GRE Subject Test: Literature in English

The GRE Subject Test in Literature in English assesses knowledge and understanding of literary texts, critical analysis, and interpretation skills.

Major Literary PeriodsGenres and FormsClose Reading and Critical Analysis
Critical Theories and SchoolsIntertextuality and AllusionAdvanced Literary Devices
Analyzing Unseen PassagesComparative AnalysisBuilding Interpretive Arguments
Time Management for the GRE Literature TestProcess of Elimination
Major Literary Perio...Genres and FormsClose Reading and Cr...Critical Theories an...Intertextuality and ...Advanced Literary De...Analyzing Unseen Pas...Comparative AnalysisBuilding Interpretiv...Time Management for ...Process of Eliminati...
Study Strategies

Process of Elimination

Narrowing Down Your Choices

When you’re unsure, eliminate obviously wrong answers to boost your odds of guessing correctly.

  • Spot Contradictions: Cross out answers that clearly don’t fit the passage.
  • Compare Details: Look for subtle clues that make a choice less likely.
  • Guess Confidently: With fewer options, your chance of guessing right improves.

Sharpening this skill turns uncertainty into opportunity.

Examples

  • Eliminating two out of five answer choices, then making an educated guess.

  • Spotting a distractor answer that misinterprets the author’s tone.