Analytical Writing Section: Reference Pool of possible Argument Task topics
Please click here for the list.What are the latest changes in the GRE General Test?
Reading Passages in Reading Comprehension questions have been reformatted. Reformatted reading passages are included in the Verbal Reasoning section of the computer-based GRE General Test. Traditionally, reading passages accompanying Reading Comprehension questions have contained line numbers that reference specific parts of the passages. Those line numbers are being replaced with highlighting when necessary in order to focus the test taker on specific information in the passage. The reformatted question types are being phased in gradually over time. During this time, test takers may encounter both formats in their tests.The GRE Program believes that the new format will help students more easily find the pertinent information in reading passages. Two new question types have also been included in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the computer-based GRE General Test. Test takers may see ONE new Verbal question or ONE new Quantitative question or no new questions at all. No test taker will receive more than ONE new question. The new question types are part of the first phase of the General Test improvements that are being introduced gradually over time. The new question types have been through extensive field trials, and the results indicate that they are functioning as intended. The GRE Program will begin counting these question types toward examinee scores as soon as an adequate sample of data from the operational testing environment is available.
Analytical Writing Section: How should one attempt the Argument Task and Issue task questions?
This section will comprise of 2 writing tasks which will also be delivered on the computer, and you must type your response. These are The Issue Task: The Issue task gives you considerable latitude in the way you respond to the claim made about a given issue. Practice writing responses on several of the topics, keeping to the 45-minute time limit. To prepare for this task, try asking the following questions when reviewing the published list of Issue topics.What does the statement mean? What does it imply? What, precisely, is the central issue?
- Do I agree with all or with any part of the statement? Why or why not?
- Is the statement valid only in certain circumstances?
- Do I need to explain how I interpret certain terms or concepts used in the statement?
- If I take a certain position on the issue, what reasons support my position?
- What examples - either hypothetical or drawn from my readings or direct experiences - could I use to illustrate those reasons and advance my point of view? Which examples are most compelling?
- What reasons might someone use to refute or undermine my position? How should I acknowledge or defend against those views?
The Argument Task: Because the Argument task is constrained by the line of reasoning in the argument presented to you, read and analyze the argument carefully. Practice writing responses to several of the topics within the 30-minute time limit. Try asking the following questions when reviewing the list of published Argument topics.
- What claims, conclusions, and underlying assumptions does the argument make?
- What alternative explanations and counterexamples can I think of?
- What additional evidence might weaken or strengthen the claims?
- What changes in the argument would make the reasoning more sound?
How should one prepare for the Problem Solving and Quantitative Comparision section?
The problem solving questions are standard multiple-choice questions with five answer choices. To answer a question, select the best of the answer choices. Some problem solving questions are discrete while others occur in sets of two to five questions that share common information. For some of the questions, the solution requires only simple computations or manipulations; for others, the solution requires multi-step problem solving.The following strategies may be helpful in answering problem solving questions.
- Read each question carefully to determine what information is given and what is being asked.
- Before attempting to answer a question, scan the answer choices; otherwise you may waste time putting answers in a form that is not given (for example, putting an answer in the form when the answer choice is given in the form , or finding the answer in decimal form, such as 3.25, when the answer choices are given in fractional form).
- For questions that require approximations, scan the answer choices to get some idea of the required closeness of approximation; otherwise you may waste time on long computations when a short mental process would be sufficient (for example, finding 48 percent of a number when taking half of the number would give a close enough approximation).
For more on Quantitative Comparison, Please click here.
How should one attempt Reading Comprehension questions?
Reading Comprehension question explores your ability to analyze a written passage from several perspectives. These include your ability to recognize both explicitly stated elements in the passage and assumptions underlying statements or arguments in the passage as well as the implications of those statements or arguments.Because the written passage upon which the questions are based presents a sustained discussion of a particular topic, there is ample context for analyzing a variety of relationships.
Pay attention to the following as you review the passage:
- The function of a word in relation to a larger segment of the passage
- The relationships among the various ideas in the passage
- The relationship of the author to the topic or to the audience.
You will find five types of reading comprehension questions to answer:
1. The main point of the passage
2. Information explicitly stated in the passage
3. Information or ideas implied or suggested by the author
4. Possible applications of the author's ideas to other situations, including the identification of situations or processes analogous to those described in the passage
5. The author's logic, reasoning, or persuasive techniques
In each edition of the General Test, there are three or more reading comprehension passages, each providing the basis for answering two or more questions. The passages are drawn from different subject matter areas, including the humanities, the social sciences, the biological sciences, and the physical sciences.
Here are some approaches that may help you in answering reading comprehension questions.
- Since reading passages are drawn from many different disciplines and sources, you may not be familiar with the material in every passage. Do not be discouraged if you encounter unfamiliar material. Questions are to be answered on the basis of the information provided in the passage, and you are not expected to rely on outside knowledge of a particular topic.
- You should analyze each passage carefully before answering the accompanying questions. As with any kind of close and thoughtful reading, look for clues that will help you understand less explicit aspects of the passage. Try to separate main ideas from supporting ideas or evidence. Try also to separate the author's own ideas or attitudes from information he or she is presenting.
- Note transitions from one idea to the next, and examine the relationships among the different ideas or parts of the passage. For example, are they contrasting? Are they complementary? Consider the points the author makes, the conclusions drawn, and how and why those points are made or conclusions are drawn.
- Read each question carefully and be certain that you understand exactly what is being asked.
- Always read all the answer choices before selecting the best answer.
- The best answer is the one that most accurately and most completely answers the questions being posed. Be careful not to pick an answer choice simply because it is a true statement. Be careful also not to be misled by answer choices that are only partially true or only partially satisfy the problem posed in the question.
- Answer the questions on the basis of the information provided in the passage. Do not rely on outside knowledge. Your own views or opinions may sometimes conflict with the views expressed or the information provided in the passage. Be sure that you work within the context of the passage. You should not expect to agree with everything you encounter in reading passages.
How should one attempt Sentence Completion questions?
Sentence completion questions measure your ability to use a variety of cues provided by syntax and grammar to recognize the overall meaning of a sentence. In deciding which of five words or sets of words can best be substituted for blank spaces in an incomplete sentence, you must analyze the relationships among the component parts of the sentence. Consider each answer choice carefully and decide which completes the sentence in a way that gives the sentence a logically satisfying meaning and allows it to be read as a stylistically integrated whole. Sentence completion questions provide a context within which to analyze how words relate to and combine with one another to form a meaningful unit of discourse.Here are some approaches that may be helpful in answering sentence completion questions:
- Read the entire incomplete sentence carefully before you consider the answer choices. Be sure that you understand the ideas expressed and examine the sentence for possible indications of tone (irony, humor, and the like).
- Before reading the answer choices, you may find it helpful to fill in the blanks with a word or words of your own that complete the meaning of the sentence. Then examine the answer choices to see if one of them parallels your own completion of the sentence.
- Pay attention to structural clues in the sentence. For example, words like although and nevertheless indicate that some qualification or opposition is taking place in the sentence, whereas moreover implies an intensification or support of some idea.
- If a sentence has two blanks, be sure that both parts of your answer choice fit logically and stylistically into the sentence.
- When you have chosen an answer, read the complete sentence through to check that it has acquired a logically and stylistically satisfying meaning.
For practice questions on Sentence Completions Please click here
How should I begin studying for GRE's Analogy questions?
The explanation for the Analogy question type appears below. Analogy questions test your ability to recognize the relationship between the words in a word pair and to recognize when two word pairs display parallel relationships. To answer an analogy question, you must formulate the relationship between the words in the given word pair and then select the answer containing words related to one another in most nearly the same way. Some examples are relationships of kind, size, spatial contiguity, or degree.Here are some approaches that may be helpful in answering analogy questions:
- Before looking at the answer choices, try to establish a precise relationship between the words in the given pair. It is usually helpful to express that relationship in a phrase or sentence. Then look for the answer choice containing the word pair whose relationship is closest to that of the given pair and can be expressed in a similar fashion.
- Occasionally, more than one of the answer choices may seem to express a relationship similar to that of the given pair. Try to state the relationship more precisely, or identify some aspect of the relationship that is paralleled in only one choice pair.
- Remember that a single word can have several different meanings. Check to be sure you have not overlooked a possible second meaning for one of the words.
- Never decide on the best answer without reading all the answer choices.
- Practice recognizing and formulating relationships between word pairs.
For an Online Question bank on Analogies please click here
What topics does Verbal Reasoning include? How should I begin studying for GRE Vocabulary?
Verbal Reasoning : This section is to test the the test taker's Abilities To analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it; To Analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and test their ability to recognize relationships between words and concepts.This section will comprise of questions based on Sentence Completion, Analogies, Reading Comprehension and questions based on Synonyms, Antonyms as well.
GRE Candidates will have to know the definitions, synonyms and usage of 1000's of the words. Therefore, Verbal Skill learning aids must include: Word lists, Antonyms-Synonyms lists, Multiple choice question based mock vocabulary tests, Flash cards etc. A book which all GRE candidates can refer to initially is Word Power Made easy, Besides which they can solve various tests from the popular study material books for GRE.
GRE Tips and Strategies
Know the sections of the test, the type of questions asked in each section, how long a section is and the time limit for each section. Attempt as many GRE practice tests and GRE sample tests as possible, as they will familiarize with the general level of the questions that are asked in GRE exam and the directions for questions. The instructions for attempting a question in the actual test may slightly differ from those given in your study material, so do skim through them quickly.In the Analytical Writing assessment section, the Issue task allows you to choose one of the two given topics, analyze the issue and write your views on it. But beware, dont start writing pros and cons of the issue. Since, it is your views that have been asked for, be specific and write only about your viewpoints.
The second essay in the Writing Assessment section is the Argument task. It does not offer any choice. You will be given a topic, which you have to critically analyze and evaluate and determine whether it is well-reasoned or not. Generally, each argument in the pool has three to five major logical fallacies or problems that you need to identify and point out. These may include drawing an analogy without taking difference in two cases into account, generalizing from a particular case or assuming one event caused another just because of the order in which they occurred.
GRE tries to adjust the test according to the level of the candidate. The first question is of medium level. If you answer it correctly, you will be asked harder questions. The incorrect answer will lead you to easier questions. Hard questions have more points than the easier ones. So, irrespective of the number of questions you attempt, you will fetch more scores if you attempting harder questions. Since the answer to the first question often determines the level of the test you will be attempting, it is very important to give right answer to the very first question of the test. In computer adaptive test, you cannot return to a question or review it later, so check it thoroughly before you submit it. Optimizing time is very important in GRE. You should be aware how much time you can devote on one question. You need to set your pace right. Rushing or sticking to a question for too long will cost you valuable scores.
Sometimes, you will find a question similar to what has already been asked in the test or in another section of the test. However, often these questions have substantial or subtle modifications and require different answer. So, pay close attention to the wording of each question before you decide on an answer. Lastly, you may consider canceling the test scores immediately after taking the GRE exam or quit the exam, so that the scores do not get noted in your permanent record. Unfortunately, you have to do it before you can see the test scores and the fees of the exam will not be refunded. This will also mean that you will have to gain register for the exam and pay the fee, to be able to re-take the exam and send the GRE scores to your chosen universities. If you do cancel your GRE scores, this will be noted in your official GRE score report. It is not allowed to cancel the scores of only one section of the test.
What skills does GRE test?
The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that are not related to any specific field of study.Verbal Reasoning - The skills measured include the test taker's ability to
- Analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it.
- Analyze relationships among component parts of sentences.
- Recognize relationships between words and concepts.
- Understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Reason quantitatively.
- Solve problems in a quantitative setting.
- Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
- Examine claims and accompanying evidence
- Support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
- Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
- Control the elements of standard written English
Getting an advanced degree can create many opportunities for students. The GRE®
revised General Test, which is widely accepted graduate admissions test
worldwide — can bring you one step closer to achieving your career
goals. And there has never been a better time to take the one test that
gives you more opportunities for your future.
Introduced on August 1, 2011, the GRE
revised General Test features new types of questions that more closely
reflect the kind of thinking you’ll do — and the skills you need to
succeed — in today's demanding graduate and business school programs. It
is designed to provide a friendlier, more flexible test-taking
experience. Get a look at the structure of the computer-based and
paper-based GRE revised General Test.
Computer-based GRE® revised General Test Content and Structure
The overall testing time for the computer-based GRE® revised General
Test is about three hours and 45 minutes. There are six sections with a
10-minute break following the third section.
Structure of the Computer-based Test|
Measure
|
Number of Questions
|
Allotted Time
|
|
Analytical Writing
(One section with two separately timed tasks) |
One "Analyze an Issue" task and one "Analyze an Argument" task
|
30 minutes per task
|
|
Verbal Reasoning
(Two sections) |
Approximately 20 questions per section
|
30 minutes per section
|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
(Two sections) |
Approximately 20 questions per section
|
35 minutes per section
|
|
Unscored¹
|
Varies
|
Varies
|
|
Research²
|
Varies
|
Varies
|
Note:
- An unidentified un-scored section may be included and may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. It is not counted as part of your score.
- An identified research section that is not scored may be included, and it is always at the end of the test.
The Analytical Writing section will always be first, while the other five sections may appear in any order.
Test Design Features
The GRE revised General Test design features
advanced technology that allows you to freely move forward and backward
throughout an entire section. Specific features include:
- Preview and review capabilities within a section
- A "mark and review" feature to tag questions, so you can skip and return later
- The ability to change/edit answers within a section
- An on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section
- New answer formats, including tasks such as numeric entry and highlighting a sentence in a passage to answer a question
To experience the test design features of the computer-based test, download POWERPREP® II software.
Paper-based GRE® revised General Test Content and Structure
The overall testing time for the paper-based GRE® revised General Test
is about three hours and 30 minutes. There are six sections with a
10-minute break following the second section.
Structure of the Paper-based Test
|
Measure
|
Number of Questions
|
Allotted Time
|
|
Analytical Writing
(Two sections) |
One "Analyze an Issue" task and
one "Analyze an Argument" task |
30 minutes
30 minutes |
|
Verbal Reasoning
(Two sections) |
Approximately 25 questions per section
|
35 minutes per section
|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
(Two sections) |
Approximately 25 questions per section
|
40 minutes per section
|
The Analytical Writing sections will always be first, while the other four sections may appear in any order.
Test Design Features
- When taking a Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning section, you are free, within that section, to skip questions and come back to them later or change the answer to a question.
- There are paper-based equivalents for most of the new question types, including text completions and numeric entry.
- Answers are entered into the test book, rather than a separate answer sheet.
- You will be provided an ETS calculator to use during the Quantitative Reasoning section; you may not use your own calculator.
To familiarize yourself with the paper-based test, try the full-length practice test in the Practice Book for the Paper-based GRE® revised General Test (PDF).
ETS and the GRE® Program make ensuring the fairness and validity of GRE
tests throughout the test development, administration and scoring
processes a high priority. To ensure that these goals are reached, ETS
has developed a meticulous system of internal checks and balances, and
audit teams routinely verify that all tests and services meet rigorous
professional standards such as those outlined by the American
Psychological Association, American Educational Research Association and
National Council on Measurement in Education.
Fairness
Fairness concerns are an integral part of the development and scoring
of all tests. The many activities that ensure fairness include:
- involvement of minority educators and representative committees in every phase of the development and scoring processes
- multiple fairness evaluations by trained reviewers
- routine analyses of test questions to establish that questions do not unfairly contribute to group differences
- rigorous training for all persons involved in the development or scoring of test questions to ensure that all examinees have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities
- appropriate accommodations (e.g., ZoomText®, extra time) for examinees who may need them
Validity
Validity research and analyses establish that the test measures what
it is supposed to measure. The GRE Program has documented evidence of
the following types of validity in GRE tests:
- construct validity (the test measures the skills/abilities that should be measured)
- content validity (the test measures appropriate content)
- predictive validity (the test predicts success)
- consequential validity (the test demonstrates that adverse consequences are minimal)
- external validity (the test has the expected relationship with other measures of the same construct)
Although ETS works to accumulate validity evidence at each stage of
the delivery and scoring process, the initial impetus for validity
research comes from feedback from members of the graduate school
community, who provide information about the skills and abilities that
they consider essential for success in graduate school.
Verbal Reasoning Measure
The Verbal Reasoning measure of the GRE® revised General Test assesses
verbal reasoning skills. These skills have been identified by graduate
and business school deans and faculty as critical for success in
graduate and business school. The capabilities that are assessed
include:
- the ability to understand text (such as the ability to understand the meanings of sentences, to summarize a text, or to distinguish major points from irrelevant points in a passage)
- the ability to interpret discourse (such as the ability to draw conclusions, to infer missing information or to identify assumptions)
Quantitative Reasoning Measure
The Quantitative Reasoning measure of the GRE revised General Test
assesses quantitative reasoning skills. The skills assessed are
consistent with capabilities outlined in the Mathematical Association of
America's Quantitative Reasoning for College Graduates: A Complement to
the Standards and are based on feedback from faculty surveys. The
capabilities that are assessed in the GRE Quantitative Reasoning measure
include:
- reading and understanding quantitative information
- interpreting and analyzing quantitative information, including drawing inferences from data
- using mathematical methods to solve quantitative problems
GRE test scores are the total marks acquired in GRE test
which can be utilized for taking admissions to various graduate
programs in universities and colleges based in UK, Canada and USA. These
scores are valid for 5 years. In August 2011, ETS announced changes in GRE exam. Revised GRE exam has a changed exam pattern, scoring format and syllabus.
New GRE scoring format
As per the new GRE scoring format the scoring scale has been changed.
Old GRE consisted of 10 points increments while new GRE scoring format
has 1 point increments. The objective of reducing the reporting metric
is to give scores that do not inflate small differences in performance
of the candidates.
The new GRE pattern score scale:
New GRE Quantitative: 130—170 score scale, in 1 point increments
New GRE Verbal: 130-170 score scale, in 1 point increments
Analytical writing: this section will continue to be measured on the sale of 0-6, in half point increments.
Now the possible score is stretched out to 41 which implies that similar number of candidates appearing in GRE test
will be assessed under 41 scores than 71. This will further make it
difficult for the schools to judge the candidates only on the basis of
scores. Candidates will now be required to have a strong application to
ensure admission in their desired schools.
GRE test Scores
GRE consists of 2 formats namely; Computer based test (CBT) and Paper
based test (PBT). Both follow same scoring patterns where total marks
allotted in a particular section is based on the number of correct
answers including the difficulty level of questions.
In CBT an applicant is asked to solve a set of questions of difficulty
level pertaining to their abilities. The scores are calculated on the
basis of number of questions attempted, statistical properties of
questions and number of correct answers.
In PBT the difference between the difficulty levels of questions is
lesser and score equating method is used to adjust the difficulty level
among questions. The final score is calculated on the basis of total
number of questions attempted.
The result of GRE test
consists of 4 different scores; overall score and separate section wise
scores. The quantitative and verbal sections are measured on a score
scale ranging between 130-170 and 1 point increments. Each section is of
800 thus making a total score of 1600 for the first 2 sections. The
writing assessment section is calculated separately on a scale of 0-6
with half point increments.
The
average score for the quantitative and verbal section is 470 and 570.
Candidates appearing for CBT can view their scores online generally 15
days after the test date while PBT test takers can view their points 6
weeks after taking the exam.
Apart
from the GRE scores, report also mentions the percentage of candidates
scoring less than you. The new scoring pattern of GRE ensures more
reliable Results.
The GRE (Graduate record Examinations)
is a standard test for admissions to various graduate schools based in
United States, other English speaking countries and business program and
graduate programs taught in English across the globe. The test was
developed by ETS (Educational testing Service) in 1949. The objective of
the exam is to test candidate’s skill in quantitative reasoning, verbal
reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing. The GRE test is an online test.
Who can take GRE test
Candidates seeking admission to graduate and business schools from
across the globe can appear for GRE General Test. Applicants from
different cultural and academic backgrounds take the test where GRE
General Test provides a common platform for measuring the candidate’s
aptitude.
GRE scores are used to supplement bachelor’s degree records, qualifications at graduate level and recommendation letters.
Time and place for taking the test
The GRE test
is conducted at about 700 major test centers across 160 countries. Most
of the countries hold the computer based test all round the year on
continuous basis. In Taiwan, Mainland China, Korea and Hong Kong, online
test is conducted once or twice every month. In the parts of the world
where online format is not available, the test is conducted in paper
pencil based format thrice a year in February, October and November.
The GRE test
scores are accepted by numerous business and graduate schools
worldwide. GRE scores are valid for 5 years. ETS can send your GRE
scores to four universities chosen by you.
For Frequent updates you can share with your friends.
The GRE (Graduate record Examinations)
is a standard test for admissions to various graduate schools based in
United States, other English speaking countries and business program and
graduate programs taught in English across the globe. The test was
developed by ETS (Educational testing Service) in 1949. The objective of
the exam is to test candidate’s skill in quantitative reasoning, verbal
reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing. The GRE test is an online test.
Who can take GRE test
Candidates seeking admission to graduate and business schools from
across the globe can appear for GRE General Test. Applicants from
different cultural and academic backgrounds take the test where GRE
General Test provides a common platform for measuring the candidate’s
aptitude.
GRE scores are used to supplement bachelor’s degree records, qualifications at graduate level and recommendation letters.
Time and place for taking the test
The GRE test
is conducted at about 700 major test centers across 160 countries. Most
of the countries hold the computer based test all round the year on
continuous basis. In Taiwan, Mainland China, Korea and Hong Kong, online
test is conducted once or twice every month. In the parts of the world
where online format is not available, the test is conducted in paper
pencil based format thrice a year in February, October and November.
The GRE test
scores are accepted by numerous business and graduate schools
worldwide. GRE scores are valid for 5 years. ETS can send your GRE
scores to four universities chosen by you.
For Frequent updates you can share with your friends.
