It often surprises students to learn that careful reading can actually make them faster on the GRE Verbal section. Many assume that slowing down, even slightly, will put them at risk of running out of time. In practice, the opposite tends to be true. Slowing down just enough to read with precision sets the stage for more efficient problem-solving.

When you rush through a sentence or passage, you absorb only part of what is being communicated. You might miss the logical structure, overlook a key transition, or fail to register the author’s intent. This incomplete understanding forces you into extra steps later. You may reread the question, reconsider choices repeatedly, or struggle to decide whether an answer truly fits. What felt like a time-saving shortcut often ends up creating delays.

Consider a typical Text Completion question. If you read the sentence quickly and only roughly grasp its meaning, you enter the answer choices without a clear sense of what the sentence requires. You then bounce back and forth between the sentence and the choices, trying to make them fit. This backtracking takes more time than reading the sentence carefully from the start.

Now imagine approaching the same question with deliberate attention. You take a moment to understand the structure. You notice whether the author is making a comparison, introducing a contrast, or reinforcing an idea. You recognize the tone and the direction of the sentence. When you finally look at the answer choices, your work becomes far more straightforward. The choices that do not align with the sentence fall away quickly, and the correct answer often stands out with little effort.

The same principle applies to Reading Comprehension. Careful reading at the outset helps you understand the hierarchy of ideas, the main point, the author’s stance, and the function of each paragraph. With that foundation in place, you move through the questions with confidence. You know where to look in the passage, and you are less likely to reread sections out of confusion. What began as a slightly slower start leads to a much faster finish.

In short, clarity saves time. Taking a few extra moments to read with precision reduces hesitation, minimizes second-guessing, and helps you avoid preventable mistakes. If your instinct has been to rush through GRE Verbal to stay on schedule, experiment with a more thoughtful pace. You may find that careful reading gives you exactly what you need to work both quickly and accurately.

Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep