In most cases, when answering a Quant question, we are concerned with only one answer choice, the correct one. Once we have found that correct answer, we can usually move on without thinking too much about the other options. Verbal questions on the GRE, however, require a different approach. In Verbal, you are expected to actively evaluate all the answer choices, not just find the one that seems best at first glance.

So, to get the most out of your Verbal practice, you need to treat it differently from Quant. The most effective way to practice GRE Verbal is to view every answer choice as a small question on its own. In other words, your goal should be to determine precisely why each choice is either correct or incorrect.

For example, when working on a Text Completion question, you might get the sense that a particular word fits the blank well. That instinct might be right, but your work is not done unless you can also explain why each of the other choices does not fit. This same principle applies to Sentence Equivalence and Reading Comprehension questions. Choosing the correct answer is only half the task. The other half is understanding why the incorrect options are wrong.

If you get a question right but cannot clearly explain what is wrong with one or more of the incorrect choices, that means there are still gaps in your understanding. You might have guessed correctly or relied on superficial clues without realizing it. As a result, when a similar wrong choice shows up in the future, you might fall for it. Without a clear understanding of why something is wrong, it becomes hard to eliminate similar traps in later questions.

So, when practicing GRE Verbal, do not stop working on a question just because you got it right. Keep going until you can confidently explain why each answer choice is either right or wrong. Developing this habit of careful reasoning will help you avoid traps and improve your accuracy on test day. The more consistently you apply this approach, the more control and confidence you will have when answering Verbal questions under time pressure.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep