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Last Updated: June 24, 2022

Best Books for GRE Verbal Reasoning

The Graduate Record Examination is divided into three sections namely the Analytical Writing Section, the Verbal Reasoning Section, and the Quantitative Reasoning Section giving the test a duration close to 4 hours. Among the three sections, the Verbal Reasoning Section is considered to be the most formidable, requiring more practice and hard work.

A high score in this section reflects the student's command of the English language and his ability to understand and communicate effectively. To achieve this goal, one has to put a lot of effort into preparation, and the best training comes from choosing the best preparative materials.

8 Best Books to Ace the GRE Verbal Section

BookPriceParameters
Kaplan’s GRE Verbal Workbook-10th Edition$16.35
  • Questions and Drills
  • Practice Tests
  • Tips and Strategies
Gruber’s Complete GRE Guide 2019-2020$18.99
  • Info on Test
  • Strategies and Tips
  • Practice Tests and Explanations
Manhattan Prep GRE Verbal Strategies$20.99
  • Strategies and Tips
  • Topic Reviews
  • Practice Questions
Barron’s GRE Verbal Workbook$14.99
  • Practice Tests
  • Dictionary for GRE
  • Practice Questions
Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions-ETS$14.00
  • Tips and Strategies
  • Info on Test
  • Review of Writing Section
    Barron’s Essential Words for the GRE-4th Edition$22.46
    • 800+ Words and Definitions
    • Practice Tests
    • Repeated Questions in GRE
    Norman Lewis Word Power Made Easy$9.99
    • Detailed Subject Review
    • Vocabulary Tips
    Princeton Review’s Verbal Workout for the GRE-6th Edition$15.37
    • Practice Questions and Answers
    • Topic Reviews
    • Prompts for Argument and Issue Task

    1
    Kaplan’s GRE Verbal Workbook- 10th Edition

    Cost: $16.35
    The book focuses on the key strategies that can be used by students who are even well-versed in the language. This is because the strategies that have been provided are tailor-made for the GRE General Test by experts who have accumulated wisdom over the years. Purchasing the book and preparing for the test by actually using the book increases one's chances of earning at least 6 extra points.

    Pros-
    Cons-

    2
    Gruber’s Complete GRE Guide 2019-2020

    Cost: $18.99
    It is highly recommended for people who are starting from scratch and are considering self-preparation. It begins with a diagnostic test which helps the candidate assess their base goal and calculate a realistic goal score toward which they can strive. It supplies the Baby GRE words and is the best way to begin the preparation.

    Pros-
    Cons-

    3
    Manhattan Prep GRE Verbal Strategies

    Cost: $20.99
    The Manhattan Prep offers different books dedicated to the different sections of the GRE Subject Tests. This set of 8 books includes details for the different sections of the general test. They offer separate books on every section of the GRE Verbal such as Reading Comprehension and Sentence Completion.

    Pros-

    4
    Barron’s GRE Verbal Workbook

    Cost: $14.99
    This book begins with a diagnostic test that can help students understand their strengths and weaknesses before even beginning to prepare for the test using the book. There are extensive chapters reviewing the content required for the test. It includes chapters based on sentence equivalence, text completion, and even reading comprehension.

    Pros-
    Cons-

    5
    Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions - ETS

    Cost: $14.00
    The book is a general study guide featuring test questions that are arranged according to their difficulty levels. They also include mixed practice sets to ensure that the candidate can perform equally better once offered questions of different difficulties one after the other. The questions contain answers and explanations catering to all the confusion the student might have while attempting the practice tests.

    Reviewers claim that the second edition of the book is similar to the first one and so buying either of the editions won’t make a difference. The books are equally good and worth investing in.

    Pros-

    6
    Barron’s Essential Words for the GRE - 4th Edition

    Cost: $22.46
    The book can also be used along with Barron's Verbal Workbook to prepare for the Test. It concentrates on the questions and words that are frequently observed in the GRE Verbal Section. It is more recommended for people who have to crack the GRE within a short period of time.

    Pros-
    Cons-

    7
    Norman Lewis Word Power Made Easy

    Cost: $9.99
    The Norman Lewis book focuses on enhancing the vocabulary skills of the student which helps the student not just in cracking the GRE Verbal Reasoning section but also improves their overall communication skills both inside the classroom and in life.

    This book is based on the etymology of the words. Every word comes from a parent word and having this etymological knowledge will help one make intelligent guesses regarding words that appear unfamiliar on the test. It is a shortcut to perfecting one’s vocabulary.

    Pros-
    Cons-

    8
    Princeton Review’s Verbal Workout for the GRE â€" 6th Edition

    Cost: $15.37
    The book is suitable mainly for beginners who require clear explanations of answers rather than just the answers in themselves. The guidelines provided for maneuvering through the test also contain strategic methods that can be used by the students for the test.

    Pros-
    Cons-

    Additional Prep Materials




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