How to Prepare for GRE Verbal

GRE is a computer-based examination which is conducted by Educational Testing Service and is given by candidates that are willing to pursue an education in grad schools of the United States. The Education Testing Service conducts this examination to measure the verbal reasoning ability, quantitative reasoning ability, analytical writing ability and critical thinking ability of candidates.

The quantitative reasoning consists of topics like percentage, ratio proportion, speed, time and distance, time and work, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, permutation and combination, linear equations and quadratic equations, sets theory, statistics, probability, powers and roots, lines and angles, triangles, polygon, quadrilateral, circles, coordinate geometry, volume and surface area.

The topics that are included in the verbal reasoning section are basic sentence structure (Noun, Pronoun, and Adjectives), Verb Tense, Idioms, and Idiomatic Expressions, Pronoun Agreement, Subject-Verb Agreement, Modifiers, and Parallelism. The non-native candidates face a tough challenge because of this section. Compared to the verbal section of the ACT and SAT the verbal section of GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is tougher. Therefore, the candidates need to put prime attention to this section at the time of preparation. The verbal section of the GRE examination has questions on Reading Comprehension, Test Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.

The verbal section is scored on a scale of 130 -170, in 1-point increments. It is divided into six text completion questions, four-sentence equivalence questions, and ten critical reading questions. Overall the verbal section has 20 questions.

How would you prepare for GRE Verbal?

The verbal section is difficult for non-native speakers. You need to have a stronghold of English grammar before heading for GRE verbal preparation.

Reading quality books is always recommended to improve English. Along with that, if you prefer unconventional methods of preparation, then you should solve English puzzles and English crosswords inasmuch you can. You can also play word-games and quizzes on the internet to learn new words.

You would find many lists of suggested words for GRE. But only memorizing the words would not be enough to score high marks. This is why you need to practice writing. If you use the words for constructing meaningful sentences, you will surely notice a positive difference.

You might have a dictionary that has 1000+ words from which you can increase your word stock. But that would only increase your word stock. Unless you know how to use the words and where to use the words, this method of learning is a switch off for GRE preparation. You will forget the words if you only memorize the words and meanings. Learn the words by forming sentences in your mind. That way your learning will be productive and useful.

Try to read American journals, magazines, and newspapers as much as you can. It will not only increase your vocabulary but it will also create a habit of reading. Try to read from the viewpoint of the writer.  During reading, analyze each and every point. If you do this, you will feel a lot comfortable with the Reading section.

If you have difficulty expressing yourself by speaking English, then start watching English movies and television series. Listen to English songs. This will create a habit to think in English within you and you will be able to express yourself confidently via English.

While learning new words, look for the root words. Most of the English words are derived either from Latin language or Greek Language. If you learn by understanding the formation of the words then you will definitely remember every word and it will also become easy for you at the time of solving GRE questions.

There are mobile applications available that are made to increase English vocabulary. You can also use those applications to pastime productively. The last thing you should do is solving as many verbal questions as possible for you. You will find many GRE mock test series over the internet. You should give at least one test every day for 3 months before the commencement of the final GRE examination.

If you do follow these simple things, then no force will be able to take away your GRE points. Remember one thing: There is no alternative for reading and writing. Learn it your way and read and write to excel.