GRE Verbal: how to score high.
The GRE verbal component is designed to actively test the knowledge of the candidate not only in terms of their vocabulary but their understanding of the rules of English grammar and syntax as well. The analogy section of the GRE test is seen as one of the most challenging and demanding components of the exam, but as hard as it maybe for the student to come to grips with, it is outmatched by the reading comprehension component of the GRE.
The reading and comprehension component requires the student to read through a body of text (which is usually derived from some academic source - meaning that the language is strictly dry and academic) and then critically assess, evaluate and report on the meaning and impact of the text. The candidate maybe required to take a particular perspective and then support their views with reference to the facts in the text.
A major stumbling block for many students when they are required to undertake this particular part of the gre verbal test is that they end up being too descriptive and not analytical enough. Another common (and often, downright fatal) mistake made by the student is that they try and memorize the whole passage and then rewrite it which is utterly redundant. What the student is required to do is simply identify the main direction and focus of the extract and then comment on it.
A common question that is posed to the student within the reading comprehension component of the gre verbal section is that they are asked to decide upon a suitable title from a list of several options. In order to do this effectively, the student must ensure that they read through the entire excerpt carefully and methodically and are aware of the focus of the extract.
Consider the nature of the article, is it a dry, objective and academic extract that merely states facts simply with the purpose of providing information? If so, what are the key points of the extract and how effective do they make those points.
If the article is reporting on an issue, does it favour one side of the argument over the other? Does it provide enough details and evidence in order to support any comments or rulings it makes?
As crazy as it may sound, it is the introduction and the conclusion of the extract which will hold the most pertinent information which you will require.