GRE: Reading Comprehension Strategies

What are the three primary subject areas for GRE Reading Comprehension passages?

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences.

What is the goal of a 'Select-in-Passage' question?

To click on the specific sentence in the passage that performs a certain function or contains specific information.

How much time should a test-taker generally allocate per question in Reading Comprehension?

Approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes, including reading time.

What does a 'Vocabulary-in-Context' question ask you to do?

Determine the meaning of a word based on how it is used within the surrounding text, rather than its dictionary definition.

What is the difference between a short and a long passage on the GRE?

Short passages are typically 1-2 paragraphs (approx. 150 words), while long passages are 3-4 paragraphs (approx. 450 words).

What is the 'Main Idea' of a passage?

The primary message or central point the author wants to convey to the reader.

How does 'Author's Purpose' differ from the 'Main Idea'?

The Main Idea is what the passage is about; the Author's Purpose is why the author wrote it (e.g., to criticize, to inform, to reconcile).

What characterizes an 'Inference' question on the GRE?

It asks for information that is not explicitly stated but is logically supported by the evidence provided in the passage.

Why is an answer choice containing words like 'always,' 'never,' or 'must' often a trap?

These are 'Too Extreme' answers that often overstate the author's claim, which is usually more nuanced or qualified.

What defines an 'Out of Scope' trap answer?

An answer choice that introduces information or concepts not mentioned or supported by the passage.