The Ultimate Guide to Mastering GRE Reading Comprehension

GRE Reading Comprehension (RC) tests your ability to read and understand complex texts. It’s not just about reading; it’s about grasping the structure and the author’s message. While reading skills are developed over time, GRE RC requires you to go beyond basic reading. With the right strategies and practice, you can improve your score.

The GRE has two main sections: Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning. RC is a major part of the Verbal section, making up roughly 50% of the questions. You’ll face a mix of long and short passages, with critical reasoning questions added into the mix. Being prepared for this will help you handle the reading demands of the test.

Passage Types in GRE RC

Sharpen your prep — try a GRE reading comprehension practice.

Understanding the types of RC passages will help you know what to expect. A quick read of the first few lines can often tell you what the passage will be about. Knowing the structure of the passage helps you navigate it efficiently, especially for tricky questions like the Main Idea or Primary Purpose.

What’s in a GRE RC Passage?

GRE RC passages follow a logical structure:

• Introduction: Sets up the main idea or context.
• Body: Presents arguments, claims, and evidence. Often, it includes contrasting views.
• Conclusion: Summarizes points or offers a final thought.

Each part plays a role in answering questions. Understanding these elements helps you find answers quickly. GRE RC passages are complex but manageable if you know what to look for.

Elements of a GRE RC Passage

In GRE Reading Comprehension (RC), even complex topics, like Marine Biology, are written in a way that anyone can understand. These passages focus on specific claims related to a subject, rather than trying to cover everything. The introduction usually gives some background information to help familiarize you with the topic.

An RC passage may contain a problem statement, where the author raises a question or issue related to the main claim. The passage will then present arguments for or against this claim, often with evidence or reasons. In some cases, the author may provide contending views, showing different perspectives on the issue.

You may also come across a cause (why something happens) and an effect (the result of that cause). A passage might focus on just one or both. Another key element is the mechanism, which explains how a phenomenon occurs, breaking it down into steps or processes.

Finally, the author’s viewpoint may be subtly present, though rarely explicit. The passage’s tone will give clues about whether the author agrees or disagrees with a point.

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Types of GRE Reading Comprehension Passages

There are two main types of GRE Reading Comprehension passages: Exposition and Argumentation. Each type presents information differently, and understanding this helps you identify key elements.

1. Exposition: This type provides a detailed description of an idea, concept, or event. The goal is to inform, not argue. These passages focus on explaining a subject, like a phenomenon or a historical figure, without trying to persuade you.
2. Argumentation: These passages present multiple sides of an argument. They may not provide a resolution but present evidence or reasons for each side, leaving you to draw your own conclusions.

Passage Type: Exposition

An Exposition passage will describe an event or concept, using these elements to explain its occurrence and impact. Sometimes, the author may also provide their own viewpoint at the end of the passage.

To better understand this, we can analyze an actual expository RC passage and identify these elements in practice. This will help you recognize the structure and tone of such texts.

“Reviving the practice of using elements of popular music in classical composition, an approach that had been in hibernation in the United States during the 1960s, composer Philip Glass (born 1937) embraced the ethos of popular music in his compositions. Glass based two symphonies on music by rock musicians David Bowie and Brian Eno, but the symphonies’ sound is distinctively his. Popular elements do not appear out of place in Glass’s classical music, which from its early days, has shared certain harmonies and rhythms with rock music. Yet this use of popular elements has not made Glass a composer of popular music. His music is not a version of popular music packaged to attract classical listeners; it is high art for listeners steeped in rock rather than the classics.”

Passage Explanation: Exposition

Let’s break this down and process the passage step by step.

The first sentence introduces the central theme: someone revived the practice of using elements of popular music in classical compositions. From this, we understand the main subject is music and the focus is on the intersection of classical and popular music. The practice of blending popular music with classical had “been in hibernation,” meaning it wasn’t widely used at the time (1960s) until Philip Glass brought it back into practice.

In the second sentence, we learn that Glass based two of his symphonies on the music of David Bowie and Brian Eno. However, he didn’t copy their sound—he used their music as a foundation to create something uniquely his own. This suggests that while he was influenced by popular music, he still maintained his distinct classical style.

The next sentence connects the term “popular” directly to “rock music,” showing that rock music elements were not unusual in Glass’s classical compositions. This further emphasizes that popular music (like rock) influenced his work, even though he was primarily a classical composer.

The following sentence clarifies that even though Glass incorporated popular music elements, it didn’t mean he was a composer of popular music. He remained a classical composer, despite using elements of rock music.

Finally, the passage explains that Glass’s work wasn’t about making classical music more accessible to fans of popular music. Instead, it was an elevated form of art that appealed to listeners who enjoyed rock rhythms but were interested in a more sophisticated musical experience.

In summary, the passage describes how Philip Glass revitalized the use of popular music elements in classical compositions, blending rock influences with classical music while still maintaining his identity as a classical composer.

Passage Type: Argumentative

In an argumentative passage, you’ll find a problem or question presented early on. There will be various perspectives on the issue, each supported by reasons or evidence. The author might share their own opinion, or remain neutral.

“Was Felix Mendelssohn (1809—1847) a great composer? On its face, the question seems absurd. One of the most gifted prodigies in the history of music, he produced his first masterpiece at sixteen. From then on, he was recognized as an artist of preternatural abilities, not only as a composer but also as a pianist and conductor. But Mendelssohn’s enduring popularity has often been at odds — sometimes quite sharply — with his critical standing. Despite general acknowledgment of his genius, there has been a noticeable reluctance to rank him with, say, Schumann or Brahms. As Haggin put it, Mendelssohn, as a composer, was a ‘minor master … working on a small scale of emotion and texture’.”

Passage Explanation: Argumentative

Let’s explore an example. The passage begins with the question: Was Mendelssohn a great composer? This question sets up the problem.

The passage first acknowledges that Mendelssohn was highly gifted, producing his first masterpiece at just sixteen. This provides background information, showcasing his talent.

Then, the passage contrasts Mendelssohn’s popularity with his critical standing. Critics didn’t rank him with composers like Schumann and Brahms. This contrast is another viewpoint, highlighting the debate.

The passage includes a quote from music critic Haggin, who calls Mendelssohn a “minor master.” This supports the second viewpoint, suggesting Mendelssohn wasn’t on the same level as other great composers.

The author agrees with Haggin’s perspective, reinforcing the argument that Mendelssohn wasn’t a great composer compared to others.

By reading this passage, we see the problem, different viewpoints, and the author’s opinion, all essential in understanding argumentative GRE Reading Comprehension passages.

Strategy for Long GRE Reading Comprehension Passages:

Understand Passage Structure:

• Long passages have the same structure as shorter ones. The elements (claim, background, viewpoints, etc.) are consistent, just more detailed in longer passages.
• First, identify the type of passage (argumentative, expository, etc.) to understand its function and structure.

Practice with Key Questions:

• Is the author giving an opinion?
• Does it include background information?
• What are the different elements in the passage?
• What is the author trying to convey or argue?

Summarize as You Read:

• Summarize the passage while reading it, not after. Don’t waste time rereading.
• Mark sections (e.g., “background,” “claim,” “viewpoint 1”) to make it easier to find key points later.

Identify the Story:

• Every GRE passage has a central story. Find it to make the passage more engaging.
• Even complex passages become easier to follow when you focus on the central idea.

Embrace the Process:

• It may seem tedious at first, but identifying elements, summarizing, and understanding tone will become natural with practice.
• Regular practice will improve your reading skills over time, which is valuable beyond the GRE.

Consistent Practice:

• Keep practicing GRE RC passages to develop these skills and improve your reading ability.

GRE Reading Comprehension Tips:

Shift Your Mindset:

• Don’t view RC questions as overly difficult. A negative mindset can make things harder.
• Stay focused and manage your time well, but don’t treat the passage like casual reading.

Find Balance:

• GRE RCs can be fun! With the right approach, you can break down passages and answer questions in time.

Read Slowly:

• Early on, focus on reading carefully. Understand each sentence fully.
• With practice, you’ll get faster as your brain adapts to complex texts.

Forget Speed Reading:

• Speed reading doesn’t work for the GRE. Regular practice builds your reading skills, improving speed naturally.
• Speed reading can cause you to miss important details.

Read the Right Material:

• Focus on complex texts, like journals and newspapers, to get used to GRE-level language.
• Avoid casual reading like novels or comics.

Summarize Before Answering:

• Read and understand the passage first, then summarize it in your mind. This helps with answering questions accurately.

When Stuck Between Two Options:

• Read the question carefully—are they asking for the author’s or the reader’s perspective?
• Consider differences in word choice. Which option is better supported by evidence in the passage?

Don’t rush. Accuracy is key, and understanding the passage will help you choose the right answer.

Read complex material often to improve vocabulary, reading speed, and comprehension. This will benefit you for the GRE and beyond!

Sample GRE Reading Comprehension Practice Questions

Question 1

“Critical reading is a demanding process. To read critically, you must slow down your reading and, with a pencil in hand, perform specific operations on the text. Mark up the text with your reactions, conclusions, and questions. When you read, become an active participant.”

This paragraph best supports the statement that:

• Critical reading is a slow, dull, but essential process.
• The best critical reading happens at critical times in a person’s life.
• Readers should get in the habit of questioning the truth of what they read.
• Critical reading requires thoughtful and careful attention.
• Critical reading should take place at the same time each day.

Question 2

“There are no effective boundaries when it comes to pollutants. Studies have shown that toxic insecticides that have been banned in many countries are riding the wind from countries where they remain legal. Compounds such as DDT and toxaphene have been found in remote places like the Yukon and other Arctic regions.”

This paragraph best supports the statement that:

• Toxic insecticides such as DDT have not been banned throughout the world.
• More pollutants find their way into polar climates than they do into warmer areas.
• Studies have proven that many countries have ignored their own anti-pollution laws.
• DDT and toxaphene are the two most toxic insecticides in the world.
• Even a worldwide ban on toxic insecticides would not stop the spread of DDT pollution.

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

Quick Summary

• The GRE has five sections: 2 Quants, 2 Verbal, 1 Unscored or Research section, and the Analytical Writing section.
• GRE Reading Comprehension comprises about half of all Verbal GRE questions and, hence, is considered very important.
• GRE RC Questions: You can expect 2-3 Verbal sections on the GRE, with each section having about 5-7 RC passages.
• Understanding passage types helps to get a clear sense of what one has to look for in a passage.
• An RC passage has a logical flow of information, a clear purpose, and “categories of information.”
• Elements of an RC passage: background information, claim, problem statement, views, cause, effect, mechanism, and author’s view.
• Types of RC passages: Exposition (Description of an idea/story) and Argumentation (presents two sides of an argument).
• Elements of an Expository passage: background information, claim, cause or effects or mechanism, author’s view.
• Elements of an Argumentative passage: problem statement, background information, viewpoint 1, viewpoint 2, author’s view, and/or resolution.