How to Prepare for Verbal in GRE: Expert Tips, Strategies, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Latest Update:  You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, with a maximum of five attempts within any continuous 12-month period (365 days). For the latest GRE test dates in May 2025, the available dates are: May 5th to 10th May 12th to 16th May 18th to 23rd May 26th to 30th

The latest average GRE (Graduate Record Examination) verbal score for test-takers was 150, with the highest scoring candidates achieving around 163. A score of this level or higher generally places a test-taker in the top 10%. 

The verbal section tests reading comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to analyze written material. It plays a crucial role in qualifying GRE and securing graduate admissions, as a high score in the GRE Verbal Reasoning not only uplifts an applicant's profile but also highlights strong analytical and reasoning capabilities. 

This blog will guide you on how to prepare for verbal in GRE through practical strategies, help you avoid common mistakes, and show how it can significantly strengthen your graduate school application.

How to Prepare for Verbal in GRE: Key Components & Answering Strategies

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section evaluates not only your GRE vocabulary but also your ability to reason through complex texts, analyze arguments, and apply logical reasoning to written material. 

Understanding the structure of this section and developing targeted strategies is crucial for achieving a high score. The GRE Verbal section consists of three core components: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. 

Each requires a different skill set, and these components are key to learning how to prepare for verbal in GRE, giving you a significant edge in your preparation.

First, let's understand the pattern of the GRE verbal section: 

Structure of GRE Verbal Questions

You'll encounter three primary types of questions in the GRE Verbal section: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. The structure is a blend of direct questions and sentence completions that test your ability to use context to understand meaning and logic.

Understanding the structure and format of these questions can significantly improve your performance, as it helps you develop effective strategies to tackle each type.

Here’s an overview of how the Verbal section is structured in terms of the number of questions and types:

Question Type	Number of Questions	Content Focus	Time per Question
Reading Comprehension	10-12 questions	Long and short passages with questions on understanding, tone, and detail. Often 1-2 long passages, or multiple shorter ones.	1.5–2 minutes per question
Text Completion	6 questions	Sentences with blanks that test vocabulary and context.	1.5 minutes per question
Sentence Equivalence	6 questions	Sentences with a single blank, requiring two words to create equivalent meaning.	1.5 minutes per question

Now, let’s get into each component and discuss strategies that will help you tackle them effectively, supported by examples and data-driven insights.

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension questions form the bulk of the GRE Verbal section, accounting for nearly 50% of the total verbal questions. These questions assess your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze complex passages. 

You will be asked to answer questions based on the main ideas, inferences, the author's tone, and details from the text.

Strategy to Approach it:

• Identify the Author’s Intent: Focus on the passage's purpose. For example, in a passage discussing climate change, the author's tone might be argumentative, aiming to convince the reader of the issue's urgency. This will guide your answer choices.
• Skim for Structure: Quickly glance over the first and last sentences of each paragraph to get the gist. Use this as a foundation for the more detailed questions.
• Practice with Varied Topics: GRE reading comprehension passages cover a range of subjects, from the arts to the sciences. The more varied your practice, the better you’ll be at quickly adapting to unfamiliar material.

Text Completion

Text Completion questions assess your ability to infer meanings from context. These are presented as passages with one to three blanks, and you must select the words that best fit the context. 

These questions are designed to test your GRE vocabulary, understanding of sentence structure, and critical thinking skills.

Strategy to Approach it:

• Context Is Key: Always pay attention to the surrounding text. For example, if a passage discusses a person's joyful reaction to a gift, words like "ecstatic" or "elated" would likely fit in the blank.
• Eliminate Outliers: If a choice feels too extreme (like "furious" in a context describing mild disappointment), it’s often the wrong answer.
• Work from Structure: Break the sentence down before looking at the options. Identify parts of the sentence that give clues, such as conjunctions ("however," "although") and transitions ("thus," "therefore").

Sentence Equivalence

Sentence Equivalence questions ask you to select two words that, when placed in the blank, create a sentence that is similar in meaning. These questions test your vocabulary and ability to recognize subtle differences in meaning.

Strategy to Approach it:

• Identify the Overall Tone: This is crucial in Sentence Equivalence. For instance, in a sentence where the tone is negative, words like "scorn" and "disdain" would fit well, but words like "affection" would not.
• Look for Clues in Syntax: The sentence structure often gives away the answer. For example, a sentence that begins with "Although" will likely contrast ideas, guiding you towards antonyms or words that show a shift in meaning.
• Test the Words Together: Once you've picked your two words, test them in the sentence. Do they create a sentence that makes sense and reflects a similar meaning? If yes, you're on the right track.

By understanding each component of the GRE Verbal section and applying these targeted strategies, you'll be able to approach the exam with confidence.

Get a head start on your GRE preparation! Download upGrad’s Free GRE Syllabus PDF now and plan your study schedule with a comprehensive guide to all test sections.

Let’s see some practical strategies to help you manage your time efficiently among each section.

Time Management Strategies for the GRE Verbal Section

With 40 questions in 35 minutes, balancing speed and accuracy among GRE sections is crucial. Many students race against the clock, often rushing through passages or leaving questions unanswered. 

But with the right strategies, you can guide your way to the Verbal section efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.

Here are some quick strategies to help you manage your time effectively during the exam and maintain your GRE percentile.

• Set a Pace from the Start: Spend about 1.5 minutes per question, leaving around 5 minutes for review at the end.

Use your practice tests to find your ideal pace. The more you practice with a timer, the more natural it will feel.

• Prioritize Reading Comprehension Passages: Aim for 3-4 minutes per long passage. Skim the passage before diving into the questions. 

Focus on identifying the main idea, structure, and tone so you can quickly answer related questions.

• Tackle Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence Efficiently: Spend no more than 1.5 minutes per Text Completion or Sentence Equivalence question.

Focus on the sentence structure and context clues before reviewing answer choices. Eliminate outliers quickly.

• Don’t Get Stuck on Difficult Questions: If you're stuck for more than 2 minutes, move on and return later if time permits.

Mark questions that you're unsure about and revisit them at the end of the section. Your mind will have had time to process the information subconsciously.

• Practice Under Timed Conditions: Take full-length timed practice tests regularly to simulate real exam conditions.

Use tools like the official GRE test prep software from ETS or Timers to track your timing and performance.

• Refine Your Skimming Skills for Passages: Skim the passage in 1-2 minutes, identifying keywords, transitions, and the overall structure.

Focus on the introduction and conclusion paragraphs, which typically present the main argument and provide a summary of it.

The key is consistent practice, pacing, and a mindset that values accuracy over perfection.

Also Read: List of Top Universities Accepting GRE Scores

Now that you've got your time management game on point, let's see what score you should aim for!

GRE Verbal Target Score Accepted by Universities

When aiming for a score, it's essential to understand what is a good GRE score and the requirements for the universities you're targeting. Top-tier universities usually expect GRE Verbal scores that fall within a specific range, and understanding these benchmarks will help you set realistic goals.

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section is scored on a scale from 130 to 170, with a score of 150 being the average for most test-takers. However, a score of 160 or higher is often considered a strong mark for highly competitive graduate programs.

Here’s a snapshot of typical GRE Verbal score ranges for various prestigious institutions:

University	Average GRE Verbal Score
Harvard University	160–163
Stanford University	162–165
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	162–163
University of California, Berkeley	157–162
Columbia University	155–161

Note: These ranges may vary by specific program or department. It's advisable to check the specific requirements of the program you're interested in.

Curious about your GRE score potential? Try out upGrad's GRE Score Calculator to get a quick, personalized estimate and start planning your next steps toward graduate school success!

Understanding these scores can help you set a realistic target and focus your preparation efforts effectively.

Also Read: Send GRE Scores: How to Send GRE Scores to Universities

Now, let’s look at some sample practice questions and solutions to help you get hands-on experience with GRE Verbal questions.

Sample Practice Questions and Solutions to Prepare for Verbal in GRE

To succeed in the GRE Verbal section, the best approach is consistent practice with realistic, high-quality sample essay questions. 

Below are some examples from each of the three major components of the GRE Verbal section: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence, which are essential when figuring out how to prepare for verbal in GRE effectively.

Let’s walk through each question type, along with solutions and explanations, to help you understand how to tackle them effectively.

1. Reading Comprehension Sample

Passage 1:
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised both excitement and concerns in various sectors. While AI offers significant potential for transforming industries like healthcare, finance, and education, it also brings challenges related to job displacement, privacy, and ethics. Experts believe that while AI can automate routine tasks, it will also create new job opportunities that require human creativity and critical thinking. However, the speed at which AI evolves may outpace regulatory frameworks, leaving potential risks unaddressed.

Question 1:
According to the passage, what is one of the challenges posed by artificial intelligence?
A) Job displacement
B) Increased healthcare efficiency
C) Ethical considerations in human creativity
D) Lack of job creation opportunities

Answer: A) Job displacement
Explanation: The passage directly mentions concerns about job displacement as one of the challenges posed by AI, making option A the correct choice. Other options either don’t align with the passage or introduce unrelated concepts.

Passage 2:
Over the past decade, climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global issues. The effects of rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and natural disasters have made it clear that action is needed to address the crisis. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to mitigate the damage and prevent further harm. However, climate change denial persists in some circles, hindering the progress needed to tackle this problem effectively.

Question 2:
What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Climate change is a problem that affects only certain countries.
B) The effects of climate change are clear, but action is needed to address it.
C) Climate change denial is the main obstacle to solving the crisis.
D) Governments alone are responsible for solving climate change.

Answer: B) The effects of climate change are clear, but action is needed to address it.
Explanation: The passage highlights the clear effects of climate change and emphasizes the need for action to address it. Option B captures this central idea, while other options misrepresent the main focus.

Passage 3:
Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, enabling instant connections across the globe. Social media platforms allow individuals to share their thoughts, photos, and opinions with vast audiences. While these platforms have democratized information, they have also raised concerns about misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy violations. Striking a balance between freedom of expression and online safety remains a significant challenge.

Question 3:
According to the passage, what is a key concern related to social media?
A) It prevents people from connecting with one another.
B) It raises issues regarding misinformation and privacy.
C) It limits the spread of personal opinions.
D) It is only beneficial for businesses.

Answer: B) It raises issues regarding misinformation and privacy.
Explanation: The passage discusses concerns about misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy violations related to social media. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

2. Text Completion Sample

Sentence 1:

The researcher’s hypothesis was so ________ that it could be tested with existing data, making it easy to verify and challenging to dispute.
A) vague
B) ambiguous
C) precise
D) impractical
E) unfounded

Answer: C) precise
Explanation: The sentence describes a hypothesis that is easy to test and verify, suggesting that it is "precise." The other options contradict this idea, as they imply a lack of clarity or practicality.

Sentence 2:
Despite the ________ of her argument, she struggled to convince the audience, who remained skeptical.
A) strength
B) clarity
C) weakness
D) complexity
E) simplicity

Answer: A) strength
Explanation: The phrase “Despite the strength of her argument” suggests that even though the argument was strong, the audience remained unconvinced. The other options don't fit the context of a compelling argument.

Sentence 3:
His demeanor was ________ when he walked into the room, his face unreadable and his posture stiff.
A) relaxed
B) agitated
C) jovial
D) stern
E) casual

Answer: D) stern
Explanation: The description of his "unreadable" face and "stiff" posture suggests that his demeanor was serious and firm, fitting the word "stern."

3. Sentence Equivalence Sample

Sentence 1:
Despite the fact that the company’s revenue has been steadily ________, its market share continues to grow at an impressive rate.
A) increasing
B) declining
C) expanding
D) fluctuating
E) plummeting
F) rising

Answer: B) declining and D) fluctuating
Explanation: The sentence suggests a decrease in revenue, while the company's market share continues to grow. "Declining" and "fluctuating" are both appropriate, as they convey that the revenue has not been consistently increasing.

Sentence 2:
Her argument was so ________ that even her opponents could not find any fault with it.
A) unconvincing
B) compelling
C) weak
D) airtight
E) flawed
F) coherent

Answer: B) compelling and D) airtight
Explanation: Both "compelling" and "airtight" describe a strong, flawless argument that would be difficult to refute, making them the most suitable choices in this context.

Sentence 3:
The manager's decision to ________ the project was met with unanimous approval from the team.
A) postpone
B) launch
C) abandon
D) approve
E) cancel
F) endorse

Answer: C) abandon and E) cancel
Explanation: The context of "unanimous approval" suggests that the team agreed with the manager’s decision to cancel or abandon the project, both of which imply putting an end to it.

Pay attention to how each question is worded and practice eliminating incorrect answers. This will help you save time and focus on the most likely options.

Also Read: Master GRE AWA Writing With These Sample Essays

Now, let's get into some actionable tips to build a strong GRE vocabulary.

How to Build a Strong GRE Vocabulary?

A strong vocabulary is crucial for tackling the GRE Verbal section, where word choices play a significant role in accurately answering questions. Instead of relying solely on rote memorization, focus on strategies that allow you to learn vocabulary naturally and retain it long-term.

Here are practical methods for building a strong GRE vocabulary that will stick:

1. Daily Vocabulary Practice

Aim to learn 5-10 new words every day. This manageable number ensures you're consistently adding new words to your vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed.

• Tools like Anki or Quizlet are great for spaced repetition, a proven technique to help you retain words in the long term.

2. Contextual Learning

Read newspapers, articles, and academic journals, as these sources will expose you to GRE-level vocabulary in real-world settings.

• When you encounter a new word, highlight it and make a note of how it's used in the sentence.
• Apply new words in your sentences. This reinforces the word's meaning and helps you integrate it into your active vocabulary.

3. Synonyms and Antonyms

When studying a new word, also learn its synonyms and antonyms. This expands your vocabulary and helps you understand subtle differences in meaning.

• Words often come in families; learn the roots and related words. For example, “benevolent” (kind) relates to “benevolence” (kindness) and “malevolent” (evil). This helps you understand more words at once.
• If you know the word "relinquish" (to give up), also learn synonyms like "surrender" and "yield" and antonyms like "retain" and "keep."

4. Creating a Vocabulary Journal

Keep a dedicated vocabulary journal where you write down new words you learn. Include the word, its definition, a sentence using the word, and synonyms/antonyms.

• Every week, review your journal. This not only refreshes your memory but also helps you track progress. Over time, you'll see a marked improvement in your vocabulary.
• Create categories like “Negative Emotions” (e.g., “resentment,” “disdain”) or “Positive Traits” (e.g., “benevolent,” “compassionate”). By categorizing words, you make connections that help with recall.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily study routine, you'll not only expand your vocabulary but also gain a deeper understanding of how words function in different contexts.

Also Read: Top Apps for GRE Prep: Excel GRE Preparation With These 10 Apps

Now that you have a solid foundation for building your vocabulary, let’s move on to the common mistakes to avoid in the GRE Verbal section.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the GRE Verbal

The GRE Verbal section can be tricky, and many test-takers unknowingly make mistakes that hinder their performance. While knowing the material is essential, avoiding common pitfalls can be just as important. 

Understanding these mistakes and actively working to avoid them will help you succeed on test day. Let’s see it ahead!

1. Neglecting Vocabulary Development

GRE Verbal questions, especially Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, often require a strong vocabulary. Not dedicating enough time to vocabulary development can make these questions significantly harder.

• What to Do Instead?

Consistently practice vocabulary through reading, using apps, and reviewing words in context. Aim to learn new words daily and practice them in sentences.

2. Overlooking Passage Structure

In Reading Comprehension, many students read the passage without understanding its structure. This leads to confusion when answering questions about the main idea, tone, or specific details.

• What to Do Instead?

Before diving into the questions, take a minute to identify the structure of the passage: What is the author's purpose? What is the tone? Are there contrasting ideas? Understanding these elements makes answering the questions much easier.

3. Rushing Through Questions

Time pressure often leads to rushed answers, especially when students panic about the clock. This can result in careless mistakes or misinterpretation of the questions.

• What to Do Instead? 

Aim to spend about 1.5 minutes per question. If you’re stuck, move on and return to tough questions later. Remember, it's better to skip and come back than to waste time on a single question.

4. Ignoring Time Management

The GRE Verbal section is time-sensitive, and poor time management can leave you with incomplete questions. With 40 questions in 35 minutes, it's crucial to strike a balance between speed and accuracy.

• What to Do Instead? 

Set a pace for yourself from the start, and use the structure of each question to guide how much time to spend on it. Always leave a few minutes at the end to review any unanswered questions.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be able to approach the GRE Verbal section with more confidence and fewer hurdles.

Next, let’s discuss some practical tips on how to improve your GRE Verbal scores. 

Tips to Achieve a High GRE Verbal Score

Achieving a high score isn't just about knowing the material; it's about how you approach, plan & execute your GRE exam preparation. 

A well-planned timeline ensures steady progress and maximizes your performance within a focused preparation period.

To stand out in the competitive field of graduate admissions, here are practical, lesser-discussed strategies that will help you not only score higher but also prepare more effectively.

1. Consistent Practice with Purpose

Many students make the mistake of practicing a large number of questions but fail to focus on the underlying patterns or areas where they are weak. The key is deliberate practice, targeting the specific areas you struggle with.

