GRE Comprehension Guide | Verbal Reasoning for GRE PDF Download

What’s the Reading Comprehension section all about?

Test creators frequently intentionally incorporate jargon and intricate vocabulary into passages. For individuals not familiar with the test format, deciphering such passages can be time-consuming. Unlike the typical approach of reading essays to grasp information and details, employing this method on the GRE may lead to getting overwhelmed and confused by unnecessary information. Therefore, mastering a specific reading strategy is crucial for success on the GRE.

In each GRE section, you can anticipate encountering approximately five passages, each accompanied by 1-5 questions, resulting in a total of ten Reading Comprehension questions per section. The length of these passages can vary from 1 to 5 paragraphs.

So, where do these passages originate? GRE passages may be sourced from academic or non-academic materials, such as books, magazines, biographies, literary works, scholarly journals, and textbooks. The subjects covered range from social science, natural science, humanities, arts, politics, to everyday life issues. The passages mirror the content encountered in graduate school, featuring advanced vocabulary, intricate sentence structures, and complex ideas.

There are 3 types of questions you’ll have to answer on the reading comprehension:

1. Multiple-choice Questions with Single Answer: These questions follow the conventional multiple-choice format, offering five answer choices from which you must select only one. It is advisable to read through all the answer choices before making your selection.
2. Multiple-choice Questions with Multiple Answers: In this type of question, you will be presented with three answer choices, and you are required to choose all the correct answers. The correct choices may include one, two, or all three options. It's important to note that no partial credit is given, and each answer choice needs to be assessed independently.
3. Select-in-Passage Questions: This question type is exclusive to the GRE. You are tasked with clicking on a specific sentence within the passage that provides the answer to the question.

Everything is going well so far. Now, let's examine a sample sentence taken from the Official Guide:

"I found 'A Dream of Light and Shadow: Portraits of Latin American Women Writers' enjoyable for the same reasons that, as a child, I eagerly devoured women's biographies: the intrigue surrounding the representation and interpretation of another woman's life details."

Does this sentence seem overly complex? Are you feeling stuck? Well, this is just a single sentence, and there will be many sentences like this in a single passage on the test.

Your main challenge will be to swiftly read these sentences while comprehending the passage structure and processing the information within them so that you can effectively answer the ensuing questions. Keep in mind that you're not reading the passage to gather details about the biographical aspects of a woman's life or how Galileo invented the telescope. Your sole purpose is to read the passage to answer the questions, and once you've done that, there's no need to remember any part of the passage. Therefore, refrain from reading to retain information.

Components of a Passage

GRE passages exhibit various organizational structures. Certain passages present a problem and subsequently detail the author's solution to that problem. Others pose a question and provide the answer later in the passage. Some passages critique an existing hypothesis while introducing a new one. Do you notice a trend? The majority of passages encountered in your test will consist of specific building blocks. Familiarizing yourself with and identifying these blocks within a passage enables you to better comprehend its meaning and structure.

Most passages have four possible building blocks:

• The Point
• Background
• Support
• Implications

Point: The point represents the primary information the author aims to convey in the passage. Your responsibility as a reader is to pinpoint this central idea. By the conclusion of your initial read-through, you should be able to discern the primary point the author is trying to express.

Background: The background consists of the information essential for grasping the point. Occasionally, the author presents intricate statements that blur the distinction between background information and supporting evidence. Therefore, exercise caution when encountering additional information.

Support: Support comprises supplementary information provided by the author in the form of evidence or examples to bolster the main point. Always be attentive to the various pieces of evidence and supporting examples presented by the author.

Implications: Implications encompass the consequences or aftereffects of the main point. They signify the end results. Compared to the other three building blocks of a Reading Comprehension passage, implications are relatively straightforward to comprehend.

The primary objective of recognizing the components of a reading comprehension passage is to grasp its fundamental structure and organization. This understanding is crucial, as the GRE poses questions based on structure, organization, tone, and the main idea behind the passage. Acquiring insight into these basic components will facilitate your ability to answer such questions swiftly.

The 5 Step Process to Destroy Reading Comprehension on the GRE

If you're short on time and seeking concise information, here's a step-by-step approach you can use to achieve a high score on the reading comprehension section. While brief descriptions are provided for each step here, comprehensive discussions on each step are available in the subsequent chapters.

1. Read the first paragraph and the first and last sentences in the other paragraphs

When initiating the passage reading, avoid reading the entire text initially. Instead, adopt a strategic approach to save time. Focus on reading only the first and last paragraphs of the passage, ensuring a clear understanding of the author's message. This is crucial because you should aim to avoid returning to this part after reviewing the questions. If executed correctly, this step equips you to answer questions promptly upon encountering them.

The primary idea is often found in the first paragraph, while the conclusion, along with insights into the author's tone and intentions, is typically contained in the last paragraph. After completing the first and last paragraphs, proceed to the intermediary ones. Here as well, refrain from reading the entire content. Concentrate on comprehending only the initial and concluding one or two sentences in each of the remaining paragraphs. Repeat these steps for all paragraphs, and you'll have a concise overview of the entire passage in just a few sentences.

For instance, as you progress through the passage, keep thoughts like the following in mind: "Alright, the first paragraph asserts that XYZ is a recently discovered phenomenon and should be embraced. The second paragraph challenges this notion, cautioning about potential implications with examples. However, the third paragraph contends that XYZ remains crucial for resolving the majority of cases. Finally, the fourth and concluding paragraph sums up that while XYZ is effective 90% of the time, assuming it as the sole remedy is unwise."

2. Make notes as you read

Creating annotations while reading the passage is a clever approach for students aiming to achieve higher scores on the Reading Comprehension section. Crafting concise notes keeps your mind actively engaged and facilitates a deliberate progression through the passage while retaining most of the details. Visual learning proves to be a potent method for long-term memory retention, and note-taking not only aids in prolonged recollection but also simplifies later reference to the details.

Taking a few extra seconds to jot down useful notes is a far more effective strategy than spending several minutes searching for a specific sentence later. There are various intelligent techniques for note-taking. To save time, aim to keep the notes brief. Identify the most pertinent information and record key words or phrases that hold relevance to the topic—such as dates, names, theories, and definitions. Replace complex terminology with easily comprehensible words.

You can also employ shorthand, texting abbreviations, and various forms of visual aids like illustrations, symbols, tree diagrams, relationships, and arrows. These methods significantly condense the information you need to write, enhancing overall efficiency.

3. Identify Key Words and Signal Words

The essential method for successfully addressing any GRE reading comprehension question lies in grasping the significance of key words and signaling words within the passage. Emphasizing the importance of these terms cannot be overstated. While swiftly perusing each paragraph, diligently search for the keywords and signaling words employed by the author. These hold significant importance, as they are frequently featured in the questions that follow the passage. Furthermore, when confronted with inference or detailed questions, having identified these words, you will precisely know where to locate the relevant information within the paragraph.

Each reading comprehension passage encompasses numerous key words and phrases, commonly referred to as signaling words. Examples include words like "First, second, third, furthermore, on the other hand, for example, namely, for one thing, in addition, nevertheless, for these reasons, proponents believe, critics believe, but, however, whether/if, according to, therefore, consequently, In contrast, claims, goes so far as to claim, others argue," and so on.

As you practice tackling an increasing number of reading comprehension passages, you will develop a mindset aligned with the test makers, gaining an intuitive sense of where they are likely to derive questions.

4. Recap With a Visual Movie

After completing the entire passage and jotting down notes, it's not advisable to immediately dive into solving questions. The pressure may lead to forgetting some of the details provided by the author in the passage by the time you finish answering the first question. While the first question is often a main idea query and can be answered more easily as it remains fresh in your mind, addressing the subsequent questions requires a perfect recollection of all details. Ideally, you want to avoid repeatedly going back to the passage to search for information.

To prepare for answering questions, when you believe you're ready, cease all other activities, close your eyes, and mentally replay a visual sequence of the passage you just read. This mental visualization should have a proper sequence and should not take more than 10-20 seconds. Though brief, this practice aids in solidifying the entire narrative in your memory. Once you can successfully accomplish this mental playback, commence answering questions, and you'll notice a significant improvement in how much information from the passage you can retain.

5. Start Answering The Questions

Now that we've covered the different question types in the reading comprehension section, you'll find it more straightforward to recognize a question type and respond accordingly, employing a suitable strategy. It's crucial to note that for Multiple Select questions, partial credit is not awarded for getting one or two options correct. The entire answer must be chosen accurately by selecting all applicable options for it to be considered correct.

Additionally, when addressing Multiple Select questions, it's essential to treat each answer option independently, a topic we'll delve into further later on. When tackling questions related to the author's tone or writing style, it's advisable to automatically eliminate answer choices suggesting that the author is entirely negative. If an answer choice implies that the author uses extreme or drastic language to criticize the topic, you should immediately disqualify that option.

7 Trap Answers to Avoid on Reading Comprehension

Certain types of answer choices can be promptly excluded without delving into their local correctness. The answer choices for Reading Comprehension questions adhere to specific rules, and those that deviate from these rules can be immediately eliminated using the Process of Elimination method. Identifying where the mistake lies is key to employing this method effectively. Here's a concise guide on recognizing answer choices that can be swiftly ruled out as incorrect.

If you hastily jump to conclusions upon encountering the first seemingly "good" choice, there's a significant risk of answering the question incorrectly, as there might be superior choices that you haven't read yet. The recommended approach for such questions is to systematically narrow down answer choices through the process of elimination until the best option is determined.

By diligently following the process of elimination, you'll discover that identifying the correct answer is, in fact, quite straightforward. One of the reasons many students struggle to distinguish between incorrect and correct answers is their failure to employ the process of elimination.
To illustrate further, take a look at an example of what the given choices for a question might look like:

• If you misread the passage, this looks right
• Maybe right — close call with some subtle difference most students miss
• Correct answer!
• The opposite of the correct answer
• Something completely off topic, but it sounds impressive

Upon careful examination, it becomes evident that there is only one correct answer, and the rest are deceptively close to being correct. Presented below are the misleading answer choices that should be promptly eliminated, regardless of how suitable, accurate, or logical they may appear. To enhance your comprehension, we've also provided examples for each answer type, offering a distinct understanding of how such answers might be formulated in actual GRE scenarios.

