Tackle the GRE Verbal Section

The first step in acing the verbal section of the GREs is understanding the format. The verbal section contains 4 types of tasks: (1) Antonyms: you are presented with 2 words that are connected in some aspect and your goal is to find 2 words that have a similar connection from the options provided; (2) Analogies: find the word that has the opposite meaning of the presented word from the choices provided; (3) Sentence Completion: find the word or words that completes the sentence; and (4) Reading Comprehension: answer descriptive, interpretive, and analytical questions pertaining to a passage that is provided.

Knowing vocabulary and how to masterfully use language does not guarantee a good score on the verbal section of the GRE. A few strategies are in order too. These strategies can help you answer questions quickly and assist you in solving impossible problems.

Prepare Beforehand

• First and foremost, purchase the appropriate study guide and utilize it daily.
• Take practice tests.
• Read more to improve your ability to understand and evaluate reading material.
• Use the process of elimination to eliminate choices that are incorrect.

During the Exam

• Read all choices before choosing an answer.
• Be aware of obvious answers.
• Use different techniques to memorize definitions of the GRE words, such as mnemonic devices and associations.
• Use the newly learned words in sentences and in your day to day conversations.
• Remember as many roots, prefixes, and suffixes of terms as possible.
• Remember secondary or alternative meanings of a word.
• Examine the context in which the words are used.
• Consider the definitions of words that resemble the given term.
• When completing the Antonyms Section, remember that many words have a positive or negative connotation. Try to see if you can decipher the tone of the word to determine a good choice.
• While completing the Analogies Section, try to create a sentence with the given words to decipher their relative meanings.
• During the Sentence Completion Section try using words that you already know to complete the sentence before looking at the choices.
• Also, in Sentence Completion problems, if it is a double word sentence completion, make sure both words fit. Eliminate choices that only have one correct term.
• For the Reading Comprehension Section remember that your answers should only be relevant to what was mentioned or implied in the passages.
• Also during Reading Comprehension, remember that the first and last sentences of each paragraph are the most important, answer easiest questions first, and don't be afraid to reread sections although keep an eye on your time.

The best preparation for the GRE Verbal Section is one that takes time, and that you likely already have done, read. By reading widely and deeply you will broaden your vocabulary and have a better understanding of language. That said, GRE review books and classes will boost your scores. These tips are simply guidelines that can assist you with the verbal section of the GREs. However, it would be best to increase your vocabulary, read, and spend endless amounts of time practicing and studying in order to achieve a higher verbal score.