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GRE Exam Pattern

GRE exam

GRE Exam Pattern 2024 is made up of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. GRE or Graduate Record Examination which aims to assess the different skills related to these sections. GRE Pattern has 54 questions: 27 each in Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. In addition to that, you can face an “Analyze the Issue” task in the Analytical Writing section. The total time which is given in the GRE is 1 hour 58 minutes for the computerized version of the GRE General Test.

ETS is the conducting body of GRE and is one of the most widely accepted graduate exams for those who are looking to pursue education abroad. Recent times, ETS has made many changes in GRE exam pattern which includes reduction in test duration and also removing certain sections. Let us learn more in this article!

GRE Exam Pattern- Recent Updates

This section of the GRE will cover the important recent developments involving the GRE, for the benefit of the candidates who are planning to take the GRE test.

ETS GRE Exam Pattern Shortened to 2 Hours

GRE is accepted across countries for graduates as well as other professional courses, which was previously for 4 hours, now the time being reduced to under 2 hours, notified by the conducting body ETS for GRE.

A shorter version of the GRE General Test came into effect on September 22, 2023, with 26 fewer questions in Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning questions and only one question in Analytical Writing essay, helping to reduce the test-taking fatigue. This has made the GRE (approx. 2 hours) shorter than GMAT exam (3 hours 7 mins), GMAT Focus Edition (2 hours 15 mins) and LSAT exam (approx. 3 hours).

GRE Exam Pattern 2024

The recent announcement by ETS, there will be five sections to the ETS GRE. Questions will be assessed based on the Analytical writing, verbal reasoning as well as quantitative reasoning skills of candidates.

Sections Test Duration Number of Questions
Analytical Writing 30 minutes 1 “Analyze an Issue” task
Quantitative Reasoning Section 1: 18 minutes 12 questions
Section 2: 23 minutes 15 questions
Verbal Reasoning Section 1: 21 minutes 12 questions
Section 2: 26 minutes 15 questions
Total Duration 1 hour 58 minutes

 

GRE Computer Based vs GRE Paper Based Pattern

GRE pattern is available for both GRE Compu mode as well as GRE paper-based mode, but the candidates taking the GRE test from India can apply for only the GRE Computer-based module. The GRE Paper-based module is only applicable to places which have limitations in the use of computers. From the time of pandemic, GRE has been made more accessible with GRE at Home facility, where students can take GRE from their homes.

  • Computer-based GRE Pattern

For the computer-based GRE paper pattern, each of these sections of the GRE is further divided into two sub-sections with forty questions in total, which include Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing in the current exam format includes one essay in the Analytical Writing section and a total of 27 questions each in maths and verbal reasoning. There is no break in between.

  • GRE Paper Pattern for GRE Computer-based test

The GRE test format is of the following types:

GRE Exam Pattern: Analytical Writing Section

The GRE test format for GRE Analytical Writing would include two separately timed analytical writing tasks of 30 minutes each- Analyze an Issue.

GRE Paper Pattern: GRE Question Sample for Analytical Writing

Given below is a sample analyze of an Issue task

  • Topic 1

The success of any society is best measured by the happiness and satisfaction of its citizens rather than economic prosperity.

For this, we write a response that discusses the extent to which we agree or disagree with a statement and also explains the reasoning for the position we take. In the development and support of your position, consideration of how both the economic factors and happiness would contribute to the societal concerns and how they would interact with each other.

  • Topic 2

A nation

A nation’s progress would be determined more aptly by its commitment to education than by its technological advancement.

Write a response in which you would discuss the extent to which you would agree or disagree with the claim. For developing as well as supporting your position, address the potential benefits as well as drawbacks of prioritizing education over technology and provide suitable examples for supporting your take.

GRE Exam Pattern: Quantitative Reasoning Section

The GRE exam pattern for GRE Quantitative Reasoning includes two timed analytical writing tasks of thirty-five minutes each. The topics which are covered under the GRE Quantitative Reasoning would include:

  1. Basic math skills.
  2. Understanding of elementary math concepts.
  3. Ability to solve problems with quantitative methods.
  4. Important subjects covered are:
  5. Algebra
  6. Arithmetic
  7. Data analysis
  8. Geometry

GRE Question Sample for Quantitative Reasoning

Sample 1: A store is having a sale where all items are discounted by 25%. If the cost of shirt originally costs $40, what is the sale price for the shirt?

