Vocabulary
Learn words in context, not from long lists. When you meet a new word, write the sentence you found it in, then write your own.
- Guess the meaning from word parts: prefixes like "un-" and "re-", and endings like "-able" and "-ous."
- For synonyms and antonyms, check whether the question asks for the same or the opposite meaning before you read the choices.
- Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, then decide between the rest.
Grammar and sentence correction
A small group of rules produces most of the questions:
- Subject-verb agreement: the verb agrees with the real subject, not the noun closest to it.
- Verb tense consistency within a sentence.
- Pronoun agreement and the correct case, such as "he and I" versus "him and me."
- Parallel structure in lists, such as "reading, writing and speaking."
- Prepositions that go with certain words, such as "depend on" and "different from."
Reading comprehension
- Read the questions before the passage so you know what to look for.
- Find the main idea first, usually in the opening or closing sentences.
- Answer from the passage only. A choice can be true in real life and still be wrong for the passage.
- Watch for extreme words like "always," "never" and "only," which are often wrong.
Sentence arrangement
Look for the sentence that introduces the topic with no reference to anything earlier. Then follow the linking words and pronouns. Words like "this," "they," "however" and "therefore" point back to a previous sentence. The best concluding sentence usually wraps up the idea.
Practice
Practice a little every day. You can start right away with our free Verbal Ability reviewer and read the explanation after every item.