My $.02 on approaching verbal:
Forget about looking for the "best" answer, because that implies that 2 or more are partially correct, but that one of the "correct" answers is more correct or somehow a better choice than others. Nope. 3 are wrong, 1 is right. (This is true with AAMC verbal passages but not always with test prep verbal passages.) The wrong ones are hidden in language that's very convincing, but they're still wrong. Their reasoning is flawed, they're off-topic, they aren't supported by the passage, etc. etc.
The best way to find the correct answer is to mark off the answers in which you can find flaws. For every question, ask yourself, "Why is A wrong? It is technically correct, but the author never mentioned it. Why is B wrong? It's too vague; the author's argument is very specific. Why is C wrong? A key word is misused in this answer. Why is D wrong? I can't find anything wrong with D, even though it sounds kind of lame. D must be right." There is a reason that every wrong answer is wrong. Don't get caught in the language, and don't be distracted by answers that sound good or that mimic language from the passage. Look for the flaws in every answer.
When you read journals/magazines/etc for MCAT practice, as well as MCAT verbal passages, try to read the way people working in the humanities do. They look for main arguments, supporting evidence, and the consequences of the arguments/evidence ("because xyz, abc.") They also look for strengths and weaknesses in those arguments and evidence. Do you think the author's argument is weak or flawed? Why? How would s/he respond to your criticism? If you wanted to help support the author's claim, how could you do it? Are the author's arguments supported by real evidence or by unsubstantiated claims? What are the implications of the author's arguments? Etc.
Simply reading for practice isn't going to make much difference. The key is to read actively, as if you're preparing to debate someone on that particular topic.
I hope this helps some of you! Good luck!
