Many GRE students wonder whether taking notes during the Verbal section is beneficial. In some cases, jotting down a brief reminder or marking a key idea can help you stay focused, especially when working through a dense Reading Comprehension passage. Used sparingly, note-taking can support your concentration and keep your thinking organized. However, what is helpful in moderation can become counterproductive when overused.

If you find yourself writing too much during Verbal questions, it may be time to reconsider your approach. Excessive note-taking slows you down and often does not provide the payoff you expect. The majority of GRE Verbal questions are concise. There simply are not enough moving parts to justify detailed notes, and any time spent recording information is time not spent analyzing the actual question. In Reading Comprehension, this becomes even more apparent. The passage remains available on your screen at all times, so you can revisit any detail when you need it. There is no strategic advantage to trying to re-create the passage in your notes.

In fact, many high scorers complete the entire Verbal section without writing anything at all. Others take notes out of habit, only to ignore them moments later. This pattern is revealing. It shows that note-taking is not inherently tied to strong performance. What matters is clarity of thought, careful reading, and efficient decision-making. If writing too much distracts you or causes you to lose time, minimizing your notes may improve both your pacing and your accuracy.

Of course, some students benefit from taking brief, intentional notes. If you feel that a small amount of note-taking helps you engage with the material, then refine your approach. Limit yourself to a few concise words, a short summary of a paragraph’s purpose, or a quick reminder of the author’s stance. Focus on notes that directly support your reasoning rather than on copying details that are already in front of you.

The key is balance. Whether you write nothing, jot a few targeted reminders, or rely on mental tracking alone, choose the method that helps you stay efficient, focused, and accurate. By optimizing your approach, you give yourself the best chance to move confidently through the Verbal section and earn the score you are aiming for.

Reach out to me with any questions about your GRE prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep