Starting with GRE preparation? Then, you-must-know-all about the crucial topics that constitute GRE exam syllabus.
Here, we provide you with detailed insights on various sections of GRE General Test.
While you become aware of the topics that make up different parts of GRE syllabus, you must also learn about their weightage in the exam. AsSri Sri Ravi Shankar quoted, “ The complete knowledge is that which involves both analysis and synthesis.”
GRE Exam Structure 2023
GRE consists of six parts, that are devised to evaluate the analytical, reasoning, and writing skills of the candidate. These skills serve as parameters to assess the candidate’s inclination and aptitude for master-level courses. The total duration of GRE is 225 minutes,and each section is assigned an individual time limit. The exam follows a flexible pattern and focuses on identifying the strengths of the test-taker. The following table reflects the sectional format of GRE exam:
|
Sections
|
No. of Questions
|
Time Limit
|
Score Range
|
|
Analytical Writing
(Two sub-sections)
|
Section 1: Analyze the Issue
Section 2: Analyze the Argument
|
30 minutes per task/section
|
0-6 (half-point increments)
|
|
Verbal Reasoning
(Two sections)
|
20 questions per section
|
30 minutes per section
|
130-170 (1-point increments)
|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
(Two sections)
|
20 questions per section
|
35 minutes per section
|
130-170 (1-point increments)
|
|
Unscored section*
|
Variable
|
Variable
|
-
|
|
Research-based section*
|
Variable
|
Variable
|
-
|
*Unscored section is based on Quantitative Reasoning or Verbal Reasoning. Research-based section is also unscored and designed mainly for ETS research purpose.
GRE Syllabus 2023
Every section of GRE serves a specific purpose and tests the related skills. Below is the description of different areas of GRE examsyllabus:
Analytical Writing
As given in the table, Analytical Writing section comprises two tasks: Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument. Each of these tasks forms separate sub-sections and is timed accordingly. This section basically checks your grasp of the given problem, your ability to examine, present your opinion in a logical order, and support it with good examples. Given below is a brief info about both the tasks:
- Analysis of an Issue
In this, you will be given a few statements
regarding a general issue, followed by a set of instructions. You are expected to take one stand and explain it with sound reasoning. For instance, you may be asked to express your viewpoints on a new policy.
- Analysis of an Argument
In case of an argument-based task, you will get a short passage on an action plan or opinion on an event. This is also accompanied by certain instructions, and you will need to dwell upon the author’s stance.
Did you Know: In 2011, the GRE pattern underwent a significant change. The exam was changed from being question-level adaptive to section-wise adaptive.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning section is a test of your grammar, vocabulary, inference, and reading skills. It features the following types of questions:
- Reading Comprehension (RC)
There are nearly 10 RC passages in GRE, followed by 1-6 questions each. These passages are fetched from books, periodicals, and news related to science, arts, business, humanities, etc.
- Text Completion
These questions are in the form of short passages, made up of 1-5 sentences. Each passage has 1-3 blanks that you need to fill by choosing an answer among the given choices.
- Sentence Equivalence
This type of question includes one sentence with one blank only. You will be given choices to select one or two correct answers that would complete the sentence.
Quantitative Reasoning
For this section, you will have an on-screen calculator.Quantitative Reasoning questions are drawn from the basic concepts ofgeometry,arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis. Some of these questions have more than one answer, while some entail comparison data. Further, the section also involves Numeric Entry questions and Data Interpretation sets.
For the Subject Tests, GRE syllabus varies as per the chosen stream: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. To know more details, visit the
official site.
About GRE
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service)for admission to MBA/MS and other master degree programmes worldwide. Its scores are accepted by thousands of B-schools and law schools in US, Canada, UK, and several other countries. Lakhs of aspirants appear in GRE at test centres across 100+ countries.