How to Score 165+ in GRE Verbal Reasoning? | Verbal Reasoning for GRE PDF Download

The Verbal Reasoning Section tests your ability to reason through language and apply critical thinking skills to understand and interpret written material. It is important to practice reading comprehension strategies, expand your vocabulary, and work on strategies for eliminating incorrect answers.

Achieving a 165+ score in the GRE Verbal Reasoning Section requires a combination of strategic preparation, consistent practice, and a deep understanding of the test format. 
This section evaluates your ability to analyze written material, draw inferences, and apply reasoning skills to comprehend and manipulate language. 

Important Strategies for Verbal Reasoning

Following  are the six essential tips to help you achieve this score

Scoring 165+ (95th percentile or higher) on the GRE Verbal Reasoning section is a tough but achievable target with focused preparation. The Verbal Reasoning for GRE course by EduRev offers a structured path to mastering the skills needed vocabulary, reading comprehension, and strategic test-taking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you there.

Step 1: Build a Strong Vocabulary

• Vocabulary remains critical for Text Completion (TC) and Sentence Equivalence (SE) questions, which still test refined word knowledge. A 165+ score requires mastering 1,000-1,500 GRE-level words.
• Use vocabulary lists to learn words like "ameliorate" and "equivocate," focusing on context over rote memorization. 
• Study 20-30 words daily, reviewing weekly with flashcards or apps. Practice TC and SE questions to apply your vocab, as the shorter test format means fewer but trickier questions per type.
• Spend 30-45 minutes daily on vocabulary, testing yourself with quick drills to match the GRE’s faster pace.

Step 2: Master Reading Comprehension

•  Reading Comprehension (RC) still dominates, with roughly 13-14 of the 27 questions. Passages are shorter but denser, demanding quick analysis.
• Train with active reading—summarize main ideas and identify tones—using GRE-style passages from RC strategies.
• Focus on inference and evidence-based questions, sticking to text-supported answers. The tighter 47-minute window means efficiency is key.
• Solve 2-3 passages daily, targeting 1-1.2 minutes per question, and review explanations to refine your approach.

Step 3: Excel at Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence

• TC and SE questions (about 13-14 combined) test vocab and logic, with fewer questions but maintained difficulty, requiring precision under time pressure.
• For TC, ensure all blanks align; for SE, confirm synonym pairs fit contextually. Practice sets help you handle the streamlined question count without sacrificing accuracy.
•  Do 10-12 TC/SE questions daily, aiming for 45-50 seconds each to match the new timing.

Step 4: Develop Time Management

• The updated GRE Verbal Section gives you 47 minutes for 27 questions (18 minutes for 12, 23 minutes for 15), averaging 1.7 minutes per question—a faster pace than before.
• Allocate ~1.2 minutes for RC and ~50 seconds for TC/SE, guided by time management tips. 
• Practice skipping and returning to tough questions, as the shorter format leaves less room for delays. Timed drills and full-section practice build speed and stamina.
• Time one 12- or 15-question segment daily, finishing 1-2 minutes early to simulate review time.

Step 5: Practice with High-Quality Materials

• The latest GRE format demands familiarity with its condensed structure and pacing for a 165+ score, quick revisions through videos are always necessary.
• Try taking topic-wise mock tests to improve your understanding of the concepts. 
  

Step 6: Analyze and Learn from Mistakes

• With only 27 questions, each error impacts your score more, so minimizing mistakes is crucial for achieving a high score.
• Review practice answers using revision modules and sectional tests  to understand missteps—whether vocab gaps or RC misreads. 
• Spend 10 minutes post-practice analyzing mistakes, redoing 3-5 missed questions for mastery.