Reading Comprehension
What is GRE Reading Comprehension?
Reading Comprehension questions test your ability to understand, analyze, and apply information from written passages covering topics in physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, and everyday topics.
- 50% of Verbal section (approximately 10 questions per section)
- Passage lengths: Short (1 paragraph), Medium (2-3 paragraphs), Long (4-5 paragraphs)
- 1-6 questions per passage
- Multiple question types testing different skills
Question Types
1. Main Idea / Primary Purpose
Asks you to identify the passage's central point or the author's main purpose.
Example: "The primary purpose of the passage is to..." or "Which of the following best describes the main idea?"
2. Detail / Supporting Idea
Asks about specific information explicitly stated in the passage.
Example: "According to the passage, which of the following is true about..."
3. Inference
Requires you to draw conclusions based on information in the passage that isn't explicitly stated.
Example: "The passage suggests/implies that..." or "It can be inferred from the passage that..."
4. Author's Tone / Attitude
Asks you to identify the author's perspective, opinion, or emotional stance toward the topic.
Example: "The author's tone can best be described as..." Common answers: skeptical, enthusiastic, objective, critical
5. Function / Purpose
Asks why the author included a particular detail, example, or paragraph.
Example: "The author mentions X in order to..." or "The second paragraph serves primarily to..."
6. Vocabulary in Context
Asks for the meaning of a word or phrase as it's used in the passage.
Example: "In line 12, 'novel' most nearly means..."
7. Select-in-Passage
Click on the sentence in the passage that best answers the question.
Example: "Select the sentence that provides evidence for the author's claim that..."
8. Select-All-That-Apply
Choose all answer choices that correctly answer the question (1, 2, or all 3 might be correct).
Example: "Which of the following are mentioned in the passage? Select all that apply."
Essential Reading Strategies
1. Skim First, Then Read Actively
Quickly skim the passage to get the general topic and structure, then read more carefully, noting main points and the author's argument.
- Identify the topic and scope
- Note the author's purpose and tone
- Track the logical flow of ideas
2. Create a Mental Map
As you read, create a mental outline of where key information is located:
- Paragraph 1: Introduction to the topic/problem
- Paragraph 2: Traditional view or theory A
- Paragraph 3: Author introduces theory B
- Paragraph 4: Evidence supporting theory B
3. Read Questions Carefully
Understand exactly what each question is asking before you look for the answer. Pay attention to keywords like "except," "least," "primarily," and "suggests."
4. Return to the Passage
Don't rely on memory alone. Go back to the relevant section of the passage to verify your answer, especially for detail and inference questions.
5. Eliminate Wrong Answers
Use process of elimination to rule out choices that are:
- Too extreme or absolute
- Not mentioned in the passage
- Opposite of what the passage says
- True but don't answer the question asked
6. Watch for Contrast and Transition Words
Pay special attention to words that signal important shifts:
- Contrast: however, but, although, nevertheless, on the other hand
- Cause/Effect: because, therefore, consequently, thus
- Emphasis: indeed, in fact, especially, particularly
- Comparison: similarly, likewise, in the same way
Common Passage Structures
Argument Passage
Author presents a claim and supports it with evidence and reasoning.
Structure: Claim → Evidence → Counterargument (optional) → Conclusion
Comparison Passage
Compares and contrasts two theories, viewpoints, or phenomena.
Structure: Theory A → Theory B → Comparison/Contrast → Author's position (optional)
Problem-Solution Passage
Presents a problem or puzzle and discusses potential solutions or explanations.
Structure: Problem → Attempted solutions → Evaluation → Best solution
Descriptive/Informative Passage
Describes a phenomenon, process, or concept in a neutral, informative way.
Structure: Introduction → Details/Examples → Further explanation → Summary
Time Management Tips
- ⏱️Short passages (1 paragraph): 2-3 minutes total (1 min reading + 1-2 min per question)
- ⏱️Medium passages (2-3 paragraphs): 5-7 minutes total (2-3 min reading + 1-1.5 min per question)
- ⏱️Long passages (4-5 paragraphs): 8-10 minutes total (3-4 min reading + 1-1.5 min per question)
- 💡Don't spend more than 3-4 minutes reading any passage, even long ones. You can always refer back.
Expert Tips
- ✓Don't over-infer. Correct inference answers are strongly supported by the passage, not wild speculation.
- ✓Beware of extreme language. Answers with "always," "never," "only," or "must" are often wrong unless the passage explicitly uses such absolute language.
- ✓The answer is in the passage. Don't use outside knowledge. Base your answers solely on what's written.
- ✓Practice diverse topics. Read articles from scientific journals, humanities publications, and economics to build familiarity with academic writing.
- ✓Build stamina. Practice reading dense academic passages for extended periods to build your reading endurance.
Ready to Practice?
Apply these strategies with our reading comprehension practice questions at all difficulty levels.