How to Master the GRE Verbal Reasoning Section

Published on: 27 January 2021 Last Updated on: 24 December 2024

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) assesses a graduate school applicant’s aptitude. They range from verbal skills and mathematical skills necessary to succeed in their higher education.

Test-takers work through five total sections: one Analytical Writing, two Quantitative Reasoning, and two Verbal Reasoning sections.

Especially if you don’t have a background in a writing and reading-intensive discipline. Plus, the Verbal Reasoning portion of the exam can be quite challenging.

Many GRE test-takers don’t know where to get started with improving their reading comprehension skills.

What is Verbal Reasoning?

According to the official GRE website, the Verbal Reasoning section “assesses your ability to evaluate and analyze with written material.

Then it checks how you synthesize information you obtain through analyzing relationships within sentences and recognize relationships among words.

The two Verbal Reasoning sections of the exam have 30 questions each and give test-takers 20 minutes to complete them.

They include the following types of questions to test the skill sets described above:

1. Reading Comprehension Questions

Throughout the Verbal Reasoning section, test-takers will encounter three different subtypes of reading comprehension questions:

Traditional multiple-choice questions with five choices and one correct answer.
More complex multiple-choice questions with three choices and either one, two, or three correct answers. No partial credit is given for identifying some but not all the correct options.
Select-in-passes questions, where the exam taker reads a short passage and then answers questions about the specific function of sentences within the text.

2. Text Completion Questions

These questions are based on a passage with one to five sentences. Within these passages, one-, two-, and three-word spaces are left blank, and the test-taker must answer multiple-choice questions about which words would best complete the sentence if filled into the blank space.

3. Sentence Equivalence Questions

Each of these questions presents a single sentence with one word missing. The test-taker is given six choices of words that could fill in the blank.

Also, they must identify which two options, if chosen, would create sentences with equivalent meaning.

How to Prepare

Since the GRE tests aptitude and skill sets, not your knowledge of specific topics, many students find it difficult to strategize their studying.

When it comes to the Verbal Reasoning section, the following preparation methods can sharpen the skills that the section assesses.

1. Brush Up on Your Vocabulary

Vocabulary plays a big part in GRE’s success. Answering text completion and sentence equivalence questions becomes quite challenging if you aren’t familiar with the answer options.

Additionally, strong vocabulary skills will help you easily parse the complex passages included in the reading comprehension questions.

There are two steps to improving your vocabulary skills: simple memorization and vocab-in-context.

You can use flashcards with word definitions to help with memorization, and you can read dense materials or study vocabulary words within complete sentences to practice the latter.

2. Take Practice Tests

Practice tests are a great way to know where you stand. It will help you learn about your strengths and weaknesses and how much you must improve to achieve a higher score.

It will also guide you in deciding how rigorously you will have to work on your existing vocabulary skills.

Consider using guides and reference books like Kaplan GRE study books to practice with questions that accurately simulate the difficulty of the exam.

3. Pacing and the Process of Elimination

When taking practice tests, focus on your pacing throughout the Verbal Reasoning section.

Get a gauge for how long the passages typically take to read and understand and how long each type of question takes you to answer.

To get through questions faster, work on your process-of-elimination strategies.

It’s also important that you recognize when you simply don’t know the answer to a question and are better off choosing a random answer than spending too much time on it.

4. Markup the Text

One mistake most test-takers make when reading through a passage is not making simple annotations, which results in them having to reread the passage.

It will save precious time to take to circle or underline important points or keywords while going through the text the first time.

5. Stick to the Text and Information Given

Never get carried away by your opinions or background knowledge when dealing with a critical reasoning question based on a given passage.

The passages present all the information you need—assuming information can lead you astray.

6. Tacking Test Day

The most effective way to prepare for all sections of the GRE is to familiarize yourself with the skills tested, types of questions asked, and pacing.

If you focus on these elements and take full-length practice tests to simulate the day of the test, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against and how to tackle every aspect of the exam.

How Does GRE Help Your Professional Life?

You might wonder, “How does spending time mastering these tricky verbal questions benefit me professionally?”

It’s a valid question, no doubt!

The skills you develop while preparing for the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE aren’t just helpful in school. Yes, they are applicable to the real world. They can also impact how you communicate, think critically, and problem-solve.

Enhanced Communication Skills

Reading comprehension questions force you to read through the matter properly and understand it with a step-by-step approach.

Seriously, does anyone ever send you anything that is easily understood at work?

When you are working, you will be dealing with reports, proposals, and technical documents. In meetings or in emails, you need people to understand what you mean to say quickly. This is why GRE puts emphasis on that, as well as understanding and articulation.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

The type of analytical reasoning you use to answer GRE questions is the same kind of thinking you’ll be doing if you’re in a position of leadership. Or you must make high-stakes decisions.

Whether you are interpreting data sets, inferring information from texts, or computing information from a graph or chart, you are likely to need those skills if you’re looking for insights about a market trend. Or even trying to draw conclusions based on project results.

Those kinds of higher-order reading skills are something you can develop in the GRE’s Verbal Reasoning section.

You’ll quickly realize that succeeding in the GRE prepares you for a similar competitive environment.

Something that will surface time and again in your professional existence. It can be a little difficult when you’re first starting out. However, you can find plenty of free online practice problems, and you must utilize them well.

Final Thoughts

Verbal Reasoning on the GRE is a project. Like everything else on this exam, you’ll need a blend of strategy, consistent practice, and mental discipline to achieve your maximum potential.

But if you take advantage of it, it can result in gaining skills that will be helpful throughout your academic & professional career beyond.

Whether we’re talking about writing better papers, reading more effectively, thinking through complex issues, or thriving under pressure, you can conquer them all.

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

5 Golden Rules of Children Language Learning

God has blessed every child with an innate skill as well as a curiosity to learn new things in a speedy manner. The brain of your child observes new things very quickly; that is why he starts understanding your language at the earlier stage of life. According to the statement of an expert, young children have a high intellectual level to learn a second language. If you want to teach your child any language, the following simplest yet useful rules are going to help you a lot. Active Adult Participation in The Language Learning Process: In the initial six years of life, the brain of the child increasingly changes to absorb more and more knowledge. For that reason, it is necessary that the adults take an active part in helping their child learn a new language. To serve that purpose, talking to your child matters the most in the first place. Both the parents can contribute to this learning process by listening to the fractured yet cute stories of their kids. Furthermore, the teacher should also act patiently when dealing with young children to make them easily understand some new words. For example, in the case of the Spanish language, the teacher has to repeat the Spanish alphabet sounds again and again for the child’s clear understanding. Ensure a Child-Friendly Learning Environment: Creating a child-friendly environment of learning is essential for your child’s smooth learning of a new language. It matters because children are sensitive little heads that whole-heartedly learn only when they feel listened to, valued and cared for. In order to ensure a child-friendly environment, adults are advised to organize fun-filled activities e.g., dance, sing, and rhyme etc. You can also take help from numerous online videos as well as audios that can make the learning process more appealing. Above all, every effort you make to teach your child a language will only work when you put yourself in your child’s shoe. You have to think and act like them to ensure effective learning. Involve the Children in Listening Activities: In addition to being receptive, language is expressive too. Therefore, it is vital to engage children in listening activities. In this way, they will be able to effectively process what they hear. Such listening activities can ask the child to repeat after the speaker whatever he/she has listened. To serve this purpose, parents can turn on a radio or TV where perhaps a fairy tale is being told. Teachers can also contribute to this type of activity by telling them a story or even a short real-life interesting incident just to introduce them to new words and sentences. Adding to it, many interesting rhyming audios with attractive sounds can add to the responsiveness of children to a great extent. They can also enhance the listening power of the children. Let Them “Maked the Made” Teaching a language to children requires patience and considerable time. When it comes to children, they certainly make too many mistakes in the beginning. They may be too little to understand the reasons behind all the forms of verbs, parts of speech, degrees that a particular language has. For instance, they may say ‘made’ rather than made, ‘eated’ instead of ate, ‘sleeped’ instead of slept and this list goes. In fact, making mistakes is good and perhaps the only way of letting children learn something new. Every mistake that they make tells that they tried a new thing. Now, it is the duty of the teacher to correct it with love and kindness. Take Baby Steps: Do not rush the learning process since it might confuse your child. In contrast, it is essential to take baby steps while teaching your child a new language. In the beginning, talk to them and tell them stories in the new language so they start understanding and recognizing different sounds. It will also make them able to pronounce the words in the right way later on. Subsequently, start enhancing their vocabulary by introducing a new word every day. Repeating it all day long and asking your child to do the same is effective for better memorization. In order to make this whole process effective, ask children to recall the previous words before introducing a new word. Afterward, start off with the phrases and then to sentences. In the end, patience and effort would be worth it. Read Also: Tips To Help You Learn A New Language In A New Country English As A Second Language: Ways To Find Great Teaching Materials On A Budget

What To Do If A Student Does Not Cope With Studies?

