Preparing for GRE Verbal requires a mindset shift compared to Quantitative Reasoning. In Quant, your focus is solely on identifying the single correct answer. However, in Verbal, you need to evaluate all the answer choices carefully. The key to excelling in GRE Verbal is to treat each choice as a mini-question, asking yourself why it is correct or incorrect.

For example, consider a Text Completion question where one option seems like the right fit for the blank. You might instinctively choose it and move on. But what if you can’t clearly articulate why the other choices are wrong? If you skip this step, you're leaving potential gaps in your understanding. Without identifying the flaws in those incorrect choices, you risk being misled by similar traps in future questions.

Similarly, in Reading Comprehension, suppose you get a question right but fail to pinpoint the flaws in a tempting incorrect choice. The next time you encounter a similar wrong answer, it might seem plausible and lead to mistakes. That’s why it’s essential to fully analyze all the options.

To sharpen your skills in GRE Verbal, make it a habit to go beyond merely finding the correct answer. After selecting your choice, evaluate each of the others. Ask yourself: What makes this choice incorrect? Why does it not fit the context of the passage, question, or blank? By understanding the nuances of every option, you’ll build a robust knowledge base and improve your ability to eliminate wrong answers confidently.

Practicing this way may take extra time initially, but the payoff is immense. You'll not only develop a deeper understanding of GRE Verbal concepts but also enhance your ability to tackle even the trickiest questions on test day.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep