One of the most effective ways to increase your speed on the GRE Verbal section is to build and use clear, reliable strategies for each type of question. This may sound simple, but it makes a substantial difference in both pace and consistency. Even if you already arrive at many correct answers without a formal approach, you will almost always reach them more quickly when you have structured methods in place.

Take Reading Comprehension as an example. You might be able to answer a Main Idea question through intuition and familiarity with the passage. However, if you have a defined process that you follow every time, your path to the correct answer becomes significantly more efficient. A strong approach might include identifying the major points of the passage, determining what unifies those points, and evaluating answers based on how well they align with that central message. With this structure in place, you do not waste time rereading aimlessly or second-guessing your interpretations. You move with purpose.

This principle applies across the entire Verbal section. Whether you are working on Sentence Equivalence, Text Completion, or Reading Comprehension, knowing in advance how you are going to approach each question type eliminates hesitation. Instead of thinking, “What should I do next?” you immediately start executing the strategy you have practiced. The mental clarity that comes from this reduces decision fatigue and helps you maintain momentum throughout the section.

Developing these strategies takes time and deliberate practice, but the payoff is meaningful. Once you know exactly how to approach each Verbal question type, your accuracy improves and your speed follows naturally. You are no longer reinventing your method mid-test. You are simply applying the system you have built.

If your goal is to get faster on GRE Verbal, do not start by trying to rush. Start by creating strong, repeatable strategies. Speed is a byproduct of precision and preparation.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep