Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It consists of two separately timed tasks: an “Issue” task and an “Argument” task.

Topics Covered:

• Issue Task: Write an essay that presents and supports your position on a given topic.
• Argument Task: Write an essay that critiques a given argument, focusing on its logical soundness and use of evidence.

Skills Developed:

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Logical reasoning
• Clear and effective writing

Preparation Tips:

• Practice writing essays on a variety of topics.
• Focus on organizing your essays with a clear structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Review high-scoring sample essays to understand what is expected.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section measures the ability to understand and analyze written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences, and recognize relationships among words and concepts.

Topics Covered:

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding, analyzing, and evaluating written passages.
• Text Completion: Filling in the blanks within a passage with the most appropriate words.
• Sentence Equivalence: Choosing two words that complete a sentence in a way that creates equivalent meaning.

Skills Developed:

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary usage
• Analytical reasoning

Preparation Tips:

• Read a wide variety of texts to improve comprehension skills.
• Practice vocabulary regularly and learn word roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
• Work on sample text completion and sentence equivalence questions.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section measures problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

Topics Covered:

• Arithmetic: Basic operations, properties of integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios.
• Algebra: Equations, inequalities, functions, and algebraic expressions.
• Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, area, volume, and coordinate geometry.
• Data Analysis: Interpretation of data in graphs and tables, statistics, probability, and data sets.

Skills Developed:

• Mathematical reasoning
• Problem-solving abilities
• Data interpretation and analysis

Preparation Tips:

• Review fundamental math concepts and formulas.
• Practice a variety of quantitative questions to improve problem-solving speed and accuracy.
• Focus on understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing procedures.

Preparation Strategies

1. Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that covers all sections of the GRE, allocating more time to areas where you need improvement.
2. Use Official GRE Prep Resources: Utilize official GRE study guides and practice tests from ETS to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
3. Take Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and improve time management.
4. Analyze Performance: Review your practice test results to identify strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving weak areas.
5. Join Study Groups or Classes: Consider joining a study group or taking a GRE prep course for additional support and resources.
6. Stay Consistent: Consistent, focused study is key to success on the GRE. Aim for regular, shorter study sessions rather than cramming.