How to Improve Your GRE Verbal Score

Preparing for the GRE can be a daunting journey, especially when it comes to the verbal section, which often trips up even the brightest students. This blog post will guide you through the various strategies and resources available to maximize your GRE verbal score. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

Effective study techniques that boost your vocabulary and comprehension
How to leverage online resources for practice
Insights on taking free mock tests to simulate the GRE experience
Ways to obtain discounts on GRE vouchers and free downloadable study materials

How to Improve Your GRE Verbal Score

Understanding the GRE Verbal Section

The GRE verbal section assesses your ability to understand and analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand the meanings of words and sentences. The section consists of three primary types of questions:

Reading Comprehension: Here, you are provided with passages and asked to answer questions that test your understanding and analysis skills.
Text Completion: This involves filling in the blanks in sentences, requiring a strong grasp of vocabulary and context.
Sentence Equivalence: In this type of question, you'll have to choose two answer choices that complete a sentence in a way that maintains its meaning.

Understanding the structure and types of questions is crucial for your preparation strategy.

Create a Study Plan

Assess Your Current Level

The first step in any effective study plan is to assess your current verbal skills. Take a diagnostic test to determine your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify specific areas where you need improvement.

Set Realistic Goals

After assessing your skills, set achievable goals. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks, focusing on specific skills—like vocabulary, reading comprehension, or analytical writing.

Allocate Time Wisely

Determine how much time you can dedicate to GRE preparation each week. Aim to study at least 15-20 hours a week leading up to your test date. Consistency is key!

Vocabulary Building Strategies

A robust vocabulary is essential for excelling in the GRE verbal section. Here are some effective strategies:

Engage with New Words Daily

Make it a goal to learn 5-10 new words each day. Utilize vocabulary lists specifically tailored for the GRE, available on various educational websites.

Contextual Learning

Learn words in context. Instead of memorizing definitions, read passages that include the words. This will help you understand how they are used and retained longer.

Use Flashcards

Create a set of flashcards with the word on one side and the definition and an example sentence on the other. Review them regularly, and consider using apps like Anki that employ spaced repetition—this technique enhances memory retention.

Reading Comprehension Techniques

Active Reading

Active reading involves engaging with the text as you read. Take notes, underline key points, and summarize paragraphs in your own words. This will help you retain information and better understand the material.

Pre-Read Questions

Before reading a passage, look at the questions associated with it. This can provide you with a framework to focus on as you read the text.

Practice with VARIED Texts

Diverse reading materials—such as articles from scientific journals, literature, and non-fiction—develop your ability to understand different styles of writing. This diversity also helps with the range of topics in GRE reading passages.

Mock Tests: Your Secret Weapon

Why Take Mock Tests?

Mock tests simulate the real GRE testing environment, helping you become familiar with the format and timing of the exam. This practice helps to alleviate test anxiety and improves your pacing.

Free Mock Tests on Gregoglobal.com

Gregoglobal offers six free AI-powered mock tests designed to provide a realistic GRE experience. Each test evaluates your performance and analyzes your strengths and weaknesses.

By taking these tests:

You can track your progress over time.
Understand the types of questions you struggle with.
Improve time management skills by practicing under timed conditions.

Don’t overlook the importance of reviewing your answers, especially the questions you got wrong. Understanding why your answers were incorrect will deepen your comprehension of the test material.

Accessing Study Resources

Gregoglobal and GRE Vouchers

Preparing for the GRE can be costly, but you don’t have to break the bank. At Gregoglobal, you can find GRE vouchers that provide significant savings. The original price is ₹22,500, but with our voucher, you can take the test for just ₹19,000—saving you ₹3,500! Learn more about the GRE voucher offer.

Download Free GRE Books from Gre-resources.com

Another excellent resource for your GRE preparation is gre-resources.com. You can download shorter GRE preparation books for free. These books focus on key concepts and are great for quick revisions, providing you with essential strategies and practice questions.

Mastering Analytical Writing

Understand the Scoring Criteria

The GRE analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with essays evaluated based on clarity, coherence, and complexity. Familiarize yourself with the scoring rubric to tailor your writing accordingly.

Practice Essay Prompts

Regularly practice with prompts similar to those you’ll encounter on the actual test. Time yourself to simulate the testing experience, which can help you improve your writing speed and clarity.

Exam Day Strategies

Get Adequate Sleep

The night before the exam, ensure you get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep can impair your cognitive functions, making it harder to concentrate and perform well.

Arrive Early

On the test day, arrive at the testing center early. This will give you time to settle in, relax, and mentally prepare for the exam.

Stay Calm and Focused

During the test, remain calm. If you encounter a difficult question, don’t let it derail your focus; move on and come back if time allows.

Utilize Online Forums and Study Groups

Engaging with peers can enrich your study experience. Join online forums or local study groups where you can share resources, discuss challenging topics, and get feedback on your practice essays.

Participate in Online Platforms

Websites like Reddit and specific Facebook groups offer communities dedicated to GRE preparation. Share your experiences and learn from others tackling the same challenges.

Understand Your Test Format

Familiarize with Computerized Testing

The GRE is administered on a computer, and the interface may differ from traditional paper tests. Familiarize yourself with the format and tools provided, such as the on-screen calculator.

Review Quantitative Reasoning in Practice

While the focus here is on verbal preparation, understanding quantitative reasoning can enhance overall performance on the GRE, making you a more well-rounded test-taker.

Review Test Center Protocols

Understand the rules and regulations of your test center regarding identification, personal items allowed, and arrival times. This will prevent any last-minute surprises on exam day.

Conclusion: Preparing for Success

Improving your GRE verbal score is a combination of effective study techniques, regular practice, and utilizing available resources. By focusing on vocabulary, mastering reading comprehension, and taking full advantage of free practice tests and resources, you’ll position yourself for success.

Remember that preparation takes time, so start early, stay consistent, and maintain a positive mindset. Equip yourself with these strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving the verbal score you aspire to.

Incorporate these techniques into your study plan, keep refining your approach, and watch as your GRE verbal score improves!