It is common for students to assume that their main challenge in the GRE Verbal section is time management. They often believe that, if only they could move faster, they would complete the section comfortably. In reality, timing is rarely the true obstacle. More often, the issue lies in skill development. What allows a test taker to answer GRE Verbal questions efficiently is not a stopwatch but mastery of the underlying skills. Building those skills is the most effective way to improve both speed and accuracy.

To strengthen your GRE Verbal skills, you must begin by slowing down during practice. It may seem counterintuitive, but the path to greater speed starts with deliberate, careful work. When you slow down, you give yourself the time to think deeply about each question, identify patterns, and understand the logic behind correct answers. This is how you train your mind to recognize what the GRE is truly testing.

For example, when working on Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions, focus on identifying key words and understanding the sentence’s structure before even looking at the answer choices. In Reading Comprehension, take time to grasp the main idea of each paragraph and the author’s tone. For Critical Reasoning, break down each argument and practice identifying assumptions or logical gaps. These are the skills that separate strong performers from those who struggle to finish on time.

Once these processes become second nature, your pace will naturally increase. You will start to recognize question patterns instantly and make sound decisions more quickly, without rushing. That kind of speed cannot be forced by a timer; it comes from true competence.

So, instead of pushing yourself to work within strict time limits early on, practice untimed. Focus on building accuracy, understanding, and confidence. When your skills are solid, timing will take care of itself.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep