The GRE general test includes three different scored sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. It also includes one
unscored section, also known as the experimental section. The experimental section is always an additional verbal or quantitative section and is not
marked, so it is impossible for test-takers to know which section it is on the test. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates answer all questions on
the test to the best of their ability. The experimental section is included to give ETS data on the effectiveness and difficulty of new questions for the
development of future tests.
The following question types are represented on the GRE:
Analytical Writing
(essay format)
Text Completion
Sentence Equivalence
Multiple Choice — select one answer
Multiple Choice — select more than one answer
Numeric Entry
Select-in-Passage
|
Number of sections |
Timing |
Number of questions |
Score scale |
| Analytical Writing |
1 |
60 minutes |
2 |
0-6 |
| Verbal reasoning |
2 |
30 minutes each |
25 each |
130-170 |
| Quantitative reasoning |
2 |
35 minutes each |
20 each |
130-170 |
| Experimental |
1 |
Will reflect section type |
Will reflect section type |
Unscored |
|
Number of sections |
Timing |
Number of questions |
Score scale |
| Analytical Writing |
2 |
30 minutes each |
1 each |
0-6 |
| Verbal reasoning |
2 |
35 minutes each |
25 each |
130-170 |
| Quantitative reasoning |
2 |
40 minutes each |
25 each |
130-170 |
The GRE Analytical Writing section is split into two distinct and separately timed tasks:
- Analyzing an issue
- Analyzing an argument
Counter-intuitively, the 'issue' task is actually the one where candidates must present an argument, while
the 'argument' task requires them to dissect and analyze the effectiveness of someone else's argument.
The issue task presents candidates with a premise of general interest, chosen from a topic pool which can be
reviewed in advance. They must then interpret and organize the arguments around the issue, choose a side and
write a structured, cogent essay putting forth their ideas, providing evidence and offering potential counterpoints.
The argument task presents the candidate with a position on a given argument which they must evaluate according to its
effectiveness. They should then write a response that demonstrates their understanding of how the argument is constructed,
the claims that it makes and the supporting evidence it provides.
Both questions include specific instructions that a candidate should follow when responding to the prompt, and it is a good
idea to practice writing for a range of
GRE Writing Prompts
in preparation for taking the test.
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section has questions on Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. It tests a candidate's
vocabulary, understanding of word relationships, ability to construct meaning, information retrieval, strategic reading, inference, and
paraphrasing skills. Roughly half of the questions in this section require the candidate to read extended passages to retrieve information,
while the other half test their ability to complete, analyze and interpret sentences and paragraphs.
There are roughly six Text Completion questions on each Verbal section of the GRE, requiring the candidate to fill in up to three blanks to
complete the sentence with a range of word choices provided. It is recommended that candidates spend around one minute on each question.
Sentence Equivalence questions also require the candidate to fill in the blank, but this time with two different words which convey a similar
meaning in the context of the whole sentence. There are usually around 4 Sentence Equivalence questions in the Verbal section, which test
takers should spend about 1 minute each answering.
The Reading Comprehension part of the GRE consists of approximately 10 questions based on of 5 separate passages. Passages can be 1-3
paragraphs long, and candidates need to employ strategic reading and paraphrasing skills to answer the questions that follow. It is
recommended that candidates take around 1-3 minutes reading the passages and 1 minute to answer each question.
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning sections each have 20 questions in 3 key areas that appear in the following order: Quantitative Comparison,
Problem Solving and Data Interpretation.
It is recommended that candidates spend between 1.5 and 2 minutes answering each question, and around 35 minutes on this section
in total. To ensure you are fully prepared for what you'll be tested on in this section, read
What Math is on the GRE and work through our
GRE Math Test & Study Guide. You can also aid your preparation
by looking up a full range of
GRE Math Topics.
These questions test a candidate's ability to identify a relationship between two given quantities, according to the following
statements:
- Quantity A is greater
- Quantity B is greater
- The two quantities are equal
- The relationship cannot be determined from the information given
It is recommended that rather than trying to calculate the actual quantities presented in the question, candidates should make estimates or
transform them only as much as is necessary to be able to make a reasonable comparison.
There will typically be around 12 Problem Solving questions (including 3 Data Interpretation questions — see below) that require multiple
choice and numeric entry answers. To succeed on these questions, candidates need to apply various problem-solving strategies in addition to
understanding fundamental mathematical topics like geometry and algebra.
The Data Interpretation questions also contain an element of problem solving, but with reference to data contained in charts and graphs.
Candidates can expect 3 of these questions as part of the 12 Problem Solving questions in this section.
