Strong reading skills are a key asset for success on the GRE. They will help you not only in Verbal but also in Quant, where understanding the wording of a question is often half the battle. Train yourself to read everything carefully and methodically. Give each sentence your full attention. Your goal is not simply to read but to understand. Take in the main point of each sentence and ensure that you grasp the core concepts presented in each problem.

If something does not make sense on the first pass, there is no harm in rereading. In fact, rereading is often necessary. Strong readers on the GRE are not necessarily the fastest readers. They are the ones who are willing to slow down when needed, identify what is important, and make sure they are not making assumptions.

To become a more effective reader, try using visualization as part of your approach. As you read, imagine what is happening as if you were watching a scene play out. Whether the content is abstract or concrete, painting a mental picture can help you stay engaged and better retain what you are reading. Visualization turns passive reading into active reading and supports deeper comprehension.

Finally, be mindful of your pace. Reading quickly and reading carefully do not always go hand in hand. In fact, trying to rush often leads to missing key ideas or misinterpreting the intent of a question. There is no prize for reading the fastest. There is, however, a clear benefit to reading with precision and care. So, slow down when needed. The goal is to understand.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep