GRE Exam Structure
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada. It is also accepted by some institutions in other countries. The GRE is designed to assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills—skills that have been identified as critical for success in graduate and business school. The exam is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Here’s a breakdown of the GRE exam structure:
### 1. **Sections of the GRE**
The GRE General Test includes three main parts:
#### **Analytical Writing**
- **Duration**: 60 minutes total, which includes two tasks of 30 minutes each. - **Tasks**:
1. **Analyze an Issue** - Test takers are given a topic on which they need to write an essay presenting their perspective on the issue.
2. **Analyze an Argument** - Test takers are given an argument for which they should evaluate the logical soundness and write a critique. - **Purpose**: Assesses critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.
#### **Verbal Reasoning**
- **Duration**: Two sections, 30 minutes per section. - **Number of Questions**: Approximately 20 questions per section. - **Content**:
- **Reading Comprehension**: Questions on passages of varying lengths and topics.
- **Text Completion**: Tasks that require filling in blanks of sentences or short passages with suitable words or phrases.
- **Sentence Equivalence**: Tasks that involve selecting the best two answers from a list that fit in a sentence and result in completed sentences that are alike in meaning.
- **Purpose**: Measures your ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse, understand multiple levels of meaning, and summarize text.
#### **Quantitative Reasoning**
- **Duration**: Two sections, 35 minutes per section. - **Number of Questions**: Approximately 20 questions per section. - **Content**:
- **Quantitative Comparisons**: Comparing two quantities and determining the relationship.
- **Problem Solving**: Solving mathematical problems either by selecting the right answer from a set of choices or by entering the answer manually.
- **Data Interpretation**: Questions based on data presented in graphs, tables, or other formats.
- **Purpose**: Measures problem-solving ability, focusing on basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
### 2. **Scoring**
- **Scale for Verbal and Quantitative Sections**: Each scored on a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments.
- **Analytical Writing Score**: Scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
### 3. **Format**
- **Adaptive by Section**: The computer-adaptive test (CAT) format means that the second section of both the Verbal and the Quantitative parts will be adapted based on performance in the first section.
### 4. **General Test-Taking Tips**
- **Practice Time Management**: Managing time during the test is critical, especially since both the Verbal and Quantitative sections are tightly timed.
- **Familiarize With Question Types**: Understanding and practicing the specific types of questions you will encounter can greatly improve your performance.
- **Review Fundamental Skills**: Especially for the Quantitative section, a solid understanding of basic math skills is essential.
- **Improve Your Writing Skills**: For the Analytical Writing section, practice writing essays under timed conditions.
Preparing for the GRE requires a clear understanding of its format and a strategic approach to mastering the types of questions asked. By familiarizing yourself with the exam structure and practicing regularly, you can enhance your chances of achieving a high score, which is pivotal for admissions in competitive graduate programs.
