One highly effective but frequently overlooked strategy for strengthening GRE Verbal skills is consistent reading from well regarded newspapers and magazines. Outlets like The Economist, The Atlantic, Scientific American, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times regularly feature complex arguments, advanced vocabulary, and subject matter that closely resemble what appears in GRE Reading Comprehension passages, as well as in Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion questions.

These publications span a wide range of disciplines, including science, politics, economics, culture, and the humanities. Just as importantly, they showcase different writing approaches. Some pieces are neutral and data driven, while others are persuasive, critical, or interpretive. Becoming comfortable with these styles reduces the shock factor on test day and helps you process GRE passages more efficiently within time constraints.

The real advantage comes from repeated exposure. If you already read one such source occasionally, turn it into a daily habit. If you follow only one publication, add another from a completely different field. Over time, this variety trains you to adjust quickly to unfamiliar topics and sharpens your ability to pinpoint main ideas, follow arguments, and assess claims, all essential GRE Verbal skills.

Regular reading also plays a major role in vocabulary development. Since vocabulary is a non negotiable part of GRE preparation, encountering words in real contexts is far more powerful than memorizing definitions in isolation. Seeing familiar words used in new ways deepens your understanding of nuance, while unfamiliar terms, whether or not they appear on official word lists, expand your linguistic range. Looking them up and tracking them strengthens long term retention.

To maximize the benefit, engage with articles actively rather than passively. Notice the author’s intent and tone. Determine whether the piece is advancing an argument, responding to a counterclaim, or explaining a concept or historical trend. Ask yourself what conclusion the author reaches and how the supporting evidence is structured. Watch for assumptions or logical gaps. Practicing this mindset directly reinforces the analytical skills tested in GRE Reading Comprehension.

Lastly, remember that every reading session does not need to feel like a formal drill. Even relaxed, consistent exposure to high quality writing builds familiarity and confidence. Over time, dense or technical passages will feel more manageable, and you will approach them with greater speed, clarity, and control.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep