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GRE Verbal Reasoning: Format, Question Types and How to Prepare

The GRE got shorter in 2023, but Verbal still rewards careful reading and precise vocabulary. Here is the full picture.

Abhishek Leela Pandey13 October 20262 min read
On this page
  1. The format
  2. Reading Comprehension
  3. Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence
  4. How to prepare

The format

  • Since September 2023 the GRE General Test takes about 1 hour 58 minutes.
  • Verbal Reasoning has two sections: 12 questions in 18 minutes, then 15 questions in 23 minutes.
  • Scores range from 130 to 170.
  • Three question types: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence.

Reading Comprehension

Passages range from a single paragraph to several. Questions may ask you to pick one answer, pick all that apply, or select a sentence in the passage.

Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence

Text Completion gives one to three blanks with separate choices for each. Sentence Equivalence gives one blank and six options; you must pick the two that give sentences with the same meaning. Both test vocabulary through logic, not memorised definitions alone.

How to prepare

  • Read demanding prose daily and summarise each passage in one line.
  • Build vocabulary in context: note the sentence, not just the word.
  • Pick GRE in the header on GRADFLIX for five-option and select-all questions after every essay. The GRE room has the full pattern.

Frequently asked questions

How many Verbal questions are on the GRE?

27 in total: 12 questions in 18 minutes and 15 questions in 23 minutes.

What are the GRE Verbal question types?

Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence.

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