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Graduate Record Examination, commonly referred to as the GRE, is a computer-based test that serves as a requirement for admission to a wide array of graduate programs in various disciplines. Its main objective is to assess the fundamental skills necessary for success in graduate-level education.
GRE General Test mirrors the cognitive skills required in modern graduate programs, such as business and law. The test evaluates your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing abilities, all of which have been developed over time and are applicable across various fields of study.
The examination provides a flexible and accommodating experience for candidates, allowing them to change their answers and skip questions within a specific section. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are adaptive at the section level, with the computer adjusting the second section based on the performance in the first. Furthermore, these sections allow candidates to preview other questions within the current section, revisit previously answered questions, and modify their responses.
SCORES:
Three scores will be reported on the GRE revised General Test:
- Verbal Reasoning score on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments
- Quantitative Reasoning score on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments
- Analytical Writing score on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments
TEST FORMAT:
| Exam Length | 1 hour, 58 minutes |
|---|---|
| Scoring Scale | 130-170 (1 point increments) for Verbal and Quantitative; 0-6 for Analytical Writing |
| Format | Multi-stage test (MST), a computer based format that allows students to move forward and backward within each section of the test |
| No. of Sections | 6 sections, including an experimental or research section |
| Analytical Writing | One section with a 30-minute task: Analyze an Issue |
| Verbal Reasoning | Two 30-minute sections with approx. 20 questions each |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Two 35-minute sections with approx. 20 questions each; On-screen calculator is available |
TEST STRUCTURE:
GRE General Test contains six sections:
- an Analytical Writing section with one task, which always comes first in the test
- two Verbal Reasoning sections
- two Quantitative Reasoning sections
- one unscored section, a Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning section, that may appear at any place
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning component of the GRE General Test evaluates your capacity to:
- Assess and interpret written content while integrating information derived from it
- Examine the relationships among the various elements of sentences
- Identify connections between words and concepts
Verbal Reasoning questions are presented in multiple formats, each of which is elaborated upon in the relevant sections linked below. Approximately fifty percent of this measure involves reading passages and responding to questions based on those passages. The remaining portion requires you to read, analyze, and complete existing sentences, groups of sentences, or paragraphs.
Verbal Reasoning section comprises three categories of questions: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning measure of the GRE General Test assesses:
- Basic mathematical skills
- Understanding of elementary mathematical concepts
- Ability to reason quantitatively and to model and solve problems with quantitative methods.
Question Types and Data Interpretation Sets
Quantitative Reasoning measure has four types of questions:
- Quantitative Comparison Questions
- Multiple-choice Questions Select One Answer Choice
- Multiple-choice Questions Select One or More Answer Choices
- Numeric Entry Questions
Each question may be presented either as an individual item or as part of a collection known as a Data Interpretation set. All inquiries within a Data Interpretation set are derived from the same dataset, which is displayed through tables, graphs, or other forms of data representation.
Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing section measures your ability to:
- articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
- support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
- sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
- control the elements of standard written English
It is essential to provide targeted responses that align with the tasks at hand, allowing you to effectively showcase your ability to address a specific assignment. The evaluation does not focus on particular content knowledge.
The Analytical Writing section includes a 30-minute task titled “Analyze an Issue.” This task presents a viewpoint on a particular issue along with guidelines for your response. You are expected to assess the issue, explore its various dimensions, and construct an argument supported by reasons and examples that reflect your perspective.
You will utilize a basic word processing tool created by ETS to compose your essay responses. This tool offers functionalities such as text insertion, text deletion, cut-and-paste, and the ability to undo the last action. However, features like spellcheck and grammar check are not provided.