The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the most difficult exams in the world. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which offers it in both online and offline formats, i.e., computer-based and paper-based formats, with minor differences in structure in terms of the GRE exam pattern. The GRE exam syllabus, on the other hand, remains the same. Furthermore, there are two sorts of GRE tests: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test, the former of which is used for all academic programmes and the latter is for specific disciplines.
GRE Exam Pattern
Let’s look at the GRE exam pattern in more detail now that you know what the exam comprises. Candidates are evaluated on three primary areas of the GRE test: verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning.
- Analytical Writing
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
In addition to these three sections, there are two additional variable sections, which are referred to as:
- Unscored
- Research
- Analytical Writing
This component of the GRE exam pattern consists of two essays commonly referred to as “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.” It is designed to assess the test-takers’ critical thinking and analytical writing skills. You have 30 minutes for each of these essays; analysis of an issue often contains a remark on a topic of general interest, whereas analysis of an argument needs you to evaluate an author’s paragraph-length argument and provide a logically sound evaluation.
- Verbal Reasoning
The Linguistic Reasoning Questions are designed to assess your vocabulary and verbal skills by focusing on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalency. In addition, the GRE exam pattern for this portion emphasises the candidate’s ability to determine the correct sentence form as well as their knowledge with vocabulary and topics.
- Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning is considered the most difficult component of the GRE exam format, with problems ranging from Algebra to Data Analysis. It assesses a candidate’s basic mathematical aptitude, as well as their understanding of basic mathematical ideas and their ability to solve problems using quantitative approaches.
- Unscored & Research Section
The GRE experimental sections are typically referred to as the Unscored and Research sections.
The unscored section is frequently expected to appear at any point during the test, whether at the start or in the middle. It’s impossible to tell whether it’s not marked or indicated, therefore it can’t be avoided.
The Research component of the test is always marked and occurs at the end. The test taker’s decision on whether or not to undertake the portion is entirely up to them.
GRE Covid-19 Update
Taking into account the Covid – 19 global scenarios. GRE has begun administering GRE tests at home. This is being done to guarantee the safety of all applicants and to prevent the virus from spreading. This is only a stopgap measure until the situation is stabilised. All applicants must adhere to ETS’s protocols and rules. For test at home, the GRE exam syllabus and structure will be the same.
GRE computer based and paper exam
There are only a few small distinctions between the computer-based and paper-based GRE exam formats. Here are all of the distinctions:
- Both have different durations. The GRE computer-based exam lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes, whereas the GRE paper-based exam lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Reading comprehension questions are not included in the GRE paper-based exam.
- In the paper-based GRE, there are 25 quantitative and verbal questions, however in the computer-based GRE, there are just 20.
Many times, candidates are unable to obtain the GRE scores they desire. To achieve a good score, you should thoroughly do GRE preparation, take GRE mock tests often and if needed you can also go for online GRE prep courses. At last, the best way to tackle this exam is with a calm and attentive mind.
