Types of Reading Comprehension Passages on the GRE

October 10, 2008

You’ll see three reading comprehension passages, and seven or eight total accompanying questions in the verbal section of the GRE. You can alleviate a whole lot of anxiety if you know what’s coming, especially if you prepare for it by practicing on a regular basis.

GRE Subject Matter

The GRE features a range of subject material in its reading comprehension passages. You might learn about Bach’s music or Thomas Hardy’s life and work. Perhaps you’ll see a passage dealing with an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, or a discussion on the formation of hot gas in the atmosphere. Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Biological Sciences--as far as the testmaker is concerned, they’re all fair game.

I’ve heard students say they’re worried that science passages are harder than humanities passages, but you’d be surprised. Generally the science passages have an organization that is quite easy to track and follow. The vocabulary can be fearsome, but remember that you're not expected to know anything about unfamiliar concepts.

Additionally, graduate-school-bound GRE students with backgrounds in the humanities have an unfortunate tendency to bring in outside information while answering questions. Don’t forget that all of the information you need to answer each reading comprehension question can be found in the passage. You’ll be penalized on test day if you move too far away from the information given.

Challenging or easy, exciting or boring, the passages all have one thing in common--they will all be followed by a series of questions. Typically, you’ll be asked to identify the author’s purpose in writing the passage. You will also be asked detail questions about specific content found in the passage.

In some cases, the author will take a neutral position; in other instances, she might be advocating, comparing, refuting or evaluating. Listen carefully for the author’s voice as you read!

RC Passage Length

GRE passages can be anywhere from 200 to 500 words. That means that you might see a one-paragraph passage or a six-paragraph passage. All three of your reading comprehension passages could be six paragraphs, and they could be back to back to back.

It is a mistake to assume that shorter passages are easier. I’ve seen some really tough one-paragraph passages. Regardless of passage length, don’t forget to manage your time appropriately. The split screen format allows you to keep the passage with you as you answer questions. There’s no need to memorize or jot down the details as you read: focus on the author’s main idea in each paragraph and how it ties back in to the author’s position.

How to Practice GRE RC

The best way to prepare for the GRE Reading Comprehension passages is to read on a daily basis. If you read The New York Times, you’ll find articles on a variety of topics. Read the ones you enjoy, but also try to read a challenging article each day. This can aid in your degree of understanding, and in your speed. You might also try The Economist, The New Yorker, the Wall Street Journal or The Washington Post.

Jeff Sackmann is a test-prep tutor based in New York City and the author of Total GRE Math, among other GRE and GMAT resources.

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