1. Gre Study Guide Books

Use our list of GRE resources for study tips. Test-Guide.com's GRE practice questions have full answers and explanations - use them to get your highest score! Apr 23, 2016 - Are you searching for the best GRE prep books? Kaplan's top three GRE preparation books are included in GRE Complete 2016: GRE.

Introduction to the GRE What is the GRE? The GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It is a type of standardized test for students who aspire to join post-graduate programs in the U.S.

And other countries. The GRE is divided into two types of tests. The first one is a general test, and the second one is divided into subject tests. When speaking of GRE, priority is always given to the general test at first. The general test is what all applicants must take, unlike the subject tests, which are specific to their chosen subjects.

The general test contains questions that are designed to simulate the thinking abilities, which you would need at a or any other post-graduate course. The general test contains various sections that include analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The verbal and quantitative reasoning tests are scored on a scale between 200 and 800. On the other hand, the analytical writing section relies on point-based scoring, where six points are the highest that can be scored. The verbal reasoning test aims to measure a candidate’s ability to evaluate and analyze written content and process the information found within that written content. Quantitative reasoning tests your ability to solve problems by using quantitative methods, which might include arithmetic, algebra, data analysis, and geometry.

The Analytical Writing section tests abilities related to writing and critical thinking. It tests your ability to explain and support ideas or concepts in a fluent and efficient manner. Who Takes the Test? The GRE is taken by a wide range of students who aspire to enroll in graduate courses or business school. The aspiring applicants come from all over the globe, and their general aim is to pursue a master’s degree, doctoral degree, or even an.

The GRE helps in measuring the abilities and skills of the candidates using a common system, especially since the applicants originate from various cultural and educational backgrounds. The GRE results are then used by various panels that oversee admissions, fellowships, or scholarships as a supplement to already existing undergraduate results, recommendation letters, and various other necessary qualifications. The test is taken at authorized centers located across the globe in various countries, cities, towns, and so on.

To be more specific, there are around 1000 authorized GRE centers located in 160 countries. Most of the countries offer the computer-delivered tests throughout the year. In fact, in Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the computer-delivered test is available up to thrice a month.

The countries that do not follow the computer-delivered test system use an alternative system called the paper (delivered) GRE test. This type of GRE test is conducted thrice a year in the months of February, October, and November.

Overview of Question Types on the GRE There are 3 main sections in the GRE General Test. These sections include Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is designed to test your general intelligence and is not at all related to your expertise in a chosen field of study.

In fact, some would say that the General Test is much more relevant than the chosen field of study. Verbal Reasoning:. Conduct an analysis of a piece of discourse and derive conclusions from it. Use reasoning skills with help from insufficient data.

Determine the writer or author’s perspective or assumptions from reading the written content. Understand different kinds of meanings such as figurative meaning, literal meaning, and intended meaning.

Identify significant points and distinguish them from less significant points. Make sense of textual structure and also summarize the given text.

Understand the meanings of specific words, sentences, and whole paragraphs. Understand the connection between words and concepts/ideas. The Quantitative Test:. Interpret quantitative data or information and then analyze it. Find solutions to problems using mathematics. Implement mathematical systems such as algebra, arithmetic, data interpretation, and geometry to solve problems. A calculator is usually provided during this part of the General GRE Test.

The Analytical Writing Test:. Articulate or explain ideas fluently. Support these ideas with the help of examples and reasoning skills.

Analyze claims and their related evidence. Discuss coherently and with focus. Manage the various core aspects of written English.

The entire purpose of the Analytical Writing Section is to help you showcase your skills in responding appropriately to a given task. GRE Question Structure There are two particular types of GRE General Tests. One is the Computer-Delivered Test, and the other is the Paper-Delivered Test. The following breaks down what you can expect from each type. The Paper-Delivered Test:. Time: The time given is 3 hours and 30 minutes for the entire test.

The test contains a total of 6 sections with a 10-minute break provided after the completion of the second section. Time per section: Each test is provided with a particular time limit. The Analytical Writing Test is divided into 2 sections. Each section must be answered in 30 minutes. The first section involves the analysis of a problem while the second one involves the analysis of an argument.

Gre Study Guide Books

Similarly, the Verbal Reasoning Test is divided into two sections with a total of 25 questions per section. The time provided is 35 minutes for each section. As for the Quantitative Analysis Test, there are two sections again with 25 questions each. The time provided for each section is 40 minutes. Order of the tests: The Analytical Writing Test is always the first part of the GRE General Exam. However, the other two tests may arrive in any order. Candidates are allowed to skip and return to questions in the sections provided under Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.

The answers can also be changed if needed. The Computer-Delivered Test:. Time: The time provided for the Computer-Delivered GRE General Test is 3 hours and 45 minutes.

There are 6 sections in the test with a 10-minute break being provided after the completion of the third section. Time per section: The Analytical Writing Tests contains a single section that is divided into 2 separate tasks. Each task must be completed in 30 minutes. The first task is to analyze a problem, and the other is to analyze an argument.

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Similarly, the Verbal Reasoning Test has 2 sections with 20 questions each. The time allotted per section is 30 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning Test has 2 sections with 20 questions each and a 35-minute time limit per section. Extra sections: There will be an Unscored Section or a Research Section provided, too.

The Research Section will usually turn up right at the end of the test. The Research Section is provided for ETS’s (Educational Testing Service) research purposes, while the Unscored Section helps ETS try out questions that may be incorporated into the GRE General Test in the future. The Unscored Section also helps ETS compare the scores between earlier and newer editions of the test. Order of the tests: The Analytical Writing Test is always the first, while the others may appear in any order. This is why even the Research Section or the Unscored Section must be treated as scored sections, in order to complete the test on time. Questions can be skipped and returned to later, for which you are provided with ‘Mark’ and ‘Review’ features for each question. Answers can also be edited and corrected, if required.

The Scoring System for the GRE The scores of the GRE General Test are valid for up to 5 years from the date of testing, after which you must take part in the test again if needed. These are the following scoring patterns for the GRE General Test:. Verbal Reasoning: 130-170 with an increment of 1 point. Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 with an increment of 1 point. Analytical Writing: 0 to 6 points with an increment of half a point. Sections that go unanswered will be marked as ‘NS’ or ‘No Score’.

The scoring processes for the Computer-Delivered Test and Paper-Delivered Tests are similar. First, a raw score is calculated for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Sections based on the number of correct answers given. The number of questions with the right answers and the statistical aspects of the questions are factored into the raw score, as well. So two candidates who give the right answers to the same number of questions end up with varying scores, which is explained by the complexity of the questions each of the candidates answered. The raw score is then is scaled to the final score using the method of equating.

The final score is then fixed to reflect the differences in the complexity of the questions that appeared in different versions of the test. As for the Analytical Writing Test, scoring is carried out by two readers who assess the answers based on writing skills and critical thinking abilities. Minor grammatical errors are usually overlooked; however, serious ones end up affecting the overall score. The readers score answers on a 0-to-6-point scale with half point increments. The average for both reader scores is calculated and rounded off to the closest 1.5 points, resulting in the final score for the Analytical Writing Test. If there is a wide difference between the scores provided by the first two readers, then the test is evaluated by a third reader. What is ScoreSelect?

The ScoreSelect option allows you to send in only your best scores to the institutes or schools you are applying to. It basically means that you can take a GRE test twice and then choose the best scores to send.

When the time comes to actually send in the scores, you can choose from the following options: On test day:. Most recent: The scores from the current test can be sent. All options: It allows you to send scores from all the General Tests you took within the past 5 years. You can also choose not to send in any of the scores for the time being. After test day, candidates can send in extra score reports for a small sum.

Options include:. Most recent: Scores from the most recent test can be sent in. All options: Scores from all the GRE General Tests from the past five years can be sent in. Any option: Any particular set of scores can be chosen and sent as per your wishes. The benefit of the ScoreSelect System is that you can choose to send in only your best scores. Plus, the schools or institutes will only have access to the scores that are sent to them. They will have no information about your performance on other GRE General Tests.

Additional GRE Resources on Getting Started:. Verbal Reasoning What is assessed in this section? One of the most basic expectations for graduate-level students is that they are able to make sense of high-level prose and also analyze it. It covers the ability to know the meanings of words, sentences, paragraphs, and the entire textual content as a whole. This is exactly what is assessed by the Verbal Reasoning part of the GRE General Test. The questions that are presented in the Verbal Reasoning Test are designed to test your ability with regard to comprehending written text or content and evaluating it. It also tests your knowledge of sentence structure analysis and your ability to identify the relationships between concepts and words.

Three Types of Verbal Questions The Verbