Does Reading Comprehension section of the GRE give you anxiety? Then, do not worry you are not alone. Many students find it tricky because it involves long passages, complicated vocabulary, and tricky answer choices. But let me tell you the good news. It is easy to master RC with the right approach. Let’s discuss some simple steps through which you can tackle GRE RC like a pro.

📖 First, Learn about GRE Reading Comprehension?

In this section, you’ll get passages from different subjects — science, history, arts, business, and more — followed by multiple-choice questions. Some passages are short (just a few lines), while others are longer. It is the test of your ability to understand the meaning, tone, and structure of the passage.

💡 Tip 1: Read with a Purpose

Do not read for fun — your goal is to find the main idea, structure, and tone of the passage.
Ask yourself:

• What’s the author trying to say?
• Is the author supporting or criticizing something?
• What’s the overall purpose of this passage?

Skim smartly. Pay more attention to the introduction and conclusion, as they often contain the central message.

👀 Tip 2: Understand the Question Type

GRE RC has different question styles:

• Main idea
• Detail-based (what did the author say?)
• Inference (what can be guessed?)
• Vocabulary in context (what does this word mean here?)
• Author’s tone or attitude

Once you identify the question type, your approach becomes sharper. For example, if it’s a detail-based question, go back and locate that part in the passage.

✍️ Tip 3: Don’t Rely on Memory

This is a major mistake. The GRE is an open-book test — the passage is right in front of you. So instead of trying to remember everything, go back and re-read the specific parts the questions are about.

🚫 Tip 4: Avoid Trap Answers

GRE loves to include answer choices that seem correct but are slightly off. These traps may:

• Use extreme words like always, never, completely
• Be too broad or too narrow
• Misrepresent what’s in the passage

Always match the answer with what’s actually stated or strongly implied.

⏱️ Tip 5: Practice Under Time Pressure

You get about 1.5 minutes per question, including reading the passage. So build your reading speed and train yourself to focus. Use a stopwatch while practicing.

🧩 Tip 6: Practice a Little Every Day

Reading Comprehension isn’t something you can cram. Read a short article or passage daily. It improves your comfort with complex writing styles.

✅ Conclusion:

GRE Reading Comprehension is totally beatable. With regular practice and smart techniques, you’ll go from guessing to knowing. Read actively, think critically, and don’t fall for traps.

Remember: the test doesn’t expect you to be a subject expert — it just wants to know if you can read, understand, and think logically. And you can absolutely do that