GRE Exam Syllabus

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test widely used for admissions into graduate programs and business schools around the world. It assesses a student’s readiness for advanced academic study and is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The GRE exam consists of several sections, each designed to measure specific skills and abilities. In this detailed explanation, I will outline the GRE exam syllabus, including its various sections and the skills assessed in each one. 

GRE General Test Structure:

The GRE General Test comprises three main sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: This section evaluates a test taker’s ability to analyze and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and identify relationships between words and concepts. The Verbal Reasoning section consists of two subsections:
• Text Completion: In this subsection, you’ll be presented with sentences or short paragraphs with one or more blanks, and you must select the most appropriate word or words to complete the text. 
• Sentence Equivalence: This subsection requires you to select two words or phrases that best complete a sentence, making it logically and semantically coherent. 
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section assesses your mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. It consists of two subsections:
• Quantitative Comparison: In this subsection, you’ll compare two quantities and determine their relationship, such as whether one is greater, less than, or equal to the other.
• Problem Solving: These questions involve standard multiple-choice math problems, ranging from basic arithmetic to more complex concepts. 
• Analytical Writing: The Analytical Writing section evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas, construct coherent arguments, and express your thoughts effectively in writing. It consists of two tasks:
• Issue Task: In this task, you’ll be presented with a brief statement on a general issue and asked to provide a well-structured essay expressing your viewpoint on the matter, supported by examples and reasoning. 
• Argument Task: For this task, you’ll critique an argument presented in a passage. You must identify the logical flaws, assumptions, and evidence used in the argument and write an essay analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. 

Additional Information about the GRE Syllabus:

Verbal Reasoning:

• Vocabulary: The Verbal Reasoning section may test your vocabulary indirectly by assessing your ability to deduce word meanings from context. 
• Reading Comprehension: This section also includes reading comprehension passages, where you’ll answer questions based on your understanding of the text. 

Quantitative Reasoning:

• Topics Covered: The Quantitative Reasoning section covers a wide range of mathematical concepts, including algebraic expressions, equations, plane and coordinate geometry, data interpretation, and basic statistics. 
• Calculator: A calculator is provided on-screen for some questions in this section, but not all questions can be solved with a calculator.

Analytical Writing:

• Time Management: Each Analytical Writing task has a time limit of 30 minutes, and it’s essential to manage your time effectively to complete both tasks within the allotted time. 
• Scoring: Your essays are scored on a scale from 0 to 6, with half-point increments. They are evaluated by human raters as well as an automated scoring system. 

Score Reporting

The GRE General Test is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 points for both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Your scores are reported for each section separately, and your scores are available immediately after completing the test. Additionally, you can send your scores to up to four graduate programs or business schools of your choice.

GRE Subject Tests:

In addition to the GRE General Test, ETS also offers GRE Subject Tests for specific fields of study, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, and literature in English. These tests assess your knowledge of a particular subject area and are often required or recommended for admission to graduate programs in those fields. The content for GRE Subject Tests is based on undergraduate-level knowledge in the respective disciplines. 

Preparation:

Preparing for the GRE involves a combination of reviewing relevant content, practicing test-taking strategies, and becoming familiar with the test format. ETS offers official GRE test prep materials, including practice tests, sample questions, and test prep books. Many third-party companies also offer GRE prep courses and study materials to help you prepare effectively. 

In conclusion, the GRE General Test is a comprehensive examination that assesses a wide range of skills, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Understanding the GRE exam syllabus is crucial for effective preparation, and it’s essential to dedicate time to review content, practice, and develop test-taking strategies to achieve your desired scores. Additionally, it’s advisable to check with the specific graduate programs or business schools you’re interested in to determine their GRE score requirements and whether GRE Subject Tests are required for your chosen field of study.