1. The Foundation: Active Engagement
Passive reading is simply absorbing words; Active Engagement is treating the text as a puzzle. To master the GRE, you must constantly ask: "Why did the author mention this?" and "Where is the argument going?"
The "Ground Truth" Rule
Always answer based ONLY on the information provided in the passage. Never use outside knowledge. If the passage says the sky is green, then for the purpose of the test, the sky is green.
2. Abilities Tested
The GRE tests your ability to function as a graduate student. It demands deep analysis across three levels:
Micro-Analysis
- Meaning of Words: Understanding vocabulary in context, not just dictionary definitions.
- Sentence Structure: Decoding complex syntax to find the core subject and verb.
Macro-Analysis
- Text Structure: How do paragraphs relate? Is it a contrast? A sequence?
- Author's Perspective: Is the author advocating, criticizing, or neutrally reporting?
Logical Inference
- Drawing Conclusions: Deriving information that is implied but not explicitly stated.
- Missing Information: Reasoning from incomplete data to fill in the gaps.
- Strengths & Weaknesses: Evaluating the logic of the arguments presented.
3. Passage Characteristics
1 to 5 paragraphs
1 to 6 per passage
Physical Sciences, Bio, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities
Source material includes academic journals, non-academic books, and periodicals.
4. Detailed Question Formats
The Classic Multiple Choice
Five choices, one correct answer (Radio Buttons).
Strategy: Use Process of Elimination. Watch out for 'Partially True' traps.
5. Answering Tips & Traps
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Beware of Partially True Statements: A choice might be factually correct based on the text but fail to answer the specific question asked.
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Context is King: Words often have different meanings in academic contexts. Don't rely on the everyday definition; look at how the author uses it.
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Read All Choices: Especially in "Select One" questions, don't stop at the first one that looks okay. A later choice might be more accurate.
