After completing GRE registration, next step is prepared yourself for GRE test. If you haven’t registered yet, you can read this article to learn the process step-by-step for registering for the GRE exam. GRE stands as a crucial milestone for many aspiring graduate students. More than just a test of cumulative knowledge, the GRE is a multifaceted challenge that evaluates critical thinking and verbal reasoning alongside quantitative skills. In particular, the GRE verbal reasoning section has posed a significant hurdle for many test-takers, requiring a particular approach that helps vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical acumen. Let’s explore how do you prepare for GRE verbal reasoning.
Exploring into Verbal Reasoning
Before you can conquer it, you must understand the nature of the hurdle. The GRE verbal reasoning assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material. This doesn’t just mean understanding the literal content; it entails reasoning abilities that go beyond the surface to identify the relationships between different parts of sentences and recognize subtext and implications.
This section comprises two Verbal Reasoning sections (25 questions per section for a total of 50 questions) which test your ability to:
- Analyze and draw conclusions from discourse
- Reason from incomplete data
- Identify the author’s assumptions and/or perspective
- Understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative, and author’s intent
- Understand the meanings of words, sentences, and entire texts
- Understand relationships among words and among concepts
Official Books for GRE Verbal Section
You can study those books for verbal section-
- Official Guide from ETS website
- Official Verbal Practice Book
- Two paper-based GRE PDFs (you will find online
- GRE official online tests (two free, you have to paid for 2)
Crafting a Study Plan
The GRE is not a test you can cram for; it requires sustained effort over a time period of time. To develop a successful study plan for the verbal reasoning section, you must assess your current skills and areas for improvement. Consider these steps:
- Diagnostic Test: Take a full-length diagnostic test to understand your starting point. It’s crucial in indentifying your high-leverage areas for improvement.
- Set Realistic Goals: Set a clear target score for the verbal reasoning section. This will not only keep you motivated but will also dictate the intensity of study sessions.
- Focus on Weaknesses: Your diagnostic test should highlight areas that need work, and your study plan should allow ample time to strengthen those areas.
- Consistent Practice: Schedule regular, focused study sessions. It’s more effective to study for an hour each day rather than a marathon session once a week.
- Monitor Your Progress: Regularly take practice tests to track your improvement and adjust your study plan as needed.
Vocabulary Mastery
Vocabulary is the foundation of the verbal reasoning section. Unfortunately, for many, this is the scariest part of GRE preparation. According to my experiences and advice of many students who got verbal score above 150 said that everyday try to read some journals articles. Try to communicate with your families and your friends with new GRE words. That will help you to remember those vocabulary easily rather than memorize those words. You can also follow Kaplan, GRE official website for learning basic words those are necessary for GRE exams. Some students also think Barrons high frequency words and Magoosh flashcards also helpful for learning GRE vocabulary.
Active Learning
Rather than passively absorbing word lists, engage with the material. A few effective techniques are:
- Root Definitions: Recognize word roots to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- Using Words in Context: Instead of memorizing isolated words, place them in sentences which help you understand when and how to use them.
- Flashcards: Create flashcards for quick, on-the-go review.
Tools to Expand Vocabulary
There are resources aplenty to help build your verbal arsenal:
- GRE Word Lists: Begin with the most common GRE words but ensure you’re covering a good range.
- Online Apps and Tools: Websites and apps focusing on GRE vocab can add an interactive element to your learning.
- Reading High-level Material: The New York Times, The Economist, and literary classics can be vocab goldmines.
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension portion is vast and variable. It ranges from short passages to long articles on complex topics. To deal with this:
Skim Read
Practice reading the beginning and end of a passage without getting bogged down in the details. This will help you set the context and understand the main argument before going through it in detail. Also, try to practice Kaplan book for improving in reading comprehension section.
Active Reading
- Underline Key Points: This can help in recalling details when answering questions.
- Summarize Paragraphs: Mentally summarize main ideas of each paragraph as you read.
- Ask Questions: Be curious and read with a critical eye. Generate questions that the author should answer and see if the passage does so.
Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion
Many students use Kaplan test preparation and Manhattan Test preparation as a study guide for sentence equivalence section. These sections demand a strong understanding of the English language, focusing on sentence-level comprehension and the relationship between words:
Identify Keywords
For both types of questions, identifying the most significant words or phrases is key to understanding the flow and meaning of the text.
Predict Answers
Before looking at the answer choices, try to predict what type of word would fit the blank or what overall meaning a synonym would have. This can help eliminate incorrect answer choices.
Practice Contextual Usage
Work on sentence and word relationships. Practice constructing your own sentences using similar relationship structures.
Critical Reasoning and Analysis
The GRE verbal reasoning section isn’t just a vocabulary or reading comprehension test; it’s a reasoning test as well. You need to understand the implied meaning and the logical structure of arguments.
Identify the Argument Structure
Learn to map out the underlying structure of arguments by identifying the premises and conclusions.
Recognize Varieties of Evidence
Learn to differentiate strong or weak evidence and distinguish fact from opinion.
Consider Multiple Perspectives
When evaluating an argument, consider not just the stated viewpoint but also the potential counterarguments.
Taking Practice Tests
Practice tests are invaluable for GRE preparation. They acclimate you to the test format, help you manage your time and stress, and are a barometer of your progress.
Simulate Test Conditions
Take practice tests in a quiet environment and adhere strictly to the time limits. You can give 2 practice tests from ETS website. When you go to ETS website, you will see gre login homepage. When you will login, you will see GRE preparation section. Then you need to click on free test preparation. You will get 2 free tests as like real test. Always try to give those 2 exams as like exam environment and mind set. Don’t give those 2 tests if you are not prepared 100%. When you think you are ready, then go forward and give those exams.
ETS also offers 2 paid tests as like real gre test exams. Price for each one is $39.95. Its little expensive but if you like to test yourself more, you should give those exams.
Review Mistakes
Your real improvement comes from reviewing and understanding why you got a question wrong.
Increase Difficulty Gradually
Begin with easier practice tests and work your way up to more challenging ones to build skills incrementally.
Exam Day Strategies
Preparing for exam day and understanding strategies to tackle the test itself are just as important as the content studied.
Time Management
Be conscious of time. You don’t want to lose out on easy points because you lingered too long on a single troublesome question.
Mental State
Familiarize yourself with stress-reducing techniques. Deep breathing exercises can do wonders to keep your mind clear.
Don’t Panic
If you encounter a question you’re completely stumped by, guess and move on. You’re not penalized for incorrect answers, so it’s better to make an educated guess than to leave a question unanswered.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the GRE verbal reasoning section is a process that requires dedication, patience, and a strategic approach. It demands not only academic knowledge but also the development of critical thinking skills. Remember, your goal is not simply to pass the test but to gain the skills and insights that GRE preparation offers.
By crafting a solid study plan, mastering vocabulary, honing reading comprehension, and working on your critical reasoning, you’ll be in a strong position to excel on this challenging section of the GRE. Good luck on your GRE journey and may your verbal reasoning skills carry you confidently to your desired score.
