posted on 01 Dec, 2022 03:32
I would not take analytical writing lightly
The GRE is an essential entry requirement for people to pursue graduate courses from a US college/university. The GRE pattern is provided here with the basic details and the topics in which questions are asked, and different points to keep in mind while attempting the test. GRE requires a lot of critical thinking and higher order of analytical skills, which can be very stressful. That's why prep tips like finger-tip calculations, quick answers, and time management are so useful. Time management is the most vital skill you can have for the GRE, which can only be learned by extensive practice with GRE sample test questions and GRE mock test. Failing to manage your time is one of the most common reasons people fail to finish the exam. If you want to improve your chances of passing the GRE, you must be familiar with the pattern of questions asked by the GRE board. The GRE General Exam is offered in two formats; one uses a computer, and the other is on paper. Although there are many similarities, the GRE pattern is distinct for each edition. The paper-delivered test is not available to everyone. However, it's available in places where the computer-based GRE is unavailable. As a result, you cannot simply choose a paper-based test versus a computer-based test. It is dependent on the location of the exam.
GRE Exam Pattern |
Computer based |
Paper based |
Time Duration |
3 hours 45 Minutes |
3 hours 30 minutes |
Total no. of sections |
7 |
6 |
Total no. of questions |
82 |
102 |
Only a paper-based version of the GRE Subject examination is available. There are no portions that are timed independently, and the entire examination takes 2 hours and 50 minutes. Subject tests are available in six disciplines: biology, chemistry, English literature, mathematics, psychology, and physics.
Each paper-based exam section includes two of the three main categories- analytical writing, verbal and quantitative reasoning. The Analytical Writing section consists of two one-hour projects (60 mins). There are two sections for the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning portions, and each unit will have 50 questions with a 60-minute and 70-minute time limit. The paper-based test does not include the variable components of Unscored and Research.
For paper-based tests, the GRE General Test pattern is as follows:
GRE Sections |
No. of Sections |
Allocated Time |
Verbal Reasoning |
2 sections- 50 questions |
70 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning |
2 sections- 50 questions |
80 minutes |
Analytical Writing |
2 sections- 2 tasks |
60 minutes |
Unscored |
NA |
NA |
Research |
NA |
NA |
Each section is separated into two sub-parts for the computer-based pattern, totaling forty questions (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning). Analytical writing has one section, with two tasks timed for 30 minutes each. In addition to the three main sections, there are two other variable sections included in the computer-based GRE pattern. A ten-minute break follows the Quantitative Reasoning section. The GRE test has two sections that are not scored – the unscored Research section and the unscored Variable section.
Though the GRE format changes over time, it generally follows a set pattern of sections and question types that you can study for.
The GRE Computer-based General Test is composed of the following sections:
GRE Sections |
No. of Sections |
Allocated Time |
Verbal Reasoning |
2 section- 40 questions |
60 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning |
2 section- 40 questions |
70 minutes |
Analytical Writing |
1 section- two tasks |
60 minutes |
Unscored |
Varies |
Varies |
Research |
Varies |
Varies |
The paper-based exam is held twice a year (November and February), while you can choose to take the computer-based at any point in a year.
You should study the test format in advance and prepare to finish the section on time. Because the exams have some varied components, you should expect the exam to last a little longer than intended. It is best not to become anxious or restless while taking the exam because this will add to your stress.
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