Mastering Verbal Reasoning: Tips for GMAT & GRE Success
- Management Masters
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
The verbal section of the GMAT and GRE evaluates critical reading, logical reasoning, and command of standard written English. Success in this section requires more than just knowing vocabulary or grammar rules, it demands strong analytical skills, precise comprehension, and the ability to differentiate between subtle answer choices.
Many students struggle with time management and accuracy in verbal reasoning. However, by following structured techniques and focusing on core reasoning skills, you can significantly improve both speed and precision.
Karan Bagadiya, a GMAT prep expert with more than 10 years of experience, shares essential strategies to enhance your performance in the verbal section.
1. Go Slow to Go Fast
Many students, in an attempt to manage time constraints, try to forcefully inject speed when reading the argument/passage. However, the pace at which one reads cannot be artificially increased by simply deciding to "read faster." This approach often leads to a half-baked understanding and, eventually, more errors.
Instead, slow down and initially focus on deep, deliberate reading. Engage with challenging material, dissect complex ideas, and allow your comprehension skills to mature naturally.
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2. Read Literally—Focus on What Is ‘Exactly’ Written
Our brains are wired to fill in gaps automatically. While useful in everyday life, this habit is counterproductive on the GMAT and GRE. The test is designed to penalize unnecessary inferences.
Train yourself to read exactly what is written, no more, no less. This will allow you to spot subtle errors and distortions in answer choices that might otherwise seem tricky, confusing, or difficult to eliminate.
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3. Critically Reason, Don’t Execute an Algorithm Blindly
In the rush to execute a borrowed algorithm or implement tips, many students deprioritize honing the core skill that truly matters: reasoning. One must actively reason and comprehend ‘every time’ rather than try to arrive at the right answer magically without having understood the meaning deeply.
4. Go Beyond Labels—Understand the ‘Why’
When reviewing, don’t just label an option as wrong because it ‘feels’ irrelevant or out of scope. Instead, dig deeper and understand why it is irrelevant or out of scope.
Focus on answering these four questions before looking at the correct answer and its explanation:
Why is the right answer ‘right’?
Why is the incorrect option wrong (each of them)?
If one gets the question incorrect, identify:
What is the exact flaw in the line of reasoning that made you select the incorrect option?
What is the exact flaw in the line of reasoning that made you reject the correct option?
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5. Accuracy Before Speed
Taking a mock test is like measuring your body temperature, if it’s high, it won’t come down just by measuring again but by taking corrective action. Likewise, reviewing the mock interview thoroughly in a no-time limit manner is what will lead to improvement.
Prioritise achieving a near 100% accuracy in your no-time-limit attempt. Pick the bones out of each question till the choices feel obvious and easy; the speed and the score will automatically improve.
Additional Tip for GRE Words
Build Context, Don’t Rely on Rote Learning
Many students rely on rote memorization and flashcards, hoping repetition alone will make the meanings stick. However, this method is inefficient and unsustainable.
Instead, build context around new words:
Think of real-world situations, people, and events where the word applies.
Find synonyms, antonyms, and similar words that feel more familiar to you.
Craft a story using the word naturally.
When you encounter an unfamiliar word that is not a part of your ‘natural vocabulary’, spend 7-8 minutes deeply understanding it rather than quickly skimming and then relying on memory recall. The goal is not to stuff your brain with words artificially but to enrich your vocabulary naturally and consistently, and you’ll see measurable improvements in both accuracy and confidence.
