GRE Exam Pattern 2023: Check Section-wise Computer / Paper Based Format Here

This section of the GRE test would cover any latest developments revolving around the GRE Exam for the benefit of candidates who are planning to appear for their GRE test.

ETS GRE Exam to shorten to just under 2 hours starting September 22, 2023

One of the most widely accepted tests for graduates and professional courses, the GRE exam which is currently just under 4 hours will be shortened to just under 2 hours starting September 22, 2023, as notified by ETS - the conducting body of the GRE exam. The shorter version of the GRE General Test, starting on September 22, 2023, will have 26 fewer Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning questions and only one Analytical Writing essay helping reduce test-taking fatigue. This new change will make the GRE exam (approx 2hrs) shorter than the GMAT exam (3hrs 7mins), GMAT Focus Edition (2hrs 15mins) and LSAT (approx 3hrs). 

GRE Computer Based vs GRE Paper-Based Pattern: Candidates should note that while the GRE exam pattern is available in both GRE Computer-based mode and GRE Paper-based mode, however, candidates taking the GRE test from India can only appear from the GRE Computer-based module. The GRE paper-based module is only applicable to places that have limitations to the use of computers. Know lets us know how the GRE formats differ from one another.

In response to the ongoing pandemic, COVID-19, ETS (Educational Testing Service) in their endeavour to make the GRE exam more accessible has launched the GRE at Home facility, where students can take the GRE exam from the safety of their homes. ETS has also allowed candidates to use their Aadhar Cards as part of their student ID starting July 1, 2021, during the GRE registration process. Candidates can know more about the GRE test as they read along. 

For the computer-based GRE paper pattern, each of these GRE sections is further divided into two sub-sections with forty questions in total (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning). Analytical Writing has only one section that contains two tasks with a time duration of one hour. Apart from these main sections, there are two other variable sections included in the computer-based pattern exam. This section is followed by a ten-minute break after the Quantitative Reasoning part is complete. However, these two variable sections- The unscored and Research section- are not included in the final GRE Scores.

GRE Paper pattern for GRE Computer-based test

The GRE test format is as follows:

GRE Exam Pattern: Analytical Writing  Section

The GRE test format for GRE Analytical Writing includes two separately timed analytical writing tasks of thirty minutes each:

• Analyze an Issue
• Analyze an Argument

GRE Paper Pattern: 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 Paper Pattern: Sample Analyze an Argument task

Topic: 1

The following appeared as a letter to the editor from the owner of a skate shop in Central Plaza.

"Two years ago the city council voted to prohibit skateboarding in Central Plaza. They claimed that skateboard users were responsible for litter and vandalism that were keeping other visitors from coming to the plaza. In the past two years, however, there has been only a small increase in the number of visitors to Central Plaza, and litter and vandalism are still problematic. Skateboarding is permitted in Monroe Park, however, and there is no problem with litter or vandalism there. In order to restore Central Plaza to its former glory, then, we recommend that the city lift its prohibition on skateboarding in the plaza."

Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the recommendation and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the recommendation. For Response, Click Here

Topic: 2

The following appeared as part of an article in a Dillton newspaper.

"In an effort to bring new jobs to Dillton and stimulate the city's flagging economy, Dillton's city council voted last year to lower the city's corporate tax rate by 15 percent; at the same time, the city began offering generous relocation grants to any company that would move to Dillton. Since these changes went into effect, two new factories have opened in Dillton. Although the two factories employ more than 1,000 people, the unemployment rate in Dillton remains unchanged. The only clear explanation for this is that the new factories are staffed with out-of-town workers rather than Dillton residents."

Write a response in which you discuss one or more alternative explanations that could rival the proposed explanation and explain how your explanation(s) can plausibly account for the facts presented in the argument. For Response, Click Here

Solve:

• GRE Essay Topics with Answers
• GRE Analytical Writing Practice Test

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

GRE Paper Pattern: 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 Paper Pattern: GRE Question Sample for Verbal Reasoning

Sample 1: 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). Solve: GRE Verbal Practice Test Note: The GRE sample questions above have been sourced from the official ETS website.

GRE Preparation Tips 2023: A lot of times candidates are not able to achieve their desired GRE marks. Candidates can tap into GRE preparation tips to understand GRE strategies to achieve good scores on the GRE test. Candidates can also take inspiration from our GRE Preparation Plan for 4 Weeks. Candidates looking for assistance on individual GRE sections can visit the pages mentioned below or indulge in a GRE Practice Test. Candidates should note that one of the most significant learning here is time management which only comes through the rigorous practice of GRE sample papers and mock tests. Even though one is aware of the GRE Syllabus and knows all the answers, failure to manage time can lead to an incomplete exam. This is where the importance of being familiar with the GRE test pattern is of utmost importance. Candidates can also check out coaching institutes that teach their students GRE prep tips to save time such as quick calculations, finger-tip formulas, and time management.

• GRE prep tips: Analytical Writing
• GRE prep tips: Verbal Reasoning Section
• GRE prep tips: Quantitative section

GRE Paper-based Exam Pattern 2023: The paper-based exam includes two sub-sections of each of the main categories- Analytical Writing, Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning. The analytical writing part contains two tasks with a duration of one hour (60 mins). Verbal and Quantitative reasoning each contains two sections and 50 questions with a maximum time limit of 60 and 70 minutes, consequently. The variable sections of Unscored and Research are not included in the paper-based exam. While the GRE Pattern may change from time to time generally, the crux of the format remains the same. Currently, the following is the exam pattern that aspirants can look forward to. Note: GRE paper-based exam is held in places where the GRE computer-based test is not conducted due to technology restraints. Students applying for the GRE computer-based exam can only appear up to five times in a year and not more than that.

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. As there are certain variable sections added as well in the exams, you can expect the exam to go on a bit longer than expected. It is best not to get anxious or restless while writing the exam as it will only make you more stressed. A calm and alert mind is the best way to approach this exam. If you have more questions regarding the GRE format or the GRE paper pattern feel free to get in touch with us in the comments below.

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Prepare for GRE: 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 good books and resources for GRE, along with motivation and self-discipline. Candidates can also check out our customized 4-week GRE Preparation plan to better their GRE 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. 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. Candidates could also check out our take on Reasons Why You Should Choose Online GRE Prep. Try your hand at GRE Practice papers to self-evaluate your understanding of the GRE.

Strategy for preparing for GRE

GRE preparation strategy: Candidates looking to prepare for their GRE exam can check out our detailed preparation guide on the various sections in GRE. Candidates can also benefit from downloadable sample GRE questions for the benefit of the test taker.

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