  1. $10
  2. $25
  3. $30
  4. $35

Solution:

To find the sale price, we need to calculate 25% of the original price:

Calculation of 25% of the $40 is 0.25* 40= 10

Subtract the discount from the original price is 40-10= 30
So, the sale price of the shirt is $30.

GRE Exam Pattern: Verbal Reasoning Section

The GRE exam pattern for Verbal Reasoning consists of three different categories of questions are divided into two sections for 30 minutes each and they are:

  1. Reading Comprehension
  2. Text Completion
  3. Sentence Equivalence

GRE Paper Pattern: GRE Question Sample for Verbal Reasoning

Sample 1:In her groundbreaking study, a scientist argues that the traditional views for animal behavior are often too (i), failing to account for the complex interactions which occur in the natural environments. By the employment of a more nuanced approach, she aims to (ii) the simple narratives which have dominated in the fields for decades. Her research reveals a (iii) understanding of the social structures among species which challenges long held assumptions.

Choices:

(i)

A. simplistic

B. convoluted

C. innovative

(ii)

D. reinforces

E. dismantles

F. celebrates

(iii)

G. rudimentary

H. Superficial

I. profound

Explanation:

For determination of the best answers, we start with the context. The scientist is critiquing traditional views, so for the first blank one should indicate a limitation of those views. The most correct word is A. simplistic.

Moving on to the second blank, since the scientist is trying to oppose or contradict these traditional views, the best option is E. dismantle.

For the third blank, we want a phrase which would convey a deep and good understanding of animal behavior, so the correct choice is I) profound.

GRE Subject Test Pattern 2024

Candidates who are trying to understand the GRE Subject Test pattern, can be helped by the following information:

GRE Subject Test Pattern for Maths

  1. 66 MCQs are related to UG level
  2. 50% of the total questions are related to calculus.
  3. 25% of total questions are related to algebra
  4. 25% of total questions are related to other topics of math.
  5. Total duration is 2 hours and 50 minutes

GRE Subject Test Pattern for Physics

  1. 70 MCQs are related to diagrams, graphs and related topics
  2. Total GRE Subject Test duration is 2 hours
  3. Total distribution is as follows:
  • Classical mechanics- 20%
  • Electromagnetism- 18%
  • Optics and Wave Phenomena- 8%
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics- 10%
  • Quantum Mechanics is 13%
  • Atomic Physics- 10%
  • Special Relativity- 6%
  • Laboratory Methods- 6%

GRE Subject Test Pattern for Psychology

  1. There are 144 MCQs related to the subject.
  2. The test duration is 2 hours.
  3. Total distribution of questions would include biological, cognitive and social developmental, clinical and others.

GRE 2024 Preparation Tips

If money is an issue, then self-study may be a better option for preparing for GRE. Saving money on personal tuition and classes, but also needing to keep in mind other factors and to be able to study on own in an effective manner, one needs a few best books for GRE, along with self-discipline and motivation.

Candidates can also check customized 4-week GRE Preparation plan for a better exam performance. On other hand, if time is a constraint and one also needs professional guidance for ensuring competitive edge for GRE exam preparation. Here are few tips for preparation of GRE:

  1. Start preparation early.
  2. Gathering every single piece of information which is related to exams.
  3. Create flashcards to expand vocabulary.
  4. Expanding use of vocabulary.
  5. Focus on weak areas more.
  6. Taking expert guidance for joining GRE coaching institutions.

 

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FAQ's

What is the structure of GRE exam?

In 2024, the GRE Exam Pattern consists of 3 sections which include verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and also analytical writing.

Is the GRE a hard exam?

GRE exam is a tough but important test which would check your critical thinking and problem-solving skills which are needed for grad school.

Is it easy to get 320 in GRE?

Scoring a 320 can be a tough task as a GRE Percentile is around 80 or above.

Is it easy to get 340 in GRE?

It is not an easy task but not impossible and many meritorious students would score 340 in GRE exam.

Is GRE easy to crack?

One could easily crack GRE with regular practice as well as exceptional preparation.

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