GRE Verbal

A comprehensive guide to mastering the verbal reasoning section of the GRE, including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and analytical writing.

Building a Powerful VocabularyReading Comprehension SkillsAnalytical Writing Foundations
Mastering Text CompletionSentence Equivalence TechniquesArgument Analysis and Logical Reasoning
Professional Communication SkillsAcademic Success with Verbal ReasoningEveryday Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
Time Management on Test DayElimination and Smart Guessing
Building a Powerful ...Reading Comprehensio...Analytical Writing F...Mastering Text Compl...Sentence Equivalence...Argument Analysis an...Professional Communi...Academic Success wit...Everyday Decision-Ma...Time Management on T...Elimination and Smar...
Basic Concepts

Reading Comprehension Skills

Understanding What You Read

The GRE Verbal section tests your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze written passages. You’ll encounter everything from science to literature, so flexibility is key!

Strategies for Success

  • Skim First: Get a sense of the passage before diving into the details.
  • Identify Main Ideas: What is the author’s main point?
  • Look for Structure: Notice transition words like "however" or "for example" to follow the argument.
  • Don’t Get Stuck: If a sentence confuses you, move on and return if needed.

Types of Questions

  • Detail: What does the passage say about X?
  • Inference: What can you conclude from the passage?
  • Function: Why did the author include this point?

Real-World Applications

Strong reading comprehension helps you quickly absorb new information, whether in university, at work, or just surfing the web.

Examples

  • You read a blog about climate change and quickly identify the writer's main argument.

  • In a meeting, you interpret a report’s summary and explain its implications to your team.

In a Nutshell

Reading comprehension is about understanding, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from written material.

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Analytical Writing Foundations