• After completing a practice session, spend time reviewing your incorrect answers. Understand why you made the mistake and what alternative thought process could lead you to the correct answer.

2 Utilizing Official GRE Materials for Focused Learning

While third-party prep sources can be useful, official GRE materials from ETS provide the most accurate reflection of the test’s format and difficulty. They also contain answers with explanations that mirror the test’s exact wording and logic.

• Focus on ETS’ PowerPrep Software for full-length tests and the Official Guide for detailed practice questions. These resources will familiarize you with the GRE's style and question structure, so you'll be prepared for any surprises on test day.

3. Strategic Study Groups

Study groups are often seen as support networks, but they can be an untapped source of strategic learning. Discussing questions with peers can provide insight into how others approach tricky passages or answer choices.

• Rather than just studying together, take the opportunity to analyze difficult questions in-depth. Engage in peer review by having each member explain why they chose their answer, focusing on how they eliminated other options.

4. Incorporating Professional Coaching for Precision

Professional coaching isn’t just about drilling questions. It’s about receiving personalized feedback and tailored strategies that speak to your weaknesses.

• If you're struggling with specific question types, such as reading comprehension or text completion, seek out a coach who specializes in those areas. 
• They can guide you through personalized drills and teach you advanced techniques, such as how to handle the most complex reading passages under time pressure.

By actively analyzing your performance, using the best resources available, and seeking targeted help, you'll be much better prepared to improve your GRE scores.

Next, let’s address some key dos and don'ts that can make all the difference on test day.

Do's and Don'ts While Preparing for GRE Verbal

When preparing for the GRE Verbal section, many test-takers focus on knowing the content but overlook the test-taking strategies that can have a considerable impact. The right approach can give you an edge, while the wrong habits can derail your progress. 

Let’s highlight the best practices (dos) and common mistakes (don'ts) to ensure that you make the most of your GRE preparation and test day.

Do's	Don'ts
Actively engage with complex texts daily:  Whether it’s news articles, academic papers, or literary works, reading challenging material regularly helps build both comprehension and vocabulary.	Don't skip difficult passages in practice:  Avoiding challenging sections during practice can leave you unprepared for similar passages on the actual exam.
Do focus on understanding word meanings in context:  The GRE Verbal tests your ability to use vocabulary effectively in context. Learn words through sentences, not just definitions.	Don’t memorize word lists without context:  Rote memorization of words without understanding how they’re used in sentences won’t help with GRE question types like Text Completion or Sentence Equivalence.
Do time yourself during practice:  Familiarize yourself with the pacing of the exam. Set limits on each question type to simulate real test conditions.	Don’t rush through the questions:  Speed is important, but rushing without accuracy can lead to careless mistakes. Focus on quality first, then refine your speed over time.
Do review each practice test thoroughly:  Focus on understanding why you got certain questions wrong and how you can approach them differently next time.	Don’t ignore incorrect answers:  Skipping over your mistakes without learning from them is a missed opportunity to improve.
Do use official GRE materials:  The official GRE resources (like PowerPrep) are your best tools for understanding the format and question types.	Don’t rely on third-party materials exclusively:  While useful, third-party materials don’t always reflect the exact GRE format, which can mislead your preparation.
Develop a strategy for each question type:  Have a method for attacking Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions based on your strengths.	Don’t ignore the less common question types:  While Reading Comprehension might feel like the most important, neglecting other question types can leave you vulnerable to mistakes.
Do stay calm and focused on test day:  A clear mind helps with decision-making, so practice relaxation techniques and stay positive.	Don’t let time pressure overwhelm you:  It’s easy to feel rushed, but panic can cloud your judgment. Stay calm and keep a steady pace.

By following these dos and avoiding the don’ts, you'll have a much more straightforward path to success on the GRE Verbal section. 

Minor adjustments in your approach can lead to significant improvements, so pay attention to the details and fine-tune your strategies.

How Can upGrad Help You Prepare for the GRE Verbal Section?

Preparing for the GRE Verbal section is more than just memorizing words; it's also about developing a strategic approach, managing time, and refining your test-taking skills. By understanding the core components, avoiding common pitfalls, and focusing on targeted strategies, you’ll set yourself up for success.

However, GRE preparation is just one part of your graduate school journey. The bigger picture involves aligning your efforts with your academic and career goals. 

If you're feeling uncertain about your next step, upGrad's 1:1 career counseling can provide the personalized guidance you need. Book a session today to gain clarity and chart a clear path to your future!