Being a student is like embarking on a thrilling roller coaster ride through the world of knowledge and discovery. But, hey, even roller coasters have their unexpected twists and turns, right? So, if you're finding yourself on a bit of an academic loop-de-loop, fret not! In this guide, we're diving headfirst into the land of academic adventures to explore what to do when the going gets tough. Whether you're in need of some inspiration, a dash of motivation, or a pinch of strategy, we've got you covered. And hey, if you're feeling overwhelmed, just remember that even the best adventurers sometimes need a map to navigate uncharted territories. 1. Acknowledge The Struggle Picture this: you're wandering through the dense forest of assignments and exams, and suddenly, you realize you're lost. The first step is to acknowledge that feeling lost is okay! Everyone encounters bumps on the academic road. Accepting the struggle is like turning on your GPS – it helps you identify where you are and where you want to go. So, embrace the challenge and give yourself permission to seek help. 2. Seek Guidance Just as explorers have mentors and guides, students can lean on teachers, professors, and academic advisors for support. They've been through the academic jungle and know the shortcuts and detours. Don't hesitate to reach out for clarifications, suggestions, or even just a motivational pep talk. Remember, even Indiana Jones had Sallah to help him navigate those treacherous archaeological digs! 3. Map Out a Study Routine Imagine you're planning a grand expedition. You wouldn't venture into the wild without a detailed map, right? Similarly, crafting a study routine can keep you on track. Create a weekly schedule that allocates time for studying, reviewing, and relaxing. Consistency is the key! Whether you're a morning owl or a night owl, stick to your routine and watch your progress soar. 4. Embrace Technology Ever heard of a trusty sidekick? Well, in the academic realm, technology is your sidekick. There are tons of apps and online resources designed to make learning more engaging and interactive. From virtual flashcards to educational YouTube channels, these tools can inject some fun into your studies. And, if you ever find yourself in need of a trusty guide for your academic ventures, Grabmyessay.com is here to lend a hand. Remember, even the mightiest heroes need a helping hand once in a while. 5. Break Down Tasks Conquering Mount Everest doesn't happen in a single step, right? Similarly, tackling mammoth assignments is best achieved by breaking them into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a checklist and revel in the satisfaction of ticking off each completed item. It's like collecting gold coins on your journey to academic victory. 6. Find Your Study Oasis Think of studying as your personal treasure hunt. To make it exciting, scout for a cozy and well-lit study space that sparks your creativity and focus. It could be a corner of your room, a coffee shop, or a local library. The right ambiance can transform your study sessions from mundane to marvelous. 7. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone Remember, every great explorer faced setbacks. Thomas Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." So, if you stumble upon an academic hurdle, don't be disheartened. Instead, view it as a stepping stone towards improvement. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your strategies, and keep moving forward. 8. Stay Healthy Just like an adventurer needs proper nourishment, your brain needs a healthy diet and ample rest. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can rejuvenate your mind and enhance your learning capacity. So, fuel up and ensure you're operating at your optimal level. 9. Celebrate Small Wins Imagine reaching base camp on a challenging expedition. You wouldn't just march onward without a celebratory pause, right? Likewise, celebrate your academic victories, no matter how small. Completing an assignment, acing a quiz, or grasping a complex concept – these are all reasons to pat yourself on the back and bask in your progress. Final Thoughts In the grand tapestry of academia, every student is an intrepid explorer embarking on a unique journey. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, seek guidance, and embrace challenges. By adopting a positive mindset and employing strategic tactics, you can navigate the labyrinth of studies like a pro. So, gear up, put on your explorer's hat, and embark on a learning adventure like no other! Read Also: Strategies For Effective Math Note-Taking In IB Mathematics Things You Need To Know About Online Statistics Studies Tips on writing better case studies

Expert Opinion: Tips To Enhance Your Academic Performance

Are you worried about your grades? Or have you been unable to match your previous academic performance? The question ‘or’ is prevalent among students and has bothered every learner at least once in their lifetime. When you are experiencing a level of failure, it is essential to take responsibility for this performance and start thinking about a plan to change your situation. Whether you are failing your class, have experienced a drop in your grades, or have a tough time achieving set goals, it is never too late to change. Experts like Tutor Hunt are everywhere to help you out with your grades. Fortunately, there are strategies to help you improve your academic performance. At the same time, there are some things that you are currently doing that are adversely impacting your academics that you might benefit from not doing. Here are some Dos and Don’ts to help you improve your academic performance and grades shared by a professional academic writer from the top writing service DoMyEssay specializing in the write my research paper for me requests. Things To Do To Boost Academic Performance Here is how you can become a better student (from expert straight A students). 1. Have An Optimistic Attitude When you are getting low grades, it is natural to feel disappointed with yourself. If it happens over a more extended period, you might start feeling defeated or depressed and are more likely to give up. However, the first step towards enhancing your grades is turning off negative self-thoughts. A positive mindset goes a long way, and being optimistic about your current position gives you better prospects. First, acknowledge that your grades are sub-par and believe that you can do something to improve them. Taking mental control over your situation is the difference between remaining stuck and progressing. Usually, poor performance in school also indicates that your classwork and homework aren’t up to standard either. Before you get your footing, consider getting help from a reputable paper writing platform, PaperWritingService. 2. Identify Where You Are Struggling After transforming your mindset, the next step is to identify the areas where you are struggling. It is best to do this before drawing up your action plan. Find out where you are lagging and why. For instance, are you having poor results in just one class or across all your classes? Is there a particular topic within a subject that you are struggling with? Analyze your performance over the last few weeks or months to look for patterns. You might discover that your performance has been declining steadily or that you’ve had issues with a subject for an extended period. After clarifying this matter, the next step is to brainstorm why you’re underperforming. The factors could be external, such as family issues that affect your performance in school. They could also be internal, such as having difficulty understanding some topics. 3. Communicate With Your Teachers Your teacher is an excellent authority to look up to on academic matters. Consulting them about coming up with an action plan to boost your grades is a good idea. Ask them what they think you need to change or improve. They’ll always have some advice that you can use. Coupled with the other tips mentioned in this article, you will be on your way toward better grades. 4. Make The Learning Process Exciting Sometimes, you might underperform because you are simply unmotivated to learn. This is more common than you think, usually because of the pressure to do well and exams. Such things take the fun out of the learning process. But when the learning process is more exciting, it also becomes easier. If studying feels much like a chore, try coming up with ways to incorporate fun back into the process. One way to do this is by gamifying your studies. Related: Academic Writing for UK Students – Why It’s Important? Things To Avoid To Boost Academic Performance Want to improve academic performance? Quit these following habit today! 1. Too Much Caffeine Many people have a lower attention span nowadays, which affects their concentration. Cases of students drinking too much coffee or caffeine-induced beverages to stay up very late and improve their concentration are not uncommon. However, unless recommended by your physician, this is dangerous and unsustainable. There are other methods to improve your focus and have adequate study time. For the former, you can use exercises like solving crossword puzzles or creating your own using a crossword puzzle maker. For adequate study time, you just need to develop a plan for better time management. 2. Throwing In The Towel Remember that it is always possible to improve your grades, so failure shouldn’t be at the top of your mind. If you are really struggling, get help instead of giving up. It is okay to feel disappointed sometimes but focus on progress. 3. Stay Up The Entire Night Staying up all night to cram for the next test is exhausting and adverse. Your body needs sleep, and a lack of it affects your immunity. Adequate sleep also enhances your concentration and decision-making ability. Exhaustion does the exact opposite. Proper time management will remove the need to stay up all night. How To Build A Routine For Better Academic Performance Building a routine is one of the most effective ways to improve your academic performance. It gives you structure and helps you stay on top of your tasks. But how do you create a routine that works for you? Start by identifying your most productive times of the day. Are you more focused in the morning, afternoon, or at night? Once you know, schedule your most important tasks during these peak times. Identify Your Productive Hours Building a routine begins with knowing when you’re most productive. Are you a morning person, or do you work better at night? Once you figure that out, schedule your important tasks during these peak hours. This way, you’re working when your energy and focus are at their best. Create Consistent Study Sessions Consistency is your friend when building a routine. Try to study at the same time every day. This not only helps form a habit but also minimizes procrastination. Don’t forget to break up your study sessions. You can use techniques like Pomodoro (study for 25 minutes, rest for 5 minutes) to keep things fresh and productive. Prioritize Your Tasks You can’t do everything at once! List your assignments and rank them by urgency and importance. This helps avoid last-minute rushes and ensures that you stay on top of your workload. Consider using a planner or digital tools to track everything and keep organized. Balance Study With Breaks While your routine should focus on study, don’t forget to make time for rest. Include breaks, exercise, and leisure in your schedule. Having a balanced routine will keep you motivated and prevent burnout, which is just as important as staying focused on schoolwork. Stay Flexible Things don’t always go as planned. When unexpected events occur, adjust your routine instead of stressing. Flexibility is key to making your routine work for you. As long as you’re prioritizing your tasks and staying consistent, you’re on the right track! Additionals: Workload Survival Guide for Academics 10 Best Sports Scholarship Programs In The World What Is An Essay? Definition And What Are Its Parts Features To Look For When Investing In Teacher Desks For Your Institution

How to Master the GRE Verbal Reasoning Section