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GRE Sections - Overview

The GRE is broken into six sections: a 60-minute writing section consisting of an Argumentative Writing Task and an Issue Writing Task, two 30-minute Verbal Reasoning sections, two 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning sections, and one 30- or 35-minute experimental or research section which can be either quantitative or verbal. The writing section is always first, but the remaining five sections can come in any order. There are optional 1-minute breaks after every section and a 10-minute break after the third section. The computer test lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes in total, the paper test lasts 3 hours 30 minutes.

Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section is always the first section of the GRE, and consists of two separately timed essay-writing tasks: an Argumentative Writing Task and an Issue Writing Task. The ETS website has a complete list of all the essay prompts for both tasks that may possibly be used for your GRE test; these lists are the best resource for students who are trying to learn about the sort of writing tasks that they will be required to perform during their test. ETS also provides detailed information about how your essays will be scored, with a rationale provided for each scoring level in addition to numerous example essays of differing quality. The essays are judged holistically, so it is important both to write a lengthy essay and to structure it well to clearly and efficienltly convey the complex interpretations of the provided material.

Verbal Reasoning

After the Analyitical Writing section, two or three of the remaining sections will test Verbal Reasoning. The Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning sections are the main attributes that set the GRE apart from other graduate tests, most notably the GMAT. While the GMAT requires efficient recall and deployment of grammar and spelling rules, the GRE is more comprehensive about its evaluation of English comprehension. If you are adept at learning language or have a diverse undergraduate or professional background, then the GRE is an excellent opportunity to showcase your reasoning abilities.

The Verbal Reasoning sections have three question types: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. Reading comprehension questions present a passage of text and then ask several analytical questions about it. This is fairly similar to the "reading comprehension" passages of other standardized tests, except that the reading material may be much more challenging than what you are used to reading for entertainment, because it is designed to mimic the level of material that you will be expected to digest as a graduate student.

The Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions are both different methods to evaluate vocabulary knowledge. Text completion passages are 1-5 sentences long with 1-3 blanks and either three or five answer choices (five if there is only one blank). Students must select the correct answer for every blank, or get the entire question wrong; there is no partial credit.

Sentence Equivalence questions present a sentence with a single blank and a list of vocabulary words. Students must select two vocabulary words that complete the sentence in an equivalent way. It does not matter whether both selections are "synonymous" (and it would be foolish to answer only based on which two words mean the same thing), it is only important that the completed sentence is "equivalent" with both words. These questions require more understanding then merely memorizing vocabulary lists – you must also understand sentence structure and be able to think creatively.

Quantitative Reasoning

After the Analytical Writing section, two or three of the remaining sections will be Quantitative Reasoning. The Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE are generally regarded as less difficult than those of the GMAT, because they test less specific professional knowledge, allow for more personal time management, and because they allow the use of a calculator.

The Quantatative Analysis sections have four question types: Quantitative Comparison Questions, Multiple Choice (select one answer), Multiple Choice (select one or more answers), and Numeric Entry questions. For quantitative comparisons, students must evaluate which of two quantities is greater (or whether they are equal, or whether it is impossible to determine their relationship). These questions are somewhat similar to "data sufficiency" questions on the GMAT, except that in addition to deciding whether the data are sufficient you must also indicate the relationship between the magnitudes of the two quantities. Numeric Entry questions present a text box, into which you must enter the specific value of the correct answer.

The Multiple Choice questions are self-explanitory, but you must be careful to distinguish between questions that have a single correct answer and questions that may have multiple correct answers. The best way to practice making this distinction is to take computer-based practice tests and get comfortable with the computer testing system. Multiple Choice questions that only allow a single answer will have a "bubble" format, where the answer changes if you select a different bubble. Multiple Choice questions that allow multiple answers will have a "checkbox" format that allows multiple selections.

Experimental or Research Section

After the Analytical Writing section, one of the remaining five sections will be an Experimental test section. The five sections can be presented in any order and the Experimental section may be either Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning. There is no reason for you to try to figure out which section is the experimental section, because doing so will be a distraction from focusing on the test. The Experimental sections are used to make continuing updates to the test, to gauge the difficulty of test questions, and as a data-collection tool for ETS. If there is a Research section, it will be presented after the completion of the rest of your test, and it will be optional.

Computer Adaptation

The computer-based GRE is adaptive by section for the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections, so students who perform well on their first section will "level up" to a more difficult second section. The difficulty of your test is taken into account during the computation of your "scaled score" of 130-170. The writing assignment is not adaptive. The experimental or research section is used to evaluate and measure the difficulty level of future test questions, but does not contribute to the adaptation of your test or to your scaled score.

GRE Sections: Your Path Through the Test

Featured Expert: Dr. Gurmeet Lall, PhD

The GRE sections consist of three main sections, which are scored, and two that are unscored. The GRE is similar to what is on the LSAT in some ways, as the LSAT sections follow a similar format, although the content and intent of the tests are different. There are some changes coming to the GRE that will be implemented next year. These changes won’t eliminate any of the GRE sections but will reduce the number of questions in each section. If you have to take the GRE to get into your program, your GRE test prep should still include the original long-form style of the GRE as these changes won’t affect your graduate school application timeline . This article will break down each GRE section by explaining what each section asks, what its intent is, give you sample questions to aid your GRE preparation, and give you other tips for how to ace the GRE.

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Article Contents 17 min read

Gre sections: what are the gre sections.

What's on the GRE ? The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has three scored sections:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Analytical Writing
• Quantitative Reasoning

The test also includes two sections that won’t count toward your final scores, but you will still have to complete them. The two unscored sections are:

• A repeat of either the Verbal or Quantitative Reasoning section
• A research section that is used by ETS to improve the test

Within each of the three main sections are adaptive sub-sections that contain different types of questions based on the section’s intent or purpose. As you can tell from the names, each section tests a different aspect of your knowledge and they all use different methods. For example, the Verbal Reasoning section breaks down into three different sub-sections, which are:

Text Completion

Reading comprehension, sentence equivalence.

We’ll explore each of these sections later, but the Verbal Reasoning section is meant to assess your vocabulary, your ability to understand the meaning of words in a specific context, and whether you can understand complex, graduate-level texts and can identify their main points. The other two sections are not divided into separate sub-sections, but use a variety of question types to make the test more challenging.

The Quantitative Reasoning section follows this format. It has three distinct question categories that are spread throughout the test, although not evenly:

• Problem Solving

Data Interpretation

Quantitative comparison.

The GRE is no longer considered a part of how to get into grad school , since several studies emerged proving claims long made by those who oppose the test. Those claims were that the test:

• Unfairly privileged people who can afford GRE prep courses  
• Does not accurately predict the success of those who take the test

After these studies came out, many graduate schools, from the most elite, such as Harvard University and Stanford University to the easiest PhD programs to get into , dropped the test from its graduate school admissions requirements. Many people have applauded the move, but ETS has responded by shortening the test, and arguing that the inequality that prevents students from affording GRE test prep has nothing to do with the test itself.

For now, as we’ve given you the broad strokes of the GRE sections, we can explore them more in-depth, and point out ways that you can improve your timing, your test strategy and what you need to look out for in each test.

Number of Sub-Sections: 2

Time Limit: 30 minutes

Score Scale: 0-6 (lowest to highest)

Analytical Writing is a section that tests for skills essential to doing well in any grad school program, Masters or a PhD, which are:

• Critical thinking
• Writing skills
• Analytical skills 

As a potential graduate student this section might be the easiest for you. Every undergraduate has spent their four years learning and mastering these skills by producing countless essays. But if writing and comprehension are not your strongest suits, and you have trouble formulating an argument, and defending or supporting it, then you should try a few writing exercises to practice.

Analyze an Issue

The question format of the Analyze an Issue sub-section is very short, but it can be intimidating in its brevity. You are only given a short prompt or statement, and a paragraph providing instructions; that’s it. There is no word limit as you only have 30 minutes to write the essay, but you shouldn’t take the opportunity to write whatever you want. You have to structure the essay properly and organize it in a way that makes sense to you and your reader.

One way to practice for the Analyze an Issue section is to write a rough draft of any of the essays and statements you’ll need to submit with your graduate school application. You can borrow the format of the Analyze an Issue section – responding to a prompt – and write a grad school statement of purpose , or a personal statement that tries to follow the same structure, in that you:

• State a clear position
• Support and defend your position with logical arguments
• Use clear, coherent language
• Organize your argument logically

How to Study for the Analyze an Issue Section

You can take a prompt from the ETS website to practice and to see how the sample responses are scored and evaluated by GRE evaluators so you know what you have to include in your essay and what you have to leave out. What makes writing this essay even more challenging is that you have to complete it on the ETS proprietary word processor, which has a few important features (cut/paste, undo, and insert text), but you won’t have spell-check or grammar-check tools, so you need to be careful and review the essay thoroughly for mistakes before you submit it.

Another important way to prepare for this section is by dividing the time allotted among the most important points that you should cover. For example:

• 5-10 minutes formulating your position
• 10-15 minutes writing the essay
• 4-5 minutes revising the essay

Broken down like that, you can see that you don’t have a lot of time to write, which is the main challenge of a test like the GRE – producing excellent work in a short amount of time. You don’t have to follow this exact timetable, but you should give yourself time limits for how long you spend on each section so you cover all the important points of the exercise.

The Analyze an Argument section is a little different than the Issue section, as it tests your comprehension and analytical skills more than your writing skills, because you will have to take apart an argument using your own general knowledge about various topics. You won’t have to produce an essay, but read one, and then, demonstrate through a written response that:

• You understood what the author was saying
• You can point to specific arguments made by the author
• You can invalidate the arguments using evidence and your own analysis

A tricky part of the Argument section is that you also have to make assumptions about the author’s argument, and relate how those assumptions disprove what the author is saying. This means that you have to consider things that are not written within the question or prompt but are still related to the subject you are analyzing.

For example, you may be given a prompt discussing the points used by someone applying for a bank loan (current business environment, market share, projected earnings, etc.). In your response you would have to consider not only what is written in the prompt, but outside variables, such as bank loan defaults, best business practices, and interest rates that are related to the topic, directly or indirectly.

However, this does not mean that you need to study these subjects, simply that you should make a habit during your GRE prep of reading as much as you can about different subjects in newspapers, magazines, blogs, essays, and academic journals. Remembering even the smallest fact related to a general topic can help give your response the nuance and subtlety that ETS readers are looking for in your response. This kind of preparation is also key to how to study for the LSAT, as you should have at least generalized knowledge about current events and recent, important legal decisions. 

How to Study for the Analyze an Argument Section

The Argument section uses different types of prompts, which will ask different things and ask you to approach each response differently. There are eight different types of prompts that will follow the essay or writing sample. If you have the time, you can explore each of the eight prompts with a writing sample to practice addressing the points raised by each, but you can also focus strictly on one to build-up the analytical skills you’ll need to properly respond to any of them.

This is because building up your critical thinking skills is essential to acing this section. The more you are able to follow a line of reasoning, look for and identify key pieces of evidence, and present your arguments in a cogent and understandable way, the better you’ll be able to respond effectively to any of the eight prompts.

Sample “Analyze an Issue” Prompts

“Globalization has both positive and negative effects on cultures around the world. Analyze the impact of globalization on cultural diversity and heritage, and discuss whether the positives outweigh the negatives.”

“The concept of a 'universal basic income' has gained attention as a potential solution to income inequality and unemployment. Discuss the advantages and challenges of implementing a universal basic income policy.”

Increasing urbanization has led to environmental degradation in many cities. Analyze the relationship between urban development and environmental sustainability, and propose strategies to mitigate the negative impact.

Sample Answer for Prompt #2

Poverty remains a persistent challenge everywhere but the concept of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) has the potential to transform society. The idea is simple, but the effects could be far-reaching. This financial safety net could alleviate poverty, but also increase social cohesion and people’s overall well-being. Thousands could escape the cycle of inter-generational poverty and the dream of a more equitable society could be reached.

UBI involves granting every citizen a regular unconditional cash payment, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Its critics say that a basic income will disincentivize people to work. I would make the argument that it would let people contribute to society in a way more meaningful and fulfilling to them, then something they are forced to do to make a living.

The Finnish UBI experiment showcased that although the increase in employment was limited, participants experienced improved well-being and reduced financial stress. This underscores UBI's potential to enhance people's lives, aligning with my belief in the program's positive influence.

The concept of UBI also resonates with me because it could be a way to address other poverty-related issues like homelessness. Although not the same as UBI, Salt Lake City's free housing program, which offers permanent, rent-free housing to the unhoused has nearly eliminated chronic homelessness in the city. This program has had the added effect of cultivating more empathy and compassion among citizens.

Alternately, Salt Lake City’s free housing program and UBI pose challenges. Implementing both of these programs on a large scale requires careful financial planning. While the potential increase in taxes is a concern, it is essential to weigh this against the positive impacts on poverty reduction and overall societal harmony.

Although challenges exist, the advantages, as demonstrated by the Finnish experiment and the free housing program in Salt Lake City, are undeniable. I am convinced that UBI can alleviate poverty, foster social cohesion, and uplift individuals' well-being. As we collectively strive for a more equitable and compassionate world, UBI stands as a tangible step towards realizing these aspirations.

GRE Sections: Verbal Reasoning

Number of Sub-Sections: 3

Time Limit: 30 minutes for each sub-section

Score Scale: 130-170 (lowest to highest)

Verbal Reasoning is another text-heavy section, but instead of making you analyze and formulate arguments, you will have to read passages and either:

• Complete a sentence by choosing the correct word
• Complete sentences by choosing two or more correct words
• Choose an answer that best summarizes a sentence or passage

This GRE section is one you can definitely study for in a traditional way, meaning you’ll have to learn and memorize the definitions of words. But you should also focus on reviewing and analyzing different texts, as this section does require you to also identify parts of an argument, how they all relate to each other, and what, fundamentally, is the author’s point or thesis.

The question formats are different for each sub-section. In the Reading Comprehension sub-section, you’ll be given:

• A short, one-paragraph passage
• A follow-up question
• A list of answers to choose from

This sub-section is where you’ll also use your analytical and comprehension skills to figure out how to choose the correct answer. You have to be able to understand an author’s argument, but, as with the Analyze an Argument sub-section in Analytical Writing, you also have to be able to understand what is implied by the author’s text, as well as what’s explicitly written.

But since there are so many variations on the text used, and the questions being asked you will also have to be able to:

• Recognize any secondary or supplementary arguments an author is making
• Distinguish between arguments the author supports strongly and arguments they are less passionate about
• Connect the various arguments within a passage to understand their relation to one another.

Fortunately, the prep you do for the Analyze an Argument sub-section will also be useful here. You should prepare for the Reading Comprehension sub-section by mining all the graduate-level texts you can find for the words used, as well as the structure and composition they use for their arguments. The texts you should read could be the same – scholarly articles, position papers, opinion essays, long-form reporting articles.

Sample Reading Comprehension Question

"Many species of birds migrate thousands of miles every year, traversing vast landscapes to reach their breeding and wintering grounds. These impressive journeys have long fascinated scientists and bird enthusiasts alike. One bird that stands out in this regard is the Arctic Tern, known for its incredible annual migration.

Arctic Terns breed in the Arctic regions during the short summer months, taking advantage of the abundant food supply. As winter approaches, they begin an astonishing journey to their wintering grounds in the Antarctic. This journey covers a distance of up to 44,000 miles, making the Arctic Tern's migration the longest recorded migration of any bird.

What's even more remarkable is the route they take. Instead of flying directly between the Arctic and Antarctic, Arctic Terns follow a zigzagging route that takes advantage of prevailing wind patterns and ocean currents. This indirect route helps them conserve energy and find food along the way. Additionally, they experience almost continuous daylight for the duration of their journey, which may contribute to their ability to stay on course."

Question #1

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason why Arctic Terns follow an indirect migration route?

A) To conserve energy.

B) To take advantage of wind patterns and ocean currents.

C) To find food along the way.

D) To avoid predators.

E) To experience continuous daylight.

Question #2

Based on the information in the passage, why do Arctic Terns migrate to the Antarctic for the winter?

A) To find food during the winter months.

B) To escape the harsh conditions of the Arctic.

C) To take advantage of continuous daylight.

D) To breed in the warmer climate.

E) To follow a specific migration pattern.

E) Examine the impact of climate change on bird migration. ","label":"Question #3","title":"Question #3"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Text Completion might seem easy on the surface (they’re basically fill-in-the-blanks questions), but you have to be aware of a few subtleties. This sub-section has two distinct question types, which are:

• Multiple choice/single answer
• Multiple choice/more than one answer

The way it works is that you’ll be given a short, three-or-five sentence passage with either a single missing word, or multiple missing words that have multiple answers for each empty space. We’ll give you sample questions to see what we mean, but where the difficulty lies in the text completion section is that there will only be slight differences between the multiple-choice words and phrases.

All of the words might make sense to complete the passage, grammatically, but within the context of the question and the passage’s argument might be incorrect. That’s why you have to pay close attention to the author’s intent in the passage, understand their tone and overall message, and understand the other words being used to choose the word that fits best in that context. Some questions will be easier than others, but regardless, you should pay close attention to the entire passage, and not just the list of words and answers.

How to Study for Text Completion

If you don’t already do them, you can prepare by doing a lot of crossword puzzles, which is a good way to increase your vocabulary anyway. The discipline and rigidness of crossword puzzles will also make you guess less and try harder to find the right answer the first time or with very little effort. You can also try to create a list of words, their category (verbs, adverbs, nouns) and their definition or write them down on flashcards to be able to read and recall everything about them, just by looking at it.

Sample Text Completion Questions

E) puzzle \/ harmony ","label":"Question #3","title":"Question #3"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

The Sentence Equivalence sub-section is where you usually have to find the right word(s) to complete a single sentence rather than an entire passage. You also have to word sentences differently from each other, which tests your vocabulary and whether you can express ideas in various ways. Again, this sounds easy, but with the clock ticking and seeing words you’ve never seen before, it can be difficult for even the strongest students. Here, each word matters. You need to be able to discern how specific words and phrases (“moreover”, “besides”, “equally important”, “although”) either:

• Change the direction of the author’s narrative
• Introduces something new to the sentence
• Modifies what was said before or after

The question format is simple. You are given a single sentence, and a list of six words. However, you might be asked to find two words that fit instead of one, which, depending on how you look at it, makes it easier or harder. That’s why we talked about all the small differences that you have to notice to be able to pick two words from a list of words that all look the same and could each “fit” into the sentence if this wasn’t a test.

How to Prepare for Sentence Equivalence

Coming into the Sentence equivalence with an outsized vocabulary is the best way to get a good GRE score . That takes years to develop and hopefully, being a university graduate, you have. But if you want to be doubly prepared for this GRE section so you can complete it faster and spend more time writing the essay or figuring out the maths problems in the Quantitative Reasoning section, the best way to prepare for this section is by being an active reader.

You should read material (long-form articles in major magazines, feature or personal essays by well-known writers, trade journals, technical reviews, research summaries) online and whenever you find a word you don’t know or understand, Goole it right away. Write down the definition immediately on a piece of paper so you can remember and reference it later. This is a more high-tech way than doing it with a pen, paper and a dictionary, but if that’s your style, you can do it that way too.

Number of Questions: 20 questions

Time Limit: 35 minutes for each sub-section

Score Scale: 130 to 170 (lowest to highest)

The math portion of the GRE may be the most difficult for some, depending on your academic background. But you’ll see more words than numbers, and to put your mind at ease even more, there is no calculus, trigonometry or having to create or solve mathematical proofs in this GRE section. You’ll have to have some understanding of algebra and geometry, which is taught in high school, but if you’re rusty, you can and should prepare.

This GRE section is divided into different question types, rather than different sections. The question types are:

• Problem-solving
• Quantitative comparison (you’ll have to compare how two separate quantities relate)
• Data interpretation sets (you’ll be given tables, graphs, charts and asked to answer questions about them)

But the question formats can range from:

• Multiple-choice with a single answer
• Multiple-choice with many answers
• Numeric entry (you have to calculate a numerical answer and insert it the provided space)

Any of the question formats can apply to the question types, but only the Quantitative Comparison question have the same list of answer and use only one type of question. The other questions type can split off into various formats, which you’ll find on your practice tests. You may be asked to solve a problem that is either multiple-choice or numeric entry, and the same applies to Data Interpretation.

These questions are multiple choice, but always have the same choices, since all you have to do is measure the relationship between two separate quantities. You most likely won’t need your calculator for these questions, as most of them come in the format of word problems (but, sometimes they are expressed mathematically in algebra equations), but more important in this section is to think mathematically to be able to find the right answer.

The answer choices are always:

• Quantity A is greater.
• Quantity B is greater.
• The two quantities are equal.
• The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

So even if it is a word problem, you have to break the problem down into individual variables and plug them into a formula or equation that agrees with your choice and disagrees with the rest of the four answer choices. But since this may take too much time, you can also just take the information as presented, and find the relationships among them guided by the various symbols that link them (the less-than <, greater than >, equal to =). You can also substitute some of the letter values with numbers, if that helps you figure out how calculate them properly.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving questions on the GRE can divide into various types, some of which are more familiar than others. Do you remember any of the word problem, arithmetic questions on the SAT or ACT like “if Train A departs the station at 12:45, and Train B is supposed to arrive at 1:05....”? If you do then you should expect to find those questions, along with a few variations, such as numeric entry and multiple-choice questions with several answers on the GRE. There are also problem-solving questions where you’ll have to interpret and analyze different data sets presented in the form of graphs, charts and tables.

Gathering and then interpreting data is one of the most crucial and foundational skills you’ll need as a graduate student, which is why the QR section has data interpretation sets and questions. These questions will test whether you can accurately read and draw conclusions or form assumptions based on data displayed in several formats, from tables, graphs, and charts. You’ll either have to enter a numeric value to answer this question, or choose a correct answer from a list of answers related to the information displayed. You should prepare by reading sample questions so you can build upon the analytical and interpretation skills you have, while also learning more about what each of these data sets represents.

How to Prepare for the Quantitative Reasoning Section

The Quantitative Reasoning section will test your hard math skills meaning the things that all students are taught in high school, such as beginner-level statistics (averages, mean, median), geometry (parallels, triangles, planes) and algebra (basic linear equations, relations, and functions). If these are not your strongest areas, you can hire a GRE tutor to help you focus specifically on developing your math skills, which will be important to the GRE. If you can’t hire a tutor, then you should use ETS’s prep materials and strategies specifically designed for the Quantitative Reasoning section to find out which strategy to use and for which question type.

Sample Quantitative Reasoning Questions

Question #1 - Data Interpretation

Refer to the table below and answer the question.

If a customer buys 2 apples, 3 bananas, and 4 oranges, what is the total cost?

Sample Multiple Choice Problem-Solving Questions 

E) 48 square units ","label":"Question #2","title":"Question #2"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

For now, there are three main GRE sections, but there are two unscored sections that you also have to complete. ETS plans on reducing the number of questions in each section, although they will keep the number of sections on the test.

Each of the three GRE sections is supposed to assess your knowledge in several areas from your reading, comprehension, analytical skills and vocabulary in the Verbal Reasoning section, to your writing, communication and ability to make arguments in the Analytical Writing section. The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on your arithmetic, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.

The hardest GRE section is different for everyone, but, in general, every section is meant to be difficult even for the brightest students. But the hardest part of the GRE is that its timed, which makes trying to do anything difficult.

The exact number of questions for each section varies from test to test, but only Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning have a range of questions from between 20-27 per section. The Analytical Writing section is made up of two sections that are writing-based and do not have typical multiple-choice answers.

There are multiple ways to calculate your GRE score, either separately for each section, or a scaled score representing your performance in all three sections, and a percentile score that compares your performance to all the other test-takers. A good GRE score also depends on what score you need, but generally for each section you should aim for anywhere between 153-160 with 170 being a perfect score for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing is scored differently and uses a 0-6 range, with 6 being the highest. Getting a perfect score on the AW section is possible, but anywhere between a 4 or 5 is exceptional. 

You can prepare for the GRE by tackling each GRE section individually and timing yourself for each section. You should create a study schedule to find out how much time you need to study (total study hours in the triple digits has been shown to correlate to a high score) but you should also take a diagnostic test to figure all this out. You should also read actively and create lists and flashcards of important words, and formulas that you’ll need to remember to answer the questions.

How long is the GRE ? It usually takes four hours to complete the test, as you have 30 minutes for each sub-section within the three main GRE sections.

If you must submit GRE scores to get into your program, then yes. However, now, both Ivy Leage graduate schools as well as the easiest PhD programs to get into have either dropped the GRE requirement or made it optional. If you take anything away from this article it should be that the GRE is not easy, and requires at least a few months of preparation. If you don’t have to take the GRE and the programs you are interested in do not require it, you should spend the time before applying on more important, and required supporting materials, such as your graduate school cover letter , graduate school resume , a research proposal , or getting good grad school letters of recommendation . 

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What Is The Unscored Experimental Section On The GRE?

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Why does ETS include this section?

While this section does not add to your final GRE score, ETS uses it to gauge the difficulty level of questions. Consider this section as a way for ETS to analyze their exams without putting their students’ scores under any peril. With the help of this section, ETS ensures that the new edition of the exam is comparable to the earlier editions. 

What kind of questions can you expect?

The unscored section is either a Quant or verbal section. Therefore, if you get 3 verbal sections or 3 Quant sections, then you know that one of those is unscored. However, it’s impossible to guess which of them are unscored, so it’s better you attempt each section seriously. 

How do you prepare for the unscored section?

The simple answer is: you don’t. While we refer to this section as ‘unscored section’ or ‘experimental section’, the section isn’t as important to students as it is for ETS. There is nothing additional you can do for this section since this is just an extra quant or extra verbal section. 

Research Section

Just like the Experimental Section, there is another section that the GRE exam might consist of. It’s called the Research Section. It is an unscored Quant or Verbal section, but it is always marked and always appears at the end of the exam. 

Why is it included?

Like the Experimental Section, the Research Section is a way for ETS to gauge the exam. It’s called ‘Research Section’, because it is used for research purposes, and hence it is unscored and optional.

Can you skip this section?

While the experimental section isn’t marked, you can’t skip it. However, the research section of GRE is optional and you can actually skip it. 

That’s all for today. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments. If you have taken GRE, or are planning on taking it soon, do share your prep strategies with us in the comments below. Until next time!

Have you also read:

• Tips To Crack Analytical Writing In GRE
• Tips To Crack Verbal Reasoning In GRE
• Tips To Crack Quantitative Analysis In GRE

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GRE Experimental Section: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The GRE General Test is one of the many standardized tests developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This test measures one’s ability in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking. It is usually taken by students who plan to pursue postgraduate studies. This test is usually one of the requirements asked by schools and universities. This test has 6 sections and additional experimental and research sections. The experimental section is an extra section in the GRE which is unscored and questions are verbal and quantitative related. In this article, this additional section is discussed.

What is the experimental section, and why is it included in the GRE?

The extra, unscored section in the GRE is known as the experimental section. It can either be an extra verbal reasoning section or an extra quantitative reasoning section. Thus, instead of two Verbal sections, you may receive three, one of which will be an experimental section that will not count toward your score. Due to the fact that the GRE experimental section is not marked or indicated on the exam, you will have no way of knowing whether you are on a regular Verbal or Quant section or the unscored experimental section.

Additionally, the GRE experimental section may appear at any time following the first section of the GRE which is the Analytical Writing (AW) section. This means that you may receive this GRE unscored section near the start, in the middle, or even at the very end of the test.

The GRE experimental section is used by ETS (the creators of the GRE) to evaluate the difficulty of questions that will be used on future tests. This section is left unmarked to allow ETS to more accurately predict how test-takers will perform on new questions; it also ensures that the difficulty level of new questions is comparable to that of current GRE questions.

What are the question types in the GRE experimental section?

Questions similar to the verbal and quantitative sections are the question types in the GRE experimental section.

Who takes the GRE experimental section?

The GRE experimental section or the GRE research section will be given to the vast majority of test takers, but never both. This means that the GRE will have six sections for the majority of test-takers:

• 1 Analytical Writing section (two essay tasks)
• 2 Verbal reasoning sections
• 2 Quantitative reasoning sections
• 1 unscored Verbal or Quant section (experimental or research)

Occasionally, some examinees may not receive an unscored GRE section (experimental or research), resulting in a total of five sections on the test, all of which count toward their final GRE score. This would result in a 30-35 minute reduction in their total GRE test time.

Why aren’t experimental sections included in all actual GREs?

The experimental section is actually given to random test takers. Some GREs include a research section in addition to the experimental section. This will always appear at the end of the test and will be labelled as unscored. Additionally, it is optional. If you skip it, it will have no effect on your score, though ETS may include a reason or incentive not to skip it. However, there is no way to predict whether your test will include an experimental or a research section in advance.

Can you skip the GRE experimental section?

No. It is not an optional section on the GRE, unlike the research section, which may or may not is taken by the examinee.

How difficult is the experimental section of the GRE?

The difficulty level of the GRE experimental section varies considerably, as ETS is experimenting with a variety of new GRE questions in order to gauge and track test-taker performance on them. Fortunately, because the experimental section does not contribute to your final score, how you perform on it is irrelevant in the end.

Is the Experimental section the same level, easier or more complicated than other sections?

There is no way of knowing whether it is easier or harder. ETS has not shared enough information to make a prediction on that. By and large, according to previous test-takers, the experimental section is likely to be complicated. However, that could be a subjective opinion based on personal experience.

How does the experimental section differ from the research section?

The GRE research section, like the GRE experimental section, is an unscored Verbal or Quant section used by ETS to evaluate potential questions in a real-world test-taking environment. Unlike the experimental section, which is unmarked and appears randomly, the GRE research section is marked and always appears at the end of the test. Besides that, the GRE research section is completely optional—you may choose to take it or not. In comparison, because you have no idea whether a section is experimental or not, you are unable to skip any of them.

How to answer the GRE experimental section?

Answering the GRE experimental section is just similar to answering the other sections of the GRE. But here are some exceptional tips you can apply in answering this unscored section.

• Refrain from attempting to guess which section is the experimental one.

It is strongly recommended that you treat the entire exam as if each and every section contributes to your final score. Do not skip any of the Verbal or Quant sections, even if you are almost certain that you know which one is the experimental one. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll see a significant drop in your GRE score as a result of skipping an entire scored section.

• Make sure you are prepared to spend a little more time on the test than you did on your practice tests.

This is due to the fact that most practice tests do not include an additional Verbal or Quant section to replicate the inclusion of the experimental section, which you might receive on test day. Instead, most practice tests consist of a single Verbal and Quant section.

How to prepare for the GRE experimental section?

You don’t. Simple as that. Since this section is an additional verbal or quantitative section, what you study or prepare for these two sections will be used in the experimental section as well. Below are detailed steps on how to do this.

• Answer GRE verbal practice questions, focusing on the subsections that present the greatest difficulty. For example, because vocabulary is one of the most difficult components of the GRE verbal section, the test taker may wish to brush up on their vocabulary through vocabulary practice tests or drills.
• Answer GRE quantitative practice questions, focusing on the sections you find most difficult. For example, data interpretation is one of the most challenging components of the GRE quantitative section, and you may wish to study data analysis practice questions.
• This has been repeatedly saying in this article. But this is really important. You should treat the exam as if every section affects the score, and shouldn’t try to assume that a particular section is the unscored one.

While we refer to this section as the ‘unscored section’ or the ‘experimental section,’ it is not as significant to students as ETS believes. There is nothing else you can do for this section, as it is simply an additional quant or verbal section.

What is the best prep program for the GRE experimental section?

Manhattan Prep is the best GRE course provider when preparing for the experimental section of the GRE. All of Manhattan Prep’s GRE practice tests now include unscored math or verbal section, in addition to the previously scored sections. This makes the tests as realistic as possible. It is extremely beneficial to practice under test conditions as the actual test is very long. From the first question to the last, you must remain focused and on top of your game, which is much easier said than done given the time constraints. Realistic practice will aid in the development of your endurance and the identification of any issues that should be addressed prior to the actual test.

Is the GRE experimental section adaptive?

No, this section is not computer adaptive in the same way that the other GRE sections are. This means that your performance in this additional section will have no bearing on or change the difficulty of questions in subsequent verbal or quantitative sections.

References:

• https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/gre-experimental-section/
• https://www.manhattanprep.com/gre/blog/practice-test-experimental-sections/
• https://brightlinkprep.com/gre-experimental-section/
• https://insideiim.com/gre-experimental-section-explained

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GRE Sections: What is on the GRE?

• Last Updated: March 31, 2021

You’re considering taking the GRE exam and would like to know, “What is on the GRE?”

With unique question types and uncommon answer formats, it’s important to familiarize yourself in depth with the three distinct GRE sections: Verbal Reasoning (V) , Quantitative Reasoning (Q) , and Analytical Writing (AW) . In total, the GRE contains six sections , one of them unscored. The Verbal and Quantitative portions contain two sections a piece. We’ll go into a breakdown of each GRE section and thoroughly answer the question: “What does the GRE consist of?” 

How many questions are on the GRE?

On test day, you will encounter 82 scored questions but will likely need to complete 102 total questions due to an experimental or research section. The experimental section has the following attributes:

• Does not count toward your final scores
• Can appear at any time after the Analytical Writing section
• Is not section-level adaptive 
• Question difficulty can vary immensely

As a result of these characteristics, it is not recommended that test takers attempt to guess which section is the experimental one during the exam. Let’s take a look at the GRE section breakdown and question types below.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning portion of the GRE exam contains two scored sections of 20 questions each. Compared to the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, the GRE Verbal Reasoning section is more exhaustive about its evaluation of English comprehension with an additional focus on vocabulary. There are three types of Verbal Reasoning questions: Text Completion , Sentence Equivalence , and Reading Comprehension . 

Text Completion 

Text completion questions are 1-5 sentences in length and contain 1-3 blanks along with three or five answer choices. GRE exam takers must choose the correct vocabulary word for every blank to receive credit; unfortunately, there is no partial credit . See the sample question taken from the ETS website (creators of the GRE) below.

Remember all Text Completion questions are worth the same point amount regardless of the number of blanks in the question. From a strategy standpoint, don’t get too hung up on a lengthy text completion question. Move on and mark the question for review on a second pass. 

Sentence Equivalence 

Like Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence questions demand intensive vocabulary knowledge. Yet, this style of GRE question is unique in that it asks test takers to select two out of six vocab words that complete the sentence in an equivalent way . Note, it does not matter whether both selections are “synonymous”. In fact, you should be on the lookout for traps laid by the exam writers tempting you to choose synonymous words when they don’t actually complete the sentence in an equivalent way. Also similar to Text Completion, you must choose both correct answer choices to receive credit. 

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension questions contain a passage of text followed by several analytical questions about it. You may be familiar with this style of question from past standardized exacts such as the SAT or ACT. However, these passages will be significantly more challenging as they are designed to mirror graduate level publication material. Specifically, you may be asked to:

• Infer missing information
• Draw conclusions
• Identify author’s assumptions
• Distinguish major points from minor points

GRE test takers should prepare for passages from a wide variety of subjects. For example, if you’re planning to attend graduate school in the biomedical sciences, you may be adept at analyzing medical journal abstracts but find The New York Times Book Review nearly incomprehensible. The best way to improve your GRE Reading Comprehension score is to become a voracious reader and analyze challenging passages outside your comfort zone. 

Quantitative Reasoning

Like the Verbal Reasoning section, the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section contains two scored sections of 20 questions each. This section focuses on high school level math and covers arithmetic, algebra, data analysis, and geometry. While you’ll have access to an on-screen calculator, you should learn to use it sparingly and rely on mental math shortcuts for the majority of the Quantitative Reasoning questions. Before reviewing the basic math concepts and geometry formulas you may have long forgotten, it is important to familiarize yourself with the five distinct question types:

• Quantitative Comparison

Numeric Entry

Multiple choice – one answer, multiple choice – one or more answers, data interpretation sets, quantitative comparison .

The Quantitative Comparison question type is what makes the quantitative component of the GRE distinct from those of other standardized exams. GRE test takers must determine which of two quantities is greater (or if the two quantities are equal or if it is impossible to know). While it is somewhat similar to the “Data Sufficiency” style questions found on the GMAT, Quantitative Comparison questions require students to indicate the relationship between the magnitudes of two quantities in addition to determining the presence of sufficient data.

GRE exam takers will face approximately 14-16 Quantitative Comparison questions in total (or 7-8 per section), which can take the form of equations, integers, inequalities, or diagrams. When I first began studying for this question style, I’d frequently remark to myself, “this question seems random and dumb!” However, I soon came to learn that the most important thing to keep in mind for Quantitative Comparison questions is to realize there is a specific concept being tested, and it is our job as test takers to identify that concept and apply it correctly. For example, is the question trying to test you on a particular geometry rule or factoring method? It is easy to get bogged down in the strange presentation style of this type of question. You should not lose sight of the fact that your first job is to hypothesize what the exam writers are trying to test you on before attempting to determine the answer. 

Although it’s widely accepted by most students that the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section is more challenging than that of the GRE’s, GRE exam takers must contend with one other question style not found on the GMAT – numeric entry. Fortunately, you are likely to see only about 4 Numeric Entry questions in total (or 2 per section). The instructions are clear: you will come up with your own answer and enter it in the blank. Generally, you should rely on mental math shortcuts and learn to save time by refraining from heavy on-screen calculator usage. However, Numeric Entry style questions may require use of the calculator for precise answer entry if required by the question. 

This is your typical standardized exam math question with five answer choices and one correct answer. You can expect to complete about 20 Multiple Choice – One Answer questions in total (or around 10 per section). Note, for the One Answer questions you will see each answer choice indicated by an oval . I recommend students begin practicing with this style of question as they reacquaint themselves with the fundamental math concepts found on the GRE. 

You will know you’ve encountered a One or More Answers style question when you see square boxes next to the answer choices in a “checkbox” format. The Quantitative Reasoning section contains around 4 Multiple Choice – One or More Answers type questions in total (or about 2 per section). GRE test takers should be prepared for a wide array of answer choices. Some questions will contain fewer than five answer choices and some more than five. Also, the question may ask you to select a specific number of choices or all correct answers. Seems like a lot of variation? As my high school AP Chemistry teacher used to exhort – read the question, read the question, read the question!

Now, for all the aspiring data scientists (or data visualization addicts) out there, this section is for you. Data Interpretation Sets contain about 3 consecutive questions pertaining to a particular set of data. You must bear in mind that Data Interpretation Sets may contain Numeric Entry or multiple-choice questions (both types). Additionally, you should not incorporate any specific outside knowledge (beyond everyday facts) and strictly use the data presented to answer the question. Aside from plenty of practice questions, one way to improve your score on Data Interpretation Sets is by frequently analyzing charts and infographics such as those found in The Economist .

Analytical Writing (AW)

GRE exam takers must complete 2 essay questions : “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument”. As a first step, students should peruse the complete list of all essay prompts for both tasks on the ETS (makers of the GRE) website. For the “Analyze an Issue” essay, you can examine multiple angles and state how you agree or disagree accordingly in a structured, convincing manner. On the other hand, for the “Analyze an Argument” essay, you are primarily concerned with addressing the logic and soundness of an author’s argument. Be on the lookout for any cursory or unfounded assumptions made by the author. For both essays, I suggest the following:

• Spend up to 5 minutes constructing a thoughtful outline
• Present counterarguments and then successfully weaken them

GRE Section Order and Breaks

Unlike the GMAT, GRE test takers do not have the ability to customize the section order on their exam. On the GRE exam, the Analytical Writing section will always come first . However, the next five sections may come in any order . Also, don’t forget there is an Experimental or Research section that will not count toward your scores. 

How long is the GRE?

GRE test takers will spend 3 hours and 45 minutes completing their exam. Whether you are taking the GRE in-person or at-home , you will have one 10-minute break following the third section and one-minute breaks between all other sections . The table below outlines a potential exam day scenario: 

Next Steps: GRE Sections

By now you should have a good understanding about the structure and format of the GRE exam. If you decide to pursue graduate studies and need to take the GRE, I recommend that you come up with a target GRE score based on the reported averages of the programs you’re interested in attending. Once you have a goal in mind, you can choose the appropriate study plan and determine what GRE study materials you’ll need on your path to exam success. 

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What is the GRE Experimental Section All About?

By Jitta Raghavender Rao • FAQs: Questions About the GRE

In an ideal world, when you are taking your GRE test, you expect things to be simple and straightforward. You are presented with one section of analytical writing , two sections of quant and two sections of verbal alternatively, and you receive appropriate score based on how well you perform on these sections. Seems fair enough, doesn’t it?

But, unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world. So, things tend to be a bit more complicated than they appear. In addition to all the aforementioned sections, the GRE presents you with an additional section for which you are not awarded any score. Even if you answered all 20 questions correct in the experimental section, you won’t receive a single increment in your final score. Sounds weird, right?

Well, technically there is no exam in the world that doesn’t reward it’s test takers with score when they get a question right and GRE is the exception. In fact, GRE has a whole section of about 20 questions that come under this exception. Yes, it might seem a bit unfair to you, as a test taker. Known as the experimental section, this section on the GRE is of late causing a bit of discomfort among the student community. After all, of all the worries that the test takers experience, the GRE experimental section is probably the worst. So, all you can do is learn more about it before you take the test.

What is the GRE experimental section exactly?

The GRE experimental section is a placebo test for the GRE test takers, where an unbiased section, verbal or quant, may be presented as an experiment. Which means, you should attempt all the questions on the test, but you will not be awarded any score for doing so. And to make things a bit more confusing, you don’t know which of the given sections is experimental. It’s all random. So you need to answer all sections without skipping. Because test takers have no way of knowing which section is experimental, it is usually advised that they give their best on every section. As cruel as it may sound, you can’t help but face it on the test day.

What did I do to deserve this?

Nothing. Though it might seem more like a punishment than an experiment, the experimental section was made a part of the test, because ETS has to test new questions they created for future purposes. The makers of the GRE are constantly preparing new questions every single day, and there needs to be a tested mechanism to classify these new questions based on their difficulty levels, which is exactly why they are being tested on you. Based on the answer responses given by thousands of students every day, and the average time taken to solve each question, ETS decides if a particular question can be considered easy, or difficult, or somewhere in between.

But, why me?

Since hundreds of new questions are created every single week, it is a rather impossible task for ETS to test each question individually and decide its difficulty level. Plus, in order to determine the difficulty of a question, ETS must figure out what percentage of students failed to solve a question, and how long it took on an average, for a student to solve it. Now, any engineer will agree that in order to arrive at this number, it would require a huge sample space. ETS cannot simply ask 10 random students to solve a question and decide its future. It needs a very big sample group, which consists of students who are as prepared as an average GRE test taker is. Now who else is as good as the average GRE test taker, but the test takers themselves? Got the point?

Can’t I just figure out which section is experimental and skip it?

Well, you can and you can’t. The thing is, you cannot know exactly which section is an experimental section. But you can, at the very least, know whether the experimental section is math or verbal. So, if your test has three math sections instead of two, you must understand that one of them was experimental. Similarly, if the test has three verbal sections, one of those three was experimental. That’s all you can figure out. You still don’t know which of the three the experimental section is, so it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to identify the experimental section during the test. It is important that you take every section seriously .

Is the GRE experimental section computer adaptive?

Fortunately, your performance on the GRE experimental section has no effect on the next section. The experimental section is not computer adaptive, and hence does not affect the difficulty levels of the upcoming sections.

Is the experimental section easier or more difficult than other sections?

Well, sadly, no one can tell. Since all the sections look alike, and since any one of the sections can turn out to be the experimental section, you won’t notice any differences.

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes. There is always something about the GRE that you should definitely know . Sometimes, instead of an experimental section, you may be presented with a research section at the end of the test. This research section is somewhat similar to the experimental section, but you will be notified clearly that it is a research section. Now, only in this one case, you can skip the entire section. But otherwise, you should attempt all sections.

Sometimes, if you are one of the few lucky ones, you may not receive any additional sections at all. No one knows for sure, but it happens only to a handful of students every year. So, be careful, and be ready to face the extra section. You can never avoid the fault in your stars, so better be prepared for the worst. By the way, there is no experimental section on the paper-based GRE.

Now It’s Your Turn

So, that’s about it. What do you think? Do you have any ideas on how to tackle the GRE experimental section? Or do you have any stories about the experimental section that you would like to share? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

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10 Comments to “What is the GRE Experimental Section All About?”

This is very informative. Thank you 🙂

Palaniappan, thank you for the support. I’m glad you found it helpful 🙂

Thanks Jitta! These articles and your emails made a huge impact on my GRE score. Thank you for your suggestions. Very helpful 🙂

Vikas, glad we could help. Let us know if you need any help along the way.

Hey Jitta, your posts are really getting better and more informative day by day. Thanks for sharing and posting such good posts, they are really helpful.

Manisha, glad you find them informative. I look forward to hearing much more from you in the future as well 🙂

Jitta really good article I have found..explain very well…and very helpful as exm point of view.

Always happy to help, Yogi! 🙂

Very Informative. Thank You. Cleared my confusions.

I faced this today. I was given 3 sections of Quantitative. My face literally dropped when I thought it was over and BOOOOM, a 3rd quant section. Then it hit me. One of the other two could have been the experimental section. I had to summon all the strength and mental fortitude I could muster to focus and get it doje. Managed to score a 164 in the Quant. Here’s wishing my enemy an EXTRA SECTION FREE GRE exam. It’s sooooooo not worth the trouble. They’re all equally difficult. Cheers.

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What's Tested on the GRE?

What’s tested on the GRE? The GRE measures your command of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, as well as college-level vocabulary. More importantly, it measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, think critically, and solve problems. There are three total sections on the GRE and some test-takers face an unscored experimental or research section. You’ll tackle 80 scored questions on the GRE and two scored Analytical Writing tasks. If you are given a research or experimental section on your GRE test date, you may have to complete an additional 20 questions that won’t affect your total score.  

GRE Test Section Breakdown

The GRE contains two essays, at least two quantitative and two verbal sections, and one experimental or research section.

GRE Analytical Writing

The GRE Analytical Writing section consists of two essays that are timed separately. You’ll have 30 minutes to complete each, and they’ll both be completed at the top of the exam. Both tasks ask you to craft an analysis in response to a prompt—you will have to analyze an issue and analyze an argument. Graders reward sound logic in your writing rather than beautiful prose. Being verbose won’t get you extra points, but getting to the point and supporting your argument will. [ KEEP STUDYING:  GRE Analytical Writing Section   ]

GRE Verbal Reasoning (Verbal)

Gre quantitative reasoning.

The math section on the GRE, known as Quantitative Reasoning or Quant, consists of three question types: Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, and Data Interpretation. There are two sections total, and each section is 35 minutes long with 20 questions. Like Verbal, the GRE Math sections are both structured identically: first you’ll see the Quantitative Comparison questions, then the Problem Solving questions, and finally the Data Interpretation questions. Most of the concepts you’ll see on GRE Quant are covered in middle and high school, but you’ll want to make sure you have a firm grasp on algebra and geometry, especially if you haven’t taken a math class in some time.

[  KEEP STUDYING:   GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section  ]

Unscored GRE Sections: Experimental or Research

The unscored, so-called “Experimental” section and Research section have no effect on your GRE score. You may see either, but not both, on your test. Let’s talk about them separately for a moment. The unscored section, if you have one on your test, will appear among the scored sections in any order. You will not be able to distinguish it from the scored sections. What does that mean for you as a test taker? You should do your best on all of the Quant and Verbal sections. The Research section is a little different. It will always come at the end of the test and it will always be identified as an unscored section. The test maker may offer you an incentive for completing the section or for performing well on it. So, read the instructions and decide whether you want to take the section. Your score will not be affected either way. So, why does the GRE include unscored and/or Research sections? It’s because the test maker is testing out new questions. In unscored sections, they’re trying out new items in familiar formats (QC, PS, etc.). In Research sections, the GRE is actually trying out new question formats. A couple of years ago, for example, All-That-Apply Quant questions appeared only in Research sections. Now, they’re part of the test.

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The GRE is a 1 hour 58 minute computer-adaptive test (CAT) that has three sections: an Analytical Writing task, a Quantitative section, and a Verbal section. Here's an overview of what's on each GRE section.

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What Is the Format of the GRE?

Last Updated on April 28, 2023

Before you plan your course of study for the GRE General Test, you need to know what to expect on test day. In this article, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of the format of the GRE computer-based test and the different question types you’ll encounter on the exam.

To start, let’s review the GRE test format by focusing on the sections of the GRE and some important features for navigating them.

A Note About the Unscored or Research Section

Ability to skip and mark questions, section adaptability, no point deductions for incorrect answers, no partial credit for multiple-answer questions, ten-minute break, the “analyze an issue” writing task, the “analyze an argument” writing task, reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence, types of math on the gre general test, multiple-choice questions: single and multiple answer, quantitative comparison questions, numeric entry questions, accessing your scores at the conclusion of the exam, the sections of the gre general test: an overview.

“The three Rs,” r eading, w r iting, and a r ithmetic, make up the foundational topics covered on the GRE General Test. Specifically, the Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections test those skills in students needing to take the test for graduate school admission.

Let’s take a look at the basic structure of the GRE.

As you can see in the chart above, a total of six sections are presented on the GRE. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are both scored on a scale of 130-170 and are combined to make up your total score. Analytical Writing is scored separately on a scale of 1-6.

Aside from the writing section, each section contains the same number of questions, although you have slightly more time to complete the Quantitative Reasoning questions than you do for verbal questions.

The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are both scored on a scale of 130-170 and make up your total score, while Analytical Writing is scored separately on a scale of 1-6.

Before we delve into each of the scored sections of the exam further, let’s talk about the unscored (experimental) or research section, which is the only section of the GRE that is not scored.

Each GRE has either an unscored (experimental) section or a research section. The unscored section may appear at any point during the exam after the Analytical Writing task. It is not identified as an unscored section. If instead you are presented with a research section (as opposed to an unscored section), it will always be the final section of the exam, and it will be identified as such. The research section also is not scored.

The unscored/research section may be either a Verbal section or a Quantitative section. So, let’s say there is an unscored quantitative section on your exam. Since the unscored section is not identified as such, if you are presented with 3 Quantitative sections during the exam, you will not know which of the 3 sections is the unscored one. So, you must treat each section as one that will contribute to your score. Do your absolute best!

Alternatively, let’s say there is a research section on your exam, and it is a Verbal section. Although the research section is marked as such, since it always appears as the final section of your exam (and you will not be told beforehand whether you’ll see an unscored or research section), you still will not know when you’re completing the previous Verbal sections whether they are scored or not. So, you still must treat all of the preceding sections as though they are being scored.

If a third Verbal or Quant section appears after the break, put your best foot forward, just as you did with the first two, since you don’t know which one of the three counts toward your score.

We’ll talk about each of the scored sections in detail shortly. For now, let’s take a look at some of the important features of the exam to be aware of as you’re completing each section.

Key Features of the GRE General Test

Regardless of the section, or whether you take the test at home or at a test center, there are certain key features with which you need to be familiar. Let’s look at five features to be aware of as you navigate through the GRE.

Within each Quant and Verbal section, you can skip a question and go back to it as long as your time for the section has not run out. However, once you move on to the next section, you can’t go back to questions you skipped in previous sections.

For example, if you skip a question in the first Verbal section and want to return to it later, you must do so before the time allotted for that section runs out. Once you move on to the next section, you are not able to go back to any question in the prior section.

Additionally, there is a mark-and-review feature that allows you to mark any questions you may want to return to later. This feature could come in handy not only for questions you’ve skipped, but also for questions you’ve answered that you’re not 100% sure about.

Use the mark-and-review feature not only for questions you’ve skipped, but also for questions you’ve answered that you’re not 100% sure about.

One last feature that is helpful for marking and reviewing is the review screen that can be accessed at the touch of a button, which displays which questions you have answered and which questions have been marked. From that table, you can click back to any question you’d like to review or answer. This is what the review screen looks like:

Read the information at the top of the review screen carefully to learn what the check marks mean, what the status term “incomplete” means, and other useful information. You obviously won’t have the time on test day to learn how to use the review screen, so now is the time to understand this useful tool. All ETS practice exams have the review screen, just as the real GRE does. So, you can use it during any of your practice exams.

If you want to answer skipped or incomplete questions, make sure you return to them in the time allotted for that particular section.

Another important feature of the GRE is section adaptability. The GRE adjusts the difficulty level of the second section, whether Verbal or Quant, based on your performance on the first section of that type.

So, if you perform well on the first Verbal section, the next Verbal section will feature more difficult questions, and the same goes for Quant. Likewise, if you don’t perform well on the first Quant or Verbal section, the second section of that type will contain questions equal in difficulty or easier than those on the first section.

Note that this feature does not “cross-pollinate.” In other words, your performance on Verbal does not affect the difficulty of the Quant section, and vice versa.

The reason this feature is so key is that the difficulty level of questions is taken into account in scoring the exam. Test-takers tackling harder questions have the potential to earn higher scores than test-takers completing easier questions. You can learn more about GRE scoring in our article about how the GRE is scored .

If you perform well on the first Quant or Verbal section, you will see more difficult (and score-enhancing) questions on the second Quant or Verbal section than you will if you don’t perform well.

One great feature of the GRE is that there are no point deductions for incorrect answers. So, whether you solve a question incorrectly or you don’t know the answer and you guess incorrectly, you won’t be penalized. Thus, it makes sense to not leave any questions blank on the GRE, even if you don’t know the answers. At least if you select an answer, you have a chance of getting it right and increasing your score.

Never, ever leave a question blank on the GRE, even if you have to guess.

Some GRE questions require you to select more than one answer choice in order to complete the question. If you select only one answer when multiple answers are required, even if your one answer is correct, you do not get credit for the question. Furthermore, if you select the required number of answers but not all of your selections are correct, you do not get credit for a correct answer.

In other words, multi-answer questions are “all or nothing”; there is no partial credit. When you encounter a question that requires more than one answer, you must get all answers correct in order to receive credit.

When you encounter a question that requires more than one answer, you must get all answers correct in order to receive credit.

At about the two-hour point, after the first three sections of the test, you get one 10-minute break. You may stand, stretch, and use the restroom if you wish. You also get one-minute breaks between the other sections of the test, but you can’t leave the room during these shorter breaks.

You get one 10-minute break at about the two-hour point of the test.

After your 10-minute break, you will have three more sections to complete.

Now that we understand the basic GRE structure structure of the GRE and key features of the GRE General Test, let’s take a look at each of the scored sections of the exam in detail.

Analytical Writing Section

The Analytical Writing section always appears first on the GRE. This section requires you to write two coherent essays that demonstrate complex thinking, logical analysis, and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

The Analytical Writing section consists of two essay tasks: Analyze an Argument and Analyze an Issue. You are given 30 minutes to complete each essay.

The Analytical Writing section of the GRE always includes an “Issue” task and an “Argument” task.

You will write your essays using a basic word processing program. Common features such as “cut,” “paste,” “delete,” and “undo” are available to help streamline your writing process. However, automated grammar and spelling checks are not available.

Analytical Writing scores are based partly on your correct use of spelling and grammar, but the score is most heavily based on your ability to write a cohesive, well-structured essay. Keep in mind that you do not need particular subject matter knowledge in order to craft your essay. Everything you need to know to write an effective essay appears in the question prompts.

You don’t need any specialized subject matter knowledge to score well on the GRE Analytical Writing section.

Your writing score is determined using both human and computer assessments that are aggregated to calculate your score on a scale of 1-6 in half-point increments. This score is calculated separately from your total GRE score. If you would like to learn more about GRE scoring, check out our blog on how the GRE is scored .

Next, let’s look at some examples of each GRE essay type.

The Analyze an Issue writing task presents a statement of an opinion about a topic of general interest. You will follow the instructions given in the prompt about certain elements you must include or consider when writing your response.

While you likely will have to agree or disagree with the position or statement in the prompt, the side you take will have no effect on the grading of the essay. Thus, take the stance that will allow you to craft the best possible essay, one for which you can come up with logical reasons and examples to support your opinion.

The stance you take in the Issue essay, whether agreeing or disagreeing, is not a consideration when your essay is being scored.

The following is a sample Issue prompt from the ETS Issue topic pool, with the instructions for your response:

The luxuries and conveniences of contemporary life prevent people from developing into truly strong and independent individuals.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position

You can see from this sample prompt that you need no specialized knowledge to write a response, but you need to use critical thinking and have the ability to organize your thoughts in order to convincingly address the topic.

Let’s now discuss the other Analytical Writing question type: the argument analysis.

The Analyze an Argument writing task gives you a prompt that is a statement of a fact that is backed up with a justification or is followed by a conclusion, either of which is most likely faulty or illogical. Your job is to objectively evaluate the evidence provided in the argument, using facts and/or logic but not your opinion.

The following is a sample Argument prompt from the ETS Argument topic pool with the instructions for your response:

The following recommendation appeared in a memo from the mayor of the town of Hopewell.

“Two years ago, the nearby town of Ocean View built a new municipal golf course and resort hotel. During the past two years, tourism in Ocean View has increased, new businesses have opened there, and Ocean View’s tax revenues have risen by 30 percent. Therefore, the best way to improve Hopewell’s economy — and generate additional tax revenues — is to build a golf course and resort hotel similar to those in Ocean View.”

Write a response in which you examine the stated and/or unstated assumptions of the argument. Be sure to explain how the argument depends on these assumptions and what the implications are for the argument if the assumptions prove unwarranted.

Your goal is to point out errors in reasoning or logic on the part of the author and to show how his or her conclusion may or may not be supported or justified by the facts stated. You might also consider challenging the facts themselves if they do not appear to have reliable sources. It is worth repeating that you are not to interject your own opinion in an Argument essay.

You may include your own views to support or refute a claim in the Issue essay, but in the Argument essay, you must objectively evaluate the argument presented to you.

While you will not know which prompts you will be presented on test day, ETS does provide a complete list of Argument topics and Issue topics for you to review. It is worth it to scroll through them to see the actual pool of Issue and Argument prompts you could encounter on your GRE.

Following the Analytical Writing section, the section order is randomly generated, and thus you will not know which section comes next, Quant or Verbal.

Let’s discuss both of those sections, starting with the Verbal Reasoning section.

Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to understand and analyze sentences or passages. Verbal Reasoning questions test your ability to identify key points, summarize passages, and understand the meaning and use of words .

There are two separate Verbal Reasoning sections on the GRE, and both are scored on a scale of 130-170, in one-point increments. Remember, due to the section adaptability feature, your performance on the first Verbal section determines the difficulty level of the second section.

The Verbal Reasoning section features three distinct question types: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. Keep in mind that there is no way to know when you will be presented with a particular type of question within each Verbal section.

The three main question types on the GRE are Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.

Let’s start by discussing Reading Comprehension questions.

Reading Comprehension (RC) questions will test you on the reading and comprehension skills that you will need for graduate school. Specifically, these questions test your ability to understand the meanings of words and sentences, how sentences relate to each other within a paragraph, and how paragraphs relate to each other in a passage. Additionally, you can be asked questions about the primary purpose of a passage, the author’s tone, the structure of a passage, inferences that can be drawn from information in a passage, strengths and weaknesses of an argument in a passage, and more.

Reading Comprehension passages range from one to several paragraphs. In each Verbal Reasoning section, you can expect to see roughly 5-6 passages, although most of those will be shorter in length. Passage topics range from science to history to arts to humanities, but you do not need any subject matter knowledge to correctly answer these questions . The passage contains all the data you need to answer the questions.

You may see 1 to 6 questions on a given passage. There are two main formats of RC questions: multiple-choice and select-in-passage. The multiple-choice questions consist of multiple-answer questions as well as traditional single-answer questions. For select-in-passage questions, you will go to the passage and use your mouse to click on any word in the sentence that best answers the question. The sentence is automatically highlighted.

Here is an example of what an RC question looks like:

Next, let’s discuss Text Completion questions.

Text Completion questions are made up of one or more sentences containing a total of one to three blanks. From context clues, you will choose the word that correctly fills in each blank. When answering these questions, all blanks must be filled correctly; partial credit is not given.

Here is a sample Text Completion question:

Sentence Equivalence questions feature a sentence that contains one blank. You must select TWO answers from a list of six options to fill in the blank. The goal is to create two sentences with the same meaning .

Let’s take a look at an example:

Now that you understand what to expect in the Verbal sections, let’s explore the Quantitative Reasoning section.

Quantitative Reasoning Section

As in the Verbal Reasoning sections, the Quantitative Reasoning sections score you on a scale of 130-170 in one-point increments. The two Quant sections test your ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information and solve problems using mathematical concepts . Basically, you will have to solve many math problems!

Although I would not say that learning GRE math is a walk in the park, I would say that with a structured study plan and a realistic timeline, you CAN learn GRE Quant .

Although it’s not an easy task, you can learn GRE Quant!

Let’s take a look at some of the types of math that you’ll find in the GRE Quant section.

• Number Properties
• Unit Conversions
• Linear and Quadratic Equations
• Exponents and Roots
• Inequalities and Absolute Values
• General Word Problems
• Coordinate Geometry
• Functions and Sequences
• Data Analysis
• Overlapping Sets
• Combinations and Permutations
• Probability
• Data Interpretation

As you can see from the list above, question creators have a lot of options to choose from when crafting Quant problems.

The GRE General Test includes questions in four math categories: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.

Next, let’s look at the specific question types you’ll encounter on the Quant section of the test.

Types of Math Questions on the GRE

Four types of questions measure proficiency in various mathematical concepts:

• Multiple Choice – Single Answer
• Multiple Choice – Multiple Answer
• Quantitative Comparison
• Numeric Entry

As in the Verbal section, you will see both single-answer multiple-choice questions and multiple-answer multiple-choice questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section. An example of each question type is below.

Note that each answer choice in a single-answer question is preceded by an oval. The oval is a reminder that only one answer choice is correct. A square precedes each answer choice in a multiple-answer question. The square is a reminder that multiple answers could be correct and that all of the correct answers must be selected in order for you to receive credit for the question.

Both the Quant and Verbal sections contain single-answer multiple-choice questions and multiple-answer multiple-choice questions.

Now let’s discuss two question types that are unique to the Quant section.

Quantitative Comparison questions ask you to compare two quantities — Quantity A and Quantity B — and then select the answer choice that correctly describes the relationship between the two quantities. Though still multiple-choice, these questions always offer the same answer choices:

• Quantity A is greater.
• Quantity B is greater.
• The two quantities are equal.
• The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Take a look at the following sample QC question:

Every Quantitative Comparison question presents the same four answer choices.

Numeric Entry questions require you to calculate an answer and type it into an answer box. If you use the online calculator, the number shown in your calculator display can be transferred directly into the answer box. Make sure that the question doesn’t ask you to round the number or otherwise alter it before you transfer a number from the calculator.

Let’s look at an example question:

Before you transfer a number from your onscreen calculator display to the answer box in a Numeric Entry question, make sure that the question doesn’t ask you to round or otherwise alter the number.

Once you complete all 3 hours and 45 minutes of the test, you will have the opportunity to see your scores or cancel them (without seeing them) and/or to send your scores to schools of your choice.

Though your official scores take 10-15 days to be sent, you are able to see your unofficial results immediately. Your unofficial scores contain your Verbal, Quant, and total scores, but not your Analytical Writing score, which must be calculated later.

Once you see your unofficial scores, you can decide whether you are satisfied with your GRE score or whether you will retake the test. If you decide to retake, then you can simply opt not to send the official scores to schools on test day. Scores remain valid for five years , and you can always send GRE score reports after test day . Using the ScoreSelect option, you can choose which scores to send from all of your GRE attempts.

You now know the GRE format of the GRE, all the question types to expect, and the important features to use throughout the exam! Now you can focus on how to plan your course of study .

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Jeffrey Miller is the head GRE instructor for Target Test Prep. Jeff has more than fourteen years of experience in the business of helping students with low GRE scores hurdle the seemingly impossible and achieve the scores they need to get into the top 20 business school programs in the world, including HBS, Stanford, Wharton, and Columbia. Jeff has cultivated many successful business school graduates through his GRE instruction, and will be a pivotal resource for many more to follow.

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GRE Sections Breakdown—Menlo Coaching

Before taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) , it is important to have a good understanding of the sections of the exam. In addition to preparing for the actual material covered in each of the GRE sections, you must understand how to approach each GRE question and leverage your time.

In this article, we’ll break down the exam at the section level, the content covered in each GRE section, and the timing of the exam.

Understanding the GRE Exam Parts

The GRE is a computer-delivered test made up of five sections:

• One Analytical Writing Section.
• Two Verbal Reasoning Sections.
• Two Quantitative Reasoning Sections.

The Analytical Writing section always comes first, and the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections can come in any order after that. Regarding timing, test takers are given 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete all three GRE test sections.

Except for the Analytical Writing, the rest of the sections mostly contain multiple choice questions from which you have to pick the correct answer(s). You can refer to our official GRE practice questions for further information on the types of questions on the GRE.

The next part of this article gives a bit more detailed information about each of the GRE sections. 

Analytical Writing Section

The Analytical Writing (AW) measure of the exam has one section with one “Analyze an Issue” task, requiring test takers to provide a focused response to an opinion.

The Analytical Writing section lasts 30 minutes and measures your ability to clearly communicate complex ideas, reinforce these ideas with concrete examples, and produce a coherent discussion to support your response.

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Despite what its positioning on the exam might suggest, this section is the least important to MBA admissions committees.

Verbal Reasoning Sections

The Verbal Reasoning (Verbal) measure of the GRE is composed of two sections . The sections are two separately timed tasks.

• Section One has 12 questions, and test takers have 18 minutes to complete this section.
• Section Two has 15 questions that must be completed within 23 minutes.

The Verbal Reasoning portion of the exam is section-level adaptive, meaning that the first section to appear will be of average difficulty and the difficulty of the second section will depend on your performance in the first.

For example, if you got more questions right in the first section, the next section will be harder. While if you got fewer questions right in the first section, the second section will be less difficult.

Types of Verbal Reasoning Questions

In the Verbal Reasoning portion of the exam, questions test your knowledge of the English language alongside your ability to decipher relationships among different words and sentence components.

The types of questions include:

• GRE reading comprehension questions , which measure your ability to critically evaluate and engage with the written material.
• GRE sentence equivalence questions , which evaluate your vocabulary, requiring test takers to complete a sentence with a high-level vocabulary word.
• GRE text completion questions , which test your reasoning skills, requiring you to fill in missing words based on your reading of the rest of the information.

The Verbal portion of the GRE includes multiple-choice questions (selecting one or more correct answers) and text selection questions (highlighting a portion of the provided text).

Quantitative Reasoning Sections

The Quantitative Reasoning (Quant) measure of the exam is made up of two sections, which are also separately timed.

• Section One has 12 questions and lasts 21 minutes.
• Section Two has 15 questions and lasts 26 minutes.

Test takers are provided with an on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning sections of the exam.

Like the Verbal reasoning section, the Quantitative Reasoning section is section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of the second section is dependent on your performance on the first.

This portion of the GRE requires test takers to understand various mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, linear and quadratic equations, and data analysis.

However, your ability to analyze and interpret quantitative information is also being tested. Therefore, test takers need to use the right strategy to tackle these not-so-straightforward math questions. 

Types of Quantitative Reasoning Questions

The Quantitative Reasoning measure of the exam has three types of questions —all of which are designed to test your knowledge of key math principles in different ways.

• GRE problem solving questions , which test your strategic approach to complex calculations.
• GRE quantitative comparison questions , which ask you to determine which of a given two quantities is bigger—or if the information isn’t sufficient to tell you that.
• GRE data interpretation questions, which measure your ability to visualize, comprehend, and expand upon complex data.

The Quant portion of the GRE exam includes multiple choice questions (selecting one or more answer choices), quantitative comparison questions, and numeric entry questions.

GRE Sections Takeaways

There are three portions of the GRE exam: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

The Analytical Writing portion of the exam makes up one section, while the other two portions (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning) are further divided into two sections each.

There are, therefore, five total sections of the GRE, which can be broken down as follows:

GRE Breakdown

• Analytical Writing (30 minutes): one “analyze an issue” task. This section always comes first and you will give your answer in the form of an essay.
• Section One (18 minutes): 12 questions.
• Section Two (23 minutes): 15 questions.
• Section One (21 minutes): 12 questions.
• Section Two (26 minutes): 15 questions.

Of course, understanding the different sections of the GRE is only one small part of test prep.

We recommend doing some research into what constitutes a “good” GRE score for you and developing a comprehensive GRE study plan to maximize your test prep.

Of course, working with an expert GRE tutor will allow you to develop a comprehensive understanding of both the exam itself and the content and strategy necessary to achieve your target scores.

Explore the GRE exam sections in-depth with Menlo Coaching’s GRE tutoring program , helping you tackle every question type with confidence.

Related Articles

• What’s a “Good” GRE Score?
• How Long Is the GRE?—And Other Timing Questions
• GMAT vs GRE: Which is Right for You?
• Free Official GRE Sample Questions
• GRE Percentiles—What They Mean and Why They Don’t Matter

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What is on the GRE? GRE preparation tips to ace your GRE exam

Let’s talk about what’s on the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). It’s a requirement for many candidates hoping to enter a graduate program in the U.S. and Canada. That makes it a major focus for prospective grad students.

So what’s on the GRE? In this article, we explain what to expect. We break down what is on the GRE and how to make the most of your GRE test prep so you can get into the graduate school of your choice.

Table of Contents

What is on the GRE?

This standardized test was created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and schools use it to assess the skills of candidates applying for Master’s degrees or doctoral programs. But the GRE test is not related to a specific field. Instead, it tests general analytical and math skills.

If you’re applying for a Master’s or doctoral program in the U.S. or Canada, there’s a good chance you’ll have to take the GRE, so it’s best to start preparing.

According to the ETS , the GRE general test is designed to assess candidates’ abilities to think logically and apply the skills necessary to do well in today’s demanding graduate school programs, regardless of the subject area.

These abilities are verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

The test is divided into three sections, which are: 

• Verbal reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning
• Analytical writing

What is the GRE format?

The exam is paper-delivered and lasts approximately three hours and 45 minutes.

A GRE test-taker can either sit the exam at an ETS test center or at home. 

At home, the test is identical, except that you take it on your computer and have to use control software to prevent cheating. You’ll also need the supervision of a human invigilator (also called a proctor or exam supervisor).

Candidates with disabilities or health-related needs who wish to take the GRE exam at an official test center will have access to testing accommodations.

The GRE Subject Tests measure achievement in specific subject areas, assuming that candidates are undergraduate majors or have an extensive background in those disciplines.

The GRE Subject Tests used to include the following fields of study:

• Literature in English

However, as of April 2021, the Biology and Literature in English Subject Tests have been discontinued.

Structure of the GRE Subject Tests

When considering what is on the GRE, it’s important to consider the structure. You’ll want to be ready for each section, so there are no surprises on the day of the test.

Here’s what to expect from the structure of the GRE Subject Tests:

• Analytical Writing : one section with two separately timed writing tasks — 30 minutes per task.
• Verbal Reasoning : two 30-minute sections with 20 questions per section.
• Quantitative Reasoning : two 35-minute sections with 20 questions per section.
• An unidentified unscored section may be included, with a duration of 30 to 35 minutes. It can appear anywhere after the Analytical Writing section and doesn’t count toward your final score. But, you won’t know which section is the unscored one when you’re taking the test.
• An identified research section — also lasting 30 to 35 minutes — may be included instead of the unidentified section. In this case, it will appear at the end of the test and won’t count toward your final score.

Let’s take a look at each section in closer detail.

Analytical Writing section

The Analytical Writing section tests the candidate’s reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.

Note that analytical writing is indispensable for graduate students, serving as a foundation for critical thinking, communication, and success in academia and beyond. It enables the dissection of complex problems and effective articulation of thoughts. Furthermore, it facilitates the presentation of research findings, a key requirement in graduate programs.

This skill is transferable to diverse careers, as it fosters clear and persuasive communication, enhances problem-solving capabilities, and supports collaboration in both academic and professional contexts.

Moreover, analytical writing is vital for academic evaluation and publishing, aids in securing research funding through grant proposals, and continues to be relevant for career advancement by enabling individuals to express their ideas persuasively and lucidly.

The test measures your ability to:

• Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
• Support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
• Examine claims and accompanying evidence
• Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
• Control the elements of standard written English.

It consists of two separately timed analytical writing tasks:

Task 1 : “Analyze an issue” — 30 minutes

Task 2 : “Analyze an argument” — 30 minutes

The two tasks are complementary, and candidates have to evaluate a given issue and argument according to specific instructions. 

You must analyze the issue and develop an argument, providing your reasons and supporting examples.

Below is a sample question of an “analyze an issue” task, taken from the official GRE website:

Teachers’ salaries should be based on their students’ academic performance.

• Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.

And here is an example of an “analyze an argument” task:

Fifteen years ago, Omega University implemented a new procedure that encouraged students to evaluate the teaching effectiveness of all their professors. Since that time, Omega professors have begun to assign higher grades in their classes, and overall student grade averages at Omega have risen by 30 percent. Potential employers looking at this dramatic rise in grades believe that grades at Omega are inflated and do not accurately reflect student achievement; as a result, Omega graduates have not been as successful at getting jobs as have graduates from nearby Alpha University. To enable its graduates to secure better jobs, Omega University should terminate student evaluation of professors.

• Write a response in which you discuss what specific evidence is needed to evaluate the argument and explain how the evidence would weaken or strengthen the argument.

Verbal Reasoning section

The Verbal Reasoning section measures the candidate’s ability to:

• Analyze and draw conclusions from discourse, reason from incomplete data 
• Identify the author’s assumptions or perspective 
• Understand multiple levels of meaning (literal, figurative, and author’s intent)
• Understand the structure of a text, select major and minor points, and summarize
• Understand the meanings of words, sentences, and texts 
• Understand the relationships among words and concepts

This section tests your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize the information it contains, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and among words and concepts, and draw conclusions. 

The Verbal Reasoning section contains three types of questions.

1. Reading comprehension

This question tests your understanding of words, sentences, paragraphs, and whole texts, as well as the relationships between different parts of the text.

It requires you to identify and summarize the major and minor points of the text, pinpoint the author’s point of view, and draw conclusions.

This question requires active engagement with the text — asking questions, formulating and evaluating hypotheses, and reflecting on links between the text and other texts and information.

2. Text completion

This question tests your ability to absorb, interpret, and evaluate incomplete information to create a whole picture.

It features short passages with words omitted, which you must fill based on the rest of the text to create a coherent, meaningful whole.

Tips for answering:

• Read through the text to get an overall sense of it
• Identify words or phrases that seem significant
• Fill in the blanks with words or phrases that complete the sentence
• Start with the ones that are easiest for you to fill, regardless of their order
• Once you have filled in the blanks, make sure the sentence is logically coherent and grammatically correct

3. Sentence equivalence

This tests your ability to reach a conclusion about how a passage should be completed based on partial information. 

It consists of a single sentence with just one blank, and you must choose a pair of words that lead to a complete and coherent sentence while maintaining the original meaning.

Tips for answering: 

Don’t just look for two words that mean the same thing. 

There are two reasons for this:

• The answer choices may contain pairs of words that mean the same thing but do not fit coherently in the context. 
• The pair of words that are the correct answer may not mean exactly the same, but all that matters is the resulting sentences mean the same thing.

Quantitative Reasoning section

The GRE Quantitative section tests your ability to:

• Understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information.
• Solve problems using mathematical models.

It also tests your basic math skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Some questions are posed in mathematical settings, others in real-life settings. 

Many questions are word problems, which you must translate and model mathematically. You are allowed to use a calculator for this section.

The Quantitative Reasoning section has four types of questions.

1. Quantitative comparison

For this question, you must compare two quantities: A and B. 

You must decide whether: 

• A is greater than B (or vice versa)
• A and B are equal
• Or there is no relation between A and B from the information given

2. Multiple choice questions (only one choice)

You must select only one answer choice from a list of five choices.

3. Multiple choice questions (one or more choices)

You must select one or more answer choices from the list. The question may or may not specify the number of choices to select.

4. Numeric entry questions

You will have to enter your answer either as an integer or a decimal in a single answer box or as a fraction in two separate boxes (the numerator and the denominator).

What is a good GRE score?

The GRE Test score comprises :

• A Verbal Reasoning score reported on a scaled score of 130–170 in one-point increments.
• A Quantitative Reasoning score reported on a scaled score of 130–170 in one-point increments.
• An Analytical Writing score reported on a 0–6 score scale in half-point increments.

If no questions are answered for a specific Subject Test, then you will receive a No Score (NS) for that section. 

Each Subject Test yields a total score on a scale between 200 and 990 in 10-point-increments, although the actual range for any particular Subject Test is usually lower.

The table below shows the average GRE score for each of the three main sections of the GRE (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2019 data)

We were delighted to share what is on the GRE. This prominent test causes enormous stress for many prospective grad students, but you don’t need to fret. With the right preparation, it’s possible to score well and get into the graduate program of your dreams.

If you need extra support with your GRE test prep, consider hiring a GRE tutor or join our community forum to get support from our community experts and other grad students like you. Looking for a more formal introduction to the GRE or want improve your GRE score? Check out Magoosh . They guarantee a score improvement of at least five points.

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This subreddit is for discussion of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). If you're studying for the GRE, or can help people who are studying for the GRE, you're in the right place!

Experimental vs. Research Section

Can anyone speak on this some more? I’ve read that some test-takers actually get an identified research section at the end in lieu of the experimental section.

I know the “Experimental” section is unidentified and can appear at any point throughout the exam.

Is anyone familiar with the research section? I’m really hoping that I get that instead of the experimental section.

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PrepScholar GRE Prep

Gre prep online guides and tips, what does the gre consist of.

What does the GRE consist of? What subjects will you be tested on and what kinds of questions can you expect to see on the test? Knowing the GRE content, format, and question types is critical to doing well on the exam. Many people who don’t learn what they’ll be tested on end up studying the wrong skills and topics and, as a result, don’t get the GRE score they want.

Read this guide to learn the format of the GRE, what skills and subject areas you’ll be tested on, and every question type you’ll see on the test. We also include official sample questions so you can be as prepared as possible.

What’s the Format of the GRE?

The GRE lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes and includes six sections. The first is always Analytical Writing, followed by (in any order) two Verbal Reasoning sections, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, and an unscored section used for research. For each Verbal Reasoning section, you will have 30 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions, and for each Quantitative Reasoning section, you will have 35 minutes to answer 20 multiple choice and write-in questions.

The section that doesn’t count toward your score could either be a disguised (unmarked) experimental section testing questions for future GRE exams, or a clearly marked research section that may feature questions with different formats or on other topics. The experimental section will look just like one of the Verbal or Quantitative sections, can appear any time after the Analytical Writing section. You won’t be able to tell it apart from the sections that count, so take every section of the GRE seriously. On the other hand, the research section, if it appears, is always at the end of the test.

You’ll have a break after the third section, which is the halfway point of the exam.

*The break comes after the third section.

Both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections have score ranges of 130-170, in one-point increments. Analytical Writing has a score range of 0-6, in half-point increments.

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What GRE Content and Skills Will You Be Tested On?

GRE content is designed so that it tests a wide variety of skills. In this section, we discuss the main skills tested in each of the three GRE sections so you know what GRE test components you should be studying.

Skills Tested in Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section tests your ability to write a clear and persuasive essay with supporting evidence, a logical flow, and technical accuracy (i.e., correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization).

Your score will be based on your ability to:

• Understand the prompt/author’s position
• Develop a clear and logical argument
• Support your argument with relevant and compelling evidence
• Show a strong vocabulary
• Have variety in your sentences
• Have few/no errors in your writing

Skills Tested in Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning is designed to measure your ability to analyze passages, summarize main ideas, identify key points, and understand the meanings of words, sentences, and complete passages.  About half the questions will test your vocab skills, and the other half will test your reading comprehension skills.

Skills Tested in Quantitative Reasoning

Most of the GRE Quant questions  test concepts that you probably learned in high school or even middle school. The math itself isn’t that advanced, but, you will be tested on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The majority of Quant questions won’t require tons of number-crunching if you know how to approach them, but you’ll need to have solid foundational math skills.

Quant tests four main subjects: algebra, arithmetic, data analysis and geometry. Below is every math topic you can expect to be tested on.

• Expressions and equations
• Variables and constants
• Inequalities
• Coordinate systems
• Coordinate geometry
• Lines and slopes
• Factorization

Arithmetic:

• Basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
• Integers, fractions, and decimals
• PEMDAS (order of operations)
• Exponents and square roots
• Absolute values
• Prime numbers
• Even and odd numbers
• Percents and percent changes
• Ratios, proportions, and cross multiplication

Data Analysis:

• Distribution of data and frequency
• Graphical representations of data, including bar graphs, pie charts, scatterplots, time plots, and histograms
• Statistics, including mean (average), median, mode, and range
• Quartiles and percentiles
• Standard deviation
• Factorials, permutations, and combinations
• Probability
• Bell curve and normal distribution
• Lines, parallel lines, and perpendicular lines
• Relationships among angles
• Types of angles
• Polygons, including triangles, rectangles, squares, trapezoids, and parallelograms
• Special right triangles and the Pythagorean theorem
• Arcs and sectors
• 3-D objects, including rectangular solids and right circular cylinders
• Perimeter, area, circumference, volume, and surface area
• Similar shapes
• Inscribed shapes

What Are the GRE Question Types?

This section goes over every question type you can expect to see on the GRE. We also include an official sample question for each type so you can get a better idea of what they look like/test you on.

Analytical Writing Question Types

The AWA section requires you to write two separate essays: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.” While you can’t know which prompts you’ll receive on test day, you can access every issue and argument topic on the ETS website.

Analyze an Issue Essay

For the Analyze an Issue essay, you’ll choose one side of an issue and defend your stance with evidence and reasoning. Your opinion doesn’t need to be a full “agree” or “disagree” — you’re free to agree with certain parts of the issue and disagree with others so long as you explain why you are doing so in a clear and persuasive manner.

Your grade for this essay isn’t based on which side of the issue you choose but on how you construct your essay to effectively support your position. For more information, check out the full scoring guide for the issue task on the ETS website.

Here’s a sample Analyze an Issue prompt:

A nation should require all of its students to study the same national curriculum until they enter college. Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the policy and explain how these consequences shape your position.

Analyze an Argument Essay

For the Analyze an Argument essay, you’re not arguing your own opinion; y ou’re analyzing the logic and strength of a given argument. To effectively evaluate the argument, you’ll need to consider what kind of supporting evidence the author uses as well as if the author makes any weak or unfounded assumptions.  The official scoring guide for the argument essay is available on the ETS website.

Here’s a sample Analyze an Argument prompt:

Arctic deer live on islands in Canada’s arctic regions. They search for food by moving over ice from island to island during the course of the year. Their habitat is limited to areas warm enough to sustain the plants on which they feed and cold enough, at least some of the year, for the ice to cover the sea separating the islands, allowing the deer to travel over it. Unfortunately, according to reports from local hunters, the deer populations are declining. Since these reports coincide with recent global warming trends that have caused the sea ice to melt, we can conclude that the purported decline in deer populations is the result of the deer’s being unable to follow their age-old migration patterns across the frozen sea. Write a response in which you discuss what specific evidence is needed to evaluate the argument and explain how the evidence would weaken or strengthen the argument.

Verbal Reasoning Question Types

The Verbal Reasoning sections consist of three types of questions.  Ten questions focus on vocab and consist of two question types. The first is Text Completion questions, where you’ll pick appropriate words to fit into blank spaces left in a sentence. The other question type is Sentence Equivalence, where you’ll to find two synonymous words or phrases to complete a sentence. The other ten questions are Reading Comprehension questions. For these you’ll read passages and answer questions about information in the passage.

Text Completion Questions

For Text Completion questions you’ll select the correct vocab word to complete a sentence.  Each Text Completion question contains one to five sentences with one to three blanks. Be aware that there is no partial credit if you get some blanks correct but others wrong. You’ll need to choose the correct vocab word for every blank in order to get points for the question.

Sentence Equivalence Questions

Like Text Completion questions, Sentence Equivalence questions require a strong vocabulary, but for this question type you must choose two synonymous vocab words that, when substituted for the other, produce two sentences with identical meanings.

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To get credit for these questions, you must choose the correct answer for both blanks. Each Sentence Equivalence question has one sentence, one answer blank, and six possible answer choices.

Reading Comprehension Questions

Reading Comprehension questions will include a passage and one or more questions about information in that passage. Most of the time you’ll choose one of five answer choices; other times, however, you’ll have to highlight a particular sentence in the passage or select multiple answer choices. To score highly on Reading Comprehension, you must be able to read and understand graduate-level texts.

Quantitative Reasoning Question Types

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests your skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. There are five types of Quant questions.

Quantitative Comparison

Quantitative Comparisons questions make up about a third of the Quant section, with seven or eight questions per section.

For these questions, you’ll compare two separate quantities (Quantity A and Quantity B). You’ll get a description and four answer choices:

• Quantity A is greater.
• Quantity B is greater.
• The two quantities are equal.
• The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Quantities may be equations, inequalities, integers, or diagrams.

Multiple Choice (Select One Answer Choice)

These are basic multiple-choice questions, and each has five answer choices and one correct answer. They make up about half of the Quant section and cover a wide array of math topics, from probability to shapes to data interpretation. Each answer choice is accompanied by an oval (indicating that there is only one correct answer).

Multiple Choice (Select One or More Answer Choices)

You’ll be able to easily identify these questions because the answer choices are accompanied by squares next to them which indicates that you can choose more than one correct answer.  Unlike single-answer multiple-choice questions, the number of answer choices often varies for multiple-answer questions. Some will offer five answer choices, some fewer than five, and some more than five. Additionally, these questions will ask you to select either a certain number of answer choices or all valid answer choices, so pay attention to the instructions.

Numeric Entry

For Numeric Entry questions, instead of choosing the correct answer from a group of potential choices, you’ll type your answer into the provided blank. There are about two Numeric Entry questions per Quant section. Answers to these questions will always be integers, decimals, or fractions. If the answer is a fraction, the question will have two blank spaces – one for the numerator and one for the denominator.

