How is the test structured?

The GRE CAT has three scored sections: Verbal (English), Quantitative (math), and Analytical (logic). They can be presented in any order.

In addition to these three scored sections, there will be an ‘experimental’ section that looks like one of the others but does not count toward your score. You will not be able to tell which is the experimental section, therefore it is important to do as best you can on all the sections.

The verbal section lasts for 30 minutes and consists of 30 questions.

• 6 sentence completion
• sentence completion questions ask you to choose the best way to complete a sentence from which one or two words have been omitted. You should be able to recognize the logic, style and tone of the sentence in order to choose the answer that makes sense.
• 7 analogies
• analogy questions ask you to determine the relationship between the two words in a pair and then to recognize a similar or parallel relationship between the members of a different pair of words.
• 8 reading comprehension
• reading comprehension questions test your ability to understand what you read both in content and technique.
• 9 antonyms
• antonym questions ask you to choose the word, from five choices, that is opposite in meaning to the word you are given.

The quantitative section lasts for 45 minutes and consists of 28 questions.

• 14 quantitative comparisons
• quantitative comparison questions test your ability to reason quickly about the magnitudes of two quantities.
• 9 problem solving
• or discrete quantitative questions, are multiple choice questions that test your knowledge of basic mathematical concepts and your ability to apply that knowledge
• 5 data analysis
• data analysis questions are based on information given in tables or graphs. These questions test your ability to interpret the appropriate data for answering a question.

The analytical section lasts for 60 minutes and consists of 35 questions.

• 23 analytical reasoning
• analytical reasoning questions involve reading and analyzing puzzle statements and verbal arguments, and organizing the information into an outline to form the answer.
• 12 logical reasoning
• logical reasoning questions involve reading the question before reading the passage in order to concentrate on the argument and understand the logic of the correct answer.

Is there anything else you can tell me?

YES! Before the test begins you will be able to work through four tutorials that will instruct you on: how to use a mouse, how to select an answer, how to use the testing tools, and how to scroll. You cannot skip the tutorials.

Time is strictly limited so learn how to pace yourself. You will need to work quickly and accurately to complete each section. Getting the gist of what the question is asking is not enough as many questions hinge on subtle points. You might mis-read a question and then get the answer wrong.

Memorize the directions for each type of question. You could save yourself valuable time on test day by understanding the type of question being asked.

If, during the test, you feel as though you’ve become obsessed with a particularly difficult question, learn to cut your losses and move on. The easiest way to answer a question correctly is to know the answer.

If you are struggling to find the right answer, try to eliminate those answers you know are incorrect. Deciding between two choices is easier than deciding between five. Even if you have to guess, every answer you eliminate improves your chances of guessing correctly.

Use your scratch pad to make any workings out. You will not be allowed to take your own paper into the test center, and, because it is a computer-based test, there is no test booklet. The test center does, however, provide as much scratch paper as you need to make notes during the test.

Many graduate programs base financial aid packages, including fellowships and teaching assistantships, on the GRE. Be as well prepared as you can. Test yourself with our sample questions and see if you have any weak areas that you could improve upon. Good preparation will invariably be better than relying on pure luck!

GRE SAMPLE VERBAL QUESTIONS
GRE SAMPLE QUANTITATIVE QUESTIONS
GRE SAMPLE ANALYTICAL QUESTIONS

[Page 1] [Page 2] [Page 3] [Page 4] [Page 5]
[Page 6] [Page 7] [Page 8] [Page 9] [Page 10]
[Page 11] [Page 12] [Page 13] [Page 14] [Page 15]

Print This Page

This community service site is sponsored by www.goodstaff.com

© Copyright 2000. Galt Western Personnnel Ltd. you may reprint this article, quote from it, use it in research or projects, duplicate it or distribute it. Credit of authorship and source MUST be given to course411.com and goodstaff.com. Ownership of Copyright remains with Galt Western Personnel Ltd.