How to Start the GRE Verbal Section: A Step-by-Step Guide

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section can seem intimidating at first, but with the right approach, you can build a strong foundation and improve your performance. This section tests your ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand complex vocabulary. At MKS Education, we help students tackle the Verbal section with confidence through strategic preparation. Here’s how you can get started:

Step 1: Understand the GRE Verbal Section Structure

The GRE Verbal section consists of two subsections, each with 20 questions. These questions are divided into three main types:

  1. Reading Comprehension: Test your ability to understand, analyze, and draw conclusions from passages.
  2. Text Completion: Fill in the blanks of a passage with the most appropriate words, testing your ability to understand context.
  3. Sentence Equivalence: Choose two words that complete a sentence with the same meaning.

Familiarizing yourself with these question types is the first step toward effective preparation.

Step 2: Build Your Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary is essential for the GRE Verbal section, especially for Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions. Here’s how to get started:

  • Learn High-Frequency Words: Focus on common GRE vocabulary words. Tools like flashcards and apps can make this process more engaging.
  • Understand Context: Practice using new words in sentences to fully grasp their meanings.
  • Review Regularly: Repetition is key to retaining vocabulary. Set aside time for daily reviews.

Step 3: Develop Reading Habits

The GRE Verbal section places a heavy emphasis on reading and comprehension. Strengthen your skills by:

  • Reading Challenging Material: Explore articles from sources like The Economist, Scientific American, or academic journals to familiarize yourself with complex sentence structures and diverse topics.
  • Summarizing Passages: Practice summarizing the main idea and key points of what you read. This skill is invaluable for tackling Reading Comprehension questions.
  • Improving Speed and Accuracy: Focus on reading efficiently without compromising understanding.

Step 4: Practice Each Question Type

Once you’re familiar with the question types, practice them individually to build confidence:

  1. For Text Completion: Focus on understanding the overall meaning of the passage and look for contextual clues to determine the correct word choices.
  2. For Sentence Equivalence: Pay close attention to the tone and context of the sentence, and ensure both chosen words create similar meanings.
  3. For Reading Comprehension: Learn to identify the main idea, the author’s tone, and purpose. Practice answering both direct and inference-based questions.

Step 5: Take Timed Practice Tests

Practicing under timed conditions is crucial for success in the GRE Verbal section. Here’s why:

  • Simulate Test Day: Familiarize yourself with the pressure of answering questions within a time limit.
  • Identify Weak Areas: Timed tests highlight which question types or concepts you need to focus on.
  • Track Your Progress: Measure your improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Step 6: Review Your Mistakes

One of the most important aspects of GRE preparation is learning from your mistakes. For every question you get wrong:

  • Understand why your answer was incorrect.
  • Analyze the reasoning behind the correct answer.
  • Note patterns in your mistakes and work on improving those specific areas.

Step 7: Enroll in a GRE Prep Course

If you’re struggling to make progress or want expert guidance, consider enrolling in a GRE preparation course. At MKS Education, we offer:

  • Customized Study Plans: Tailored to your unique strengths and weaknesses.
  • Expert Instructors: Who guide you through strategies for every question type.
  • Access to Premium Resources: Including class slides, video lectures, and practice questions.

Final Tips for Starting the Verbal Section

  1. Stay Consistent: Allocate dedicated time each day for GRE Verbal preparation.
  2. Use Official Resources: Practice with GRE-style questions to ensure familiarity with the test format.
  3. Stay Positive: Improving in Verbal Reasoning takes time and consistent effort—be patient with yourself.