1. Answer choices that use extreme or categorical words such as “only, all, always, every, never and exclusively”

As a global examination, the GRE endeavors to maintain a neutral stance and avoids incorporating excessively extreme statements, words, or phrases. It is advisable not to deem answer options containing such words as correct, as the Reading Comprehension passage itself remains neutral and refrains from adopting an overly extreme tone, whether positive or negative.

Consider a reading comprehension passage where the author talks about viral fever that spread through East Africa. Example answer choices that are most definitely wrong, are shown below:

• According to the author, all women in East Africa suffer from the viral fever
• According to the author, only women in East Africa suffer from the viral fever
• According to the author, women in East Africa will never suffer from the viral fever
• According to the author, women in East Africa have always suffered from the viral fever

2. Answer choices that make use of information that doesn’t appear in the text

Referred to as answers out of context, these choices, although logically accurate, fail to draw information directly from the passage and can thus be deemed as out of context. A common error made by many students is connecting the reasoning presented in the answer option to common sense. It's crucial to remember that common sense should not be applied to reading comprehension passages. General knowledge typically does not hold sway here, as it is the author's perspective that carries weight. Disregard answer options that extend beyond the passage's scope, regardless of their apparent correctness. 

Consider a reading comprehension passage where the author talks about viral fever that spread through East Africa. Example answer choices that are most definitely wrong, are shown below:

• According to the author, women in West Africa suffer from the viral fever due to heredity. (West Africa is completely out of scope)
• According to the author, women in East Africa suffer from the viral fever because they are generally weaker than men. (Common sense, hence out of scope)

3. Answer choices in which facts are distorted

If an answer choice distorts or alters any of the facts, it can never be considered correct. Only options supported by the exact facts should be deemed accurate.

Imagine a reading comprehension passage discussing the outbreak of viral fever in East Africa attributed to inadequate medical facilities. Example answer choices that are most definitely wrong, are shown below:

• According to the author, women in East Africa suffered from the viral fever last year, because of the civil war. (distorted statement)

4. Answer choices that ask you to make judgments

Any answer option that requires you to assert that one method, approach, or thought is "better," "more successful," or "more efficient" than another should be dismissed outright. GRE passages never task the reader with making judgments, as the author has already expressed their viewpoint. Therefore, any answer choice that demands your judgment is incorrect.

Imagine a reading comprehension passage discussing the outbreak of viral fever in East Africa.  Example answer choices that are most definitely wrong, are shown below:

• Women in East Africa are more easily prone to suffer from the viral fever than men. (asks you to make a comparison/judgment without sufficient proof)

5. Answer choices that include outrageous, illogical, unscientific, or politically incorrect statements

There are no controversial or outrageous statements in any GRE passage. As we have previously emphasized, reading comprehension passages aim to maintain maximum neutrality. The GRE vehemently opposes all forms of discrimination, including religious, racial, and gender discrimination, among others, and its passages are designed not to offend any specific group of people. Therefore, answer options containing such characteristics will always be incorrect.

Consider a reading comprehension passage discussing the outbreak of viral fever in East Africa.  Example answer choices that are most definitely wrong, are shown below:

• According to the author, women in East Africa suffer from the viral fever because they are allowed to socialize. (outrageous statement)
• It is the duty of a woman to sit at home and take care of the household. (Politically incorrect, gender discrimination.)
• According to the author, women in East Africa suffer from the viral fever because they are usually prone to diseases. (illogical)

6. Answer choices that are true, but assume something that is not mentioned in the passage

At times, the scenarios presented in an answer option may seem plausible, but upon closer examination, a subtle assumption might be introduced, rendering the entire option invalid. Test-takers intentionally incorporate this element to assess your logical reasoning abilities. Therefore, it's crucial to bear in mind that if an assumption has been introduced, not explicitly stated in the passage, that answer option should be regarded as incorrect.

Imagine a reading comprehension passage discussing the outbreak of viral fever in East Africa.  Example answer choices that are most definitely wrong, are shown below:

• Pregnant women in East Africa are prone to the viral fever, because they probably don’t exercise much. (an assumption has been made)

7. Answer choices that cannot be backed by solid proof from within the passage

Regardless of how persuasive an answer choice appears, it should not be regarded as accurate unless it is substantiated by solid evidence or proof within the passage. This proof can take various forms, such as statistics or examples, but it must be explicitly stated in the passage. Otherwise, such an answer should be considered invalid.

Imagine a reading comprehension passage discussing the outbreak of viral fever in East Africa. Example answer choices that are most definitely wrong, are shown below:

• According to a survey, women in East Africa suffer from the viral fever more often than women in West Africa. (no solid proof, or details of the survey)