GRE reading passages require active engagement: annotate key ideas, identify the author's main point and tone, and practice predicting answers before reading the choices. Many students struggle with dense academic passages, so regular practice with timed drills builds both speed and accuracy. A tutor can teach you strategic reading techniques and help you avoid common traps like choosing answers that sound good but don't match the passage.

These question types test vocabulary in context, so building a strategic word list is essential—but memorizing random words won't help. Instead, focus on understanding word relationships, connotations, and how context clues guide you to the right answer. A tutor can teach you to eliminate wrong answers systematically and recognize patterns in how the GRE uses vocabulary, turning these challenging questions into predictable ones.

The GRE Verbal section gives you 30 minutes for 20 questions, so timing strategy is crucial. Most students benefit from spending 1-1.5 minutes on Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions, then 3-4 minutes on Reading Comprehension passages. A tutor can help you practice with a timer, identify which question types slow you down, and develop a personalized pacing plan that doesn't sacrifice accuracy for speed.

Taking at least 4-6 full-length practice tests under timed conditions is ideal for building stamina and identifying patterns in your mistakes. The first test establishes your baseline, while subsequent tests help you track progress and refine your strategy. Between practice tests, focus on targeted drills for weak areas rather than just taking test after test—quality review is more valuable than volume.

Test anxiety often peaks when you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary or a confusing passage, but practice and preparation build confidence. Working with a tutor helps you develop a structured approach to each question type, so you feel in control rather than overwhelmed. Practicing with real GRE questions and timed drills also reduces anxiety by making the test format familiar and predictable.

Take a diagnostic practice test first, then review every question you missed—not just to see the right answer, but to understand why you missed it. Did you misread the passage? Misunderstand a word? Fall for a trap answer? A tutor can help you categorize your mistakes and spot patterns, like consistently struggling with inference questions or specific vocabulary categories. This targeted analysis saves you time by focusing your prep where it matters most.

Look for someone with strong GRE scores themselves, proven experience teaching the Verbal section, and familiarity with the specific question types and strategies that work. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the nuances of GRE Verbal and can adapt their teaching to your learning style and goals. A good tutor should be able to explain not just what the right answer is, but why the other choices are wrong.