GRE Verbal: Reading Comprehension

All 14 cards

1. 1

   When reading a dense academic passage on the GRE, what is the primary goal of your first pass?

   To map the passage's structure (identifying transition points, key viewpoints, and the main thesis) rather than memorizing specific details.

2. 2

   In argument analysis, a statement is classified as a ___ if it is used to support, justify, or prove another claim, whereas the ___ is the central claim the author wants the reader to accept.

   premise | conclusion

3. 3

   What is the key distinction between a passage's 'Main Idea' and its 'Primary Purpose' on the GRE?

   'Main Idea' refers to the core thesis or central argument of the passage, while 'Primary Purpose' refers to the author's rhetorical goal (e.g., to reconcile, to critique, to advocate).

4. 4

   In a GRE Reading Comprehension Inference question, what standard must the correct answer meet?

   It must be logically supported and true based only on the explicit facts provided in the passage, requiring zero outside extrapolation.

5. 5

   To determine the 'function' or 'role' of a highlighted sentence in a passage, you must analyze its relationship to ___.

   the immediate preceding and succeeding sentences, as well as the author's overarching thesis.

6. 6

   What is the most effective process for answering a Detail (or 'According to the Passage') question?

   Identify keywords in the prompt, locate the exact sentence in the passage, paraphrase the fact, and match it to the option that says the same thing using synonyms.

7. 7

   What is the 'Negation Test' used for in GRE argument-based questions?

   To identify an assumption. If you negate an answer choice and the author's central conclusion falls apart, then that choice is the necessary assumption.

8. 8

   To strengthen or weaken an argument, what specific logical link must your chosen answer target?

   The link between the premises and the conclusion (e.g., by validating or invalidating the unstated assumption that connects them).

9. 9

   On the GRE, correct answers to 'Author's Tone or Attitude' questions are rarely ___ or ___.

   extreme (e.g., unconditionally hostile) | completely neutral/indifferent

10. 10

    What makes a scope error (e.g., 'too broad' or 'too narrow') such an effective trap on GRE Reading Comprehension?

    It contains ideas explicitly mentioned in the passage, but applies them to a larger context than supported (too broad) or focuses on a minor detail instead of the main point (too narrow).

11. 11

    How should you adjust your scratch-paper strategy when tackling an 'EXCEPT' or 'NOT' question?

    Write down 'A B C D E' and cross off the 4 options that are supported by the text; the remaining option without a mark is your correct answer.

12. 12

    In Roman-numeral multiple-selection questions (I, II, III), what is the most efficient elimination strategy?

    Evaluate the statement you are most certain about first. If statement II is definitely false, immediately eliminate all answer choices containing II.

13. 13

    Visualize a passage map tracking a multi-perspective scientific debate. What three core elements must your mental layout represent?

    1. The main scientific phenomenon/problem.
    2. The differing viewpoints (e.g., Theory A vs. Theory B).
    3. The author's ultimate stance on these theories.
14. 14

    Why do absolute qualifiers (such as 'always,' 'never,' 'solely,' or 'uniquely') in an answer choice usually signal a wrong answer?

    They are too extreme to be logically supported by the typical qualified, nuanced academic texts featured on the GRE.