GRE Exam Pattern 2024: Check Section-wise GRE Test Format

According to the ETS, there are five sections in the GRE exam. Questions in these sections assess the Analytical writing, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning skills of the candidates. Students will face a total of 55 questions distributed across three sections. They will have only 1 hour and 58 minutes to answer all these questions. ETS does not use a negative marking system for the GRE exam, so you can answer questions without worrying about score deductions. Below, we have mentioned the GRE test pattern 2025.

GRE Computer Based Test Pattern

The GRE Exam pattern for the General test is the same for the GRE at Home and at the centre. The Educational Testing Service introduced GRE at home facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this facility is to make tests accessible for those students who are not able to visit the centre physically. Students can take the GRE exam from the safety of their homes.

The GRE test format for GRE Analytical Writing includes only analytical writing tasks of thirty minutes, which is "Analyze an Issue".

GRE Question Sample for Analytical Writing

Sample Analyze an Issue task

Topic: 1

The effectiveness of a country's leaders is best measured by examining the well-being of that country's citizens.

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. For Response, Click Here

Topic: 2

The general welfare of a nation's people is a better indication of that nation's greatness than are the achievements of its rulers, artists, or scientists.

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. For Response, Click Here

GRE Exam Pattern: Quantitative Reasoning Section

The GRE test format for GRE Quantitative Reasoning includes two separately timed analytical writing tasks of thirty-five minutes each. The topics covered under GRE Quantitative Reasoning include:

• Basic mathematical skills
• Understanding of elementary mathematical concepts
• Ability to solve problems with quantitative methods
• Subjects covered under the GRE Quantitative Reasoning (GRE Math Section) include
  • Algebra
  • Arithmetic
  • Data analysis
  • Geometry

GRE Question Sample for Quantitative Reasoning

Sample 1: Which of the following numbers is farthest from the number 1 on the number line?

1. -10

2. -5

3. 0

4. 5

5. 10

Explanation

Circling each of the answer choices in a sketch of the number line (Figure 1) shows that of the given numbers, -10 is the greatest distance from 1.

Solve: GRE Quantitative Practice Test

• Reading Comprehension
• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence

GRE Question Sample for Verbal Reasoning

Sample: It is refreshing to read a book about our planet by an author who does not allow facts to be (i)__________ by politics: well aware of the political disputes about the effects of human activities on climate and biodiversity, this author does not permit them to (ii)__________ his comprehensive description of what we know about our biosphere. He emphasizes the enormous gaps in our knowledge, the sparseness of our observations, and the (iii)__________, calling attention to the many aspects of planetary evolution that must be better understood before we can accurately diagnose the condition of our planet.

Explanation: The overall tone of the passage is clearly complementary. To understand what the author of the book is being complimented on, it is useful to focus on the second blank. Here, we must determine what word would indicate something that the author is praised for not permitting. The only answer choice that fits the case is "obscure," since enhancing and underscoring are generally good things to do, not things one should refrain from doing.

Choosing "obscure" clarifies the choice for the first blank; the only choice that fits well with "obscure" is "overshadowed." Notice that trying to fill the first blank before filling in the second blank is hard — each choice has at least some initial plausibility. Since the third blank requires a phrase that matches "enormous gaps" and "sparseness of our observations," the best choice is "superficiality of our theories."Thus, the correct answer is Choice A (overshadowed), Choice E (obscure), and Choice I (superficiality of our theories). 

Note: The GRE sample questions above have been sourced from the official ETS website.

Candidates looking to understand the GRE Subject Test pattern can know more about the same here. This article solely focuses on the GRE paper pattern of the GRE general test. It is important to pay attention to the GRE format of the paper as well as keep an eye on the time dedicated to each section. Here we have mentioned GRE Subject Test pattern, so you can have an idea of exam:

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If money is a consideration and one is quite confident of being able to prepare well without supervision, then self-study may be the better option to prepare for GRE. You could save money on personal tuition and classes, but you need to keep in mind other factors too. To be able to study on your own effectively, you need a few best books for GRE, along with motivation and self-discipline.

Candidates can also check out our customized 4-week GRE Preparation plan to better their exam performance. On the other hand, if time is a constraint and one needs professional guidance to ensure a competitive edge in GRE exam preparation, then coaching classes are the better option. You will have access to a better resource of study materials and will have a team of experts guiding you. Here, we have mentioned some tips to prepare for Graduate Record Exam:

• Start preparation early.
• Gather every single information related to exam.
• Create flashcards and notes.
• Take GRE practice tests
• Expand your vocabulary
• Focus on weak areas more.
• Use authentic study materials.
• Take expert guidance or join GRE coaching institutes. 

Your time will be better managed as being regular in classes will become part of your routine. Moreover, being around other students will increase their motivation levels.

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