Whether it is Reading Comprehension in Verbal or word problems in Quant, your ability to read carefully and extract key ideas will play a major role in your overall performance. Rushing through questions or reading passively can lead to confusion, missed details, and wrong answers.

So, how can you build stronger reading habits?

Start by slowing down. It is difficult for most people to read both quickly and carefully at the same time. Your goal should not be to speed through the text but to read with intention. Make sure you understand the main idea of each sentence and how each sentence fits into the larger structure of the passage or question. When needed, read a sentence again. It is better to reread now than to waste time later trying to untangle a misunderstanding.

Developing the habit of focused, deliberate reading will pay off in every section. Many test-takers find that their minds wander during dense or abstract passages. If this happens to you, visualization may help. As you read, try to imagine what is being described. Turn the ideas into mental images. For example, if a passage is describing an economic theory or a scientific experiment, picture the process step by step. Who is involved? What is happening? What are the outcomes?

Visualization helps you stay engaged and process ideas more clearly. The more active your reading becomes, the more effective it will be. This approach also improves memory and comprehension, both of which are essential for answering GRE questions accurately and efficiently.

One more thing to keep in mind is that short cuts in reading rarely lead to better results. Trying to skim through complex material or guessing the meaning of a question based on a quick scan often leads to errors. A slower, more deliberate reading strategy may take a few extra seconds, but it can save you time in the long run by reducing mistakes and guesswork.

GRE success is not just about what you know, but how well you process and apply information. Becoming a stronger reader is one of the most effective ways to raise your overall score.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep