE)
These question types test your ability to interpret complex sentence structures and infer meanings.
Text Completion Strategies:
- Find the Logical Clue – Look for contrast words (however, although) or cause-effect words (because, therefore) that indicate the sentence’s meaning.
- Predict the Answer Before Looking at Choices – This prevents you from getting distracted by tricky options.
- Eliminate Wrong Choices – If an answer choice changes the meaning of the sentence or doesn’t fit grammatically, eliminate it.
- Pay Attention to All Blanks – In multiple-blank questions, one blank may help determine the other.
🔗 Magoosh Guide to Text Completion
Sentence Equivalence Strategies:
- Identify Synonyms – The correct answers must have the same meaning in the sentence.
- Look at the Entire Sentence – Don’t just focus on the blank; understand the sentence structure.
- Avoid Partial Matches – Some words might fit the sentence but lack a true synonym among the choices.
🔗 Manhattan Prep Guide to Sentence Equivalence
3. Excelling in Reading Comprehension (RC)
RC questions test your ability to understand, analyze, and infer information from passages. These passages can be about humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences.
🔗 Official ETS GRE Reading Comprehension Practice
Common RC Question Types:
- Main Idea – What is the passage’s central theme?
- Inference – What can be logically deduced from the passage?
- Author’s Tone – Is the author’s attitude neutral, skeptical, enthusiastic, etc.?
- Detail-Oriented Questions – What specific information is stated in the passage?
🔗 Kaplan GRE Reading Comprehension Guide
4. Practice With Timed Drills
The GRE is a timed test, and pacing is crucial.
🔗 ETS GRE PowerPrep Practice Tests
Timed Practice Tips:
- Use Official GRE Practice Tests – The best way to prepare is with ETS’s official material.
- Set Time Limits on Practice Sets – For example, aim to complete 10 text completion questions in 7 minutes.
- Track Your Accuracy and Speed – Keep a log of incorrect answers and analyze mistakes.
- Simulate Test Conditions – Take full-length, timed tests in a quiet environment.
5. Review and Analyze Mistakes
How to Learn from Mistakes:
- Keep an Error Log – Write down incorrect answers, why you got them wrong, and how to avoid similar mistakes.
- Understand the Explanation – Don’t just memorize the correct answer—understand why your original choice was wrong.
- Identify Patterns in Mistakes – Are you struggling with inference questions in RC? Are you misinterpreting sentence structures in TC?
🔗 Magoosh GRE Error Log Template
6. Utilize the Best Study Resources
Recommended Books:
- Official GRE Guide (ETS)
- Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
- Magoosh GRE Verbal eBook
Conclusion
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE is challenging, but with consistent effort, the right strategies, and ample practice, you can significantly improve your score. Focus on vocabulary building, mastering question types, practicing under timed conditions, and reviewing mistakes thoroughly.
Good luck with your GRE prep! 🚀