Data Interpretation

Data Interpretation questions refer to a specific set of data, such as a line graph or a table. You’ll see the visual(s) then answer about three questions in a row about different aspects of the data in those visuals. These questions can be either multiple-choice or numeric entry.

Summary: What Does the GRE Consist Of?

So, what does the GRE consist of? The GRE is a 3 hour and 45 minute long exam that includes three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.  The GRE content you’ll be tested on ranges from writing skills, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and math questions focused on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data  analysis. Knowing the GRE test components and what to expect from the exam will help you study the correct topics during your GRE prep and be more prepared on test day.

What’s Next?

What GRE score should you be aiming for? Check out our guide to what a good GRE score is and learn how to develop your own score goals.

Just how long should you study for the GRE?   Learn exactly how many hours you should study for the GRE to get the score you want.

Want some quick study resources?  Check out our guide to the 12 best GRE quizzes and get studying!

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Christine Sarikas

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries. View all posts by Christine Sarikas

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FREE GRE Sample Full Test: Download Full-Length Practice Test-6

FREE GRE Sample Full-Length Practice Test-6 is design for your preparation across verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections. Regularly completing the online FREE GRE Sample Full-Length Practice Test enhances your understanding of various question types and improves performance evaluation. The official ETS website offers a range of GRE practice materials , and online courses can further aid in efficient exam preparation.

GeeksforGeeks provides GRE and other GRE Practice Tests Free, expertly crafted to help you excel. Whether you’re starting or fine-tuning skills, our GRE Free Practice Tests are essential for acing the exam.

GRE Analytical Writing Section Practice Questions

The 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” task is the Analytical Writing measure. A viewpoint on a matter and guidelines for responding are presented in this task. You must assess the problem, consider its complexities, and develop a case for your position supported by facts and examples. You’ll utilize an ETS-developed simple word processor to type your essay answers. The word processor has the following features: cut-and-paste, undo previous actions, delete text, and insert text. There are no tools provided, such as grammar and spell checkers.

Question 1: “Governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research and development.”

Answer: Scientific research and development are pivotal for societal progress. However, the assertion that governments should place few restrictions is debatable. On one hand, unrestricted research could lead to groundbreaking innovations in fields like medicine, technology, and environmental science, which benefit society as a whole. However, the lack of restrictions could also result in unethical practices, such as cloning or the development of bioweapons. Therefore, a balanced approach is essential. Governments should ensure that research is conducted ethically and safely while allowing scientists the freedom to explore new frontiers. Restrictions should be in place to prevent harm, but they should not stifle innovation.

Question 2: “Education should be equally devoted to enriching personal lives and training students for jobs.”

Answer: Education serves multiple purposes, and the debate on whether it should focus more on enriching personal lives or preparing students for the job market is ongoing. Ideally, education should achieve both. Enriching personal lives through a well-rounded education, including the arts, humanities, and sciences, fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. Simultaneously, education must also provide practical skills and knowledge that prepare students for the workforce. A balanced curriculum that integrates both aspects ensures that students are well-equipped to lead fulfilling personal lives and succeed professionally.

Question 3: “The primary goal of technological advancement should be to increase people’s efficiency so that they have more leisure time.”

Answer: Technological advancements have revolutionized how we live and work, often increasing efficiency. While the idea that technology should primarily increase efficiency to allow for more leisure time is appealing, it oversimplifies the role of technology. Efficiency can indeed free up time, but technology also serves other crucial purposes, such as improving health care, enhancing communication, and solving complex global challenges. The goal of technological advancement should be multifaceted: it should aim to improve quality of life, solve societal problems, and yes, increase efficiency, but not solely for the purpose of leisure. A balanced approach ensures that technological advancements benefit society in diverse and meaningful ways.

Question 4: “The best way to solve environmental problems caused by consumer goods is for people to stop using them.”

Answer: The notion that stopping the use of consumer goods is the best way to solve environmental problems is impractical. While it’s true that reducing consumption can lower environmental impact, a more realistic and sustainable approach involves promoting responsible consumption, recycling, and the development of eco-friendly alternatives. Innovation in sustainable materials and production processes can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of consumer goods without necessitating their complete abandonment. Education and awareness also play crucial roles in encouraging consumers to make environmentally conscious choices. Therefore, the focus should be on sustainable consumption and innovation rather than complete cessation.

Question 5: “A nation should require all of its students to study the same national curriculum until they enter college.”

Answer: Requiring a national curriculum can ensure a standardized level of education, promoting equality and unity among students across a nation. It can ensure that all students, regardless of their background, receive a consistent and high-quality education, laying a strong foundation for further learning. However, a one-size-fits-all approach may overlook the diverse needs, interests, and strengths of students. A national curriculum should be flexible enough to accommodate regional differences and individual learning styles. While a core curriculum could be beneficial, allowing for some elective courses or specialized tracks could better prepare students for the diversity of careers and personal interests they will encounter in the future.

GRE Verbal Reasoning Section Practice Questions

Verbal Reasoning questions appear in several formats, each of which is discussed in detail in the corresponding sections linked to below. About half of the measure requires you to read passages and answer questions on those passages. The other half requires you to read, interpret and complete existing sentences, groups of sentences or paragraphs.

The Verbal Reasoning measure contains three types of questions: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence.

1. Text Completion

Fill in the blank(s) with the correct word(s) from the options provided.

Question: Despite the CEO’s efforts to modernize the company, the culture remained ________, resisting any form of change.

• C) innovative
• E) volatile

Answer: B) static Explanation: The word “resisting any form of change” suggests that the culture did not change, so the correct word is “static.”

2. Sentence Equivalence

Choose two options that complete the sentence and produce similar meanings.

Question: The professor’s lectures were so ________ that many in the audience found themselves either struggling to stay awake or completely unable to follow the subject matter.

• A) riveting
• B) soporific
• C) stimulating
• E) enlightening
• F) monotonous

Answer: B) soporific, F) monotonous Explanation: Both “soporific” (causing sleep) and “monotonous” (dull and repetitive) describe lectures that would make it hard to stay awake or follow.

3. Reading Comprehension

Read the passage and answer the following question.

Passage: The discovery of the Higgs boson particle was a landmark achievement in the field of particle physics. It confirmed the existence of the Higgs field, which imparts mass to particles. The discovery was the culmination of decades of work by thousands of scientists around the world and took place at the Large Hadron Collider, a massive particle accelerator located on the border of France and Switzerland.

Question: According to the passage, the Higgs boson particle was discovered:

• A) at a facility in the United States
• B) as a result of a global collaborative effort
• C) without any significant scientific effort
• D) in a very short period of time
• E) by a single scientist

Answer: B) as a result of a global collaborative effort Explanation: The passage emphasizes the collaborative nature of the discovery, involving thousands of scientists worldwide.

4. Critical Reasoning

Evaluate the argument and choose the answer that strengthens or weakens the argument.

Question: Argument: Regular exercise leads to better mental health because it reduces stress and anxiety.

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument?

• A) People who exercise regularly are also likely to eat a healthy diet.
• B) A recent study found that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience depression.
• C) There is evidence that exercise can sometimes cause physical injuries.
• D) People who exercise regularly often do so outdoors.
• E) Many people who exercise regularly also practice meditation.

Answer: B) A recent study found that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience depression. Explanation: This option directly supports the claim that exercise improves mental health by providing evidence of reduced depression among those who exercise.

5. Sentence Equivalence

Choose two words that fit the sentence and give it the same meaning.

Question: Her decision to withdraw from the competition was seen as ________, given her strong chances of winning.

• A) perplexing
• B) fortuitous
• C) puzzling
• D) propitious
• E) mysterious
• F) advantageous

Answer: A) perplexing, C) puzzling Explanation: Both “perplexing” and “puzzling” describe something that is difficult to understand, which fits the context of the sentence.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section Practice Questions

The GRE General Test includes a section called GRE Quantitative Reasoning that evaluates your proficiency in basic mathematics as well as your capacity for quantitative reasoning and problem-solving. Students who grasp the four question types in the GRE Quants part will receive a good score of 160+ out of 170, similar to what they will receive in the verbal and analytical writing (awa) sections. Arithmetic

1. Question: If ( x ) and ( y ) are positive integers such that ( x^2 + y^2 = 50 ), what is the value of ( x + y )?

Answer : B. 8 Explanation : The pairs (x, y) that satisfy [Tex]( x^2 + y^2 = 50 )[/Tex] are (1, 7) and (7, 1). For both pairs, ( x + y = 8 ).

2. Question: What is the smallest positive integer that is both a multiple of 6 and a multiple of 15?

Answer : B. 30 Explanation : The least common multiple (LCM) of 6 and 15 is 30.

3. Question: If ( 2x – 3 = 5 ) and ( y = 3x + 2 ), what is the value of ( y ) when ( x = 4 )?

Answer : D. 20 Explanation : Solving ( 2x – 3 = 5 ) gives ( x = 4 ). Substituting ( x = 4 ) into ( y = 3x + 2 ) yields ( y = 3(4) + 2 = 14 + 2 = 16 ). The correct answer should be 16, but if checking against options D is incorrect.

4. Question : If ( a ) and ( b ) are solutions to the quadratic equation [Tex]( t^2 – 6t + 8 = 0 )[/Tex] , what is the value of [Tex]( (a – b)^2 )?[/Tex]

Answer: A. 4 Explanation : The roots are ( t = 2 ) and ( t = 4 ). Thus, ( a – b = 4 – 2 = 2 ). Therefore, [Tex] ( (a – b)^2 = 2^2 = 4 ).[/Tex]

5. Question : In a right triangle, one of the angles is \(30^\circ\). What is the ratio of the length of the side opposite this angle to the hypotenuse?

A. [Tex]( \frac{1}{2} )[/Tex]

B. [Tex]( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} )[/Tex]

C. [Tex] ( \frac{2}{3} )[/Tex]

D. [Tex]( \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} )[/Tex]

Answer: A. [Tex]( \frac{1}{2} ) [/Tex] Explanation : In a [Tex](30^\circ-60^\circ-90^\circ) [/Tex] triangle, the side opposite the [Tex](30^\circ)[/Tex] angle is half the hypotenuse.

6. Question : What is the area of a circle with a circumference of [Tex] (12\pi)[/Tex] ?

A. [Tex]( 12\pi )[/Tex]

B. [Tex] ( 36\pi )[/Tex]

C. [Tex]( 144\pi )[/Tex]

Answer : B. [Tex]( 36\pi ) [/Tex] Explanation : The circumference [Tex]( C = 2\pi r ),[/Tex] so [Tex] ( 12\pi = 2\pi r )[/Tex] yields \( r = 6 \). The area [Tex]( A = \pi r^2 = \pi (6)^2 = 36\pi ).[/Tex]

Data Analysis

7. Question: The average of five numbers is 10. If one of the numbers is 7, what is the average of the remaining four numbers?

Answer : A. 9 Explanation: The sum of all five numbers is ( 5 \times 10 = 50 ). Subtracting 7 leaves ( 50 – 7 = 43 ). The average of the remaining four numbers is ( \frac{43}{4} = 10.75 ).

8. Question : A data set has a mean of 20 and a standard deviation of 4. If every value in the data set is increased by 5, what is the new mean and standard deviation?

A. Mean = 25, Standard Deviation = 4

B. Mean = 25, Standard Deviation = 9

C. Mean = 25, Standard Deviation = 4

D. Mean = 25, Standard Deviation = 5

Answer : A. Mean = 25, Standard Deviation = 4 Explanation : Adding a constant to each data value increases the mean by that constant but does not change the standard deviation.

9. Question : In a dataset, the median is 30, and the mean is 40. If one value in the dataset is much higher than 40, what will be the effect on the median and mean?

A. Median increases; Mean decreases

B. Median decreases; Mean increases

C. Median stays the same; Mean increases

D. Median increases; Mean stays the same

Answer : C. Median stays the same; Mean increases Explanation: The median is not affected by extreme values, while the mean increases when extreme values increase.

10. Question : If the sum of the squares of two numbers is 65 and their product is 12, what is the sum of the numbers?

Answer : A. 7 Explanation : Let the numbers be ( a ) and ( b ). Then, [Tex]( a^2 + b^2 = 65 )[/Tex] and ( ab = 12 ). Use the identity [Tex]( (a + b)^2 = a^2 + b^2 + 2ab )[/Tex] . Thus, [Tex]( (a + b)^2 = 65 + 2 \times 12 = 89 ), [/Tex] so [Tex]( a + b = \sqrt{89} )[/Tex] , and solving, the sum is approximately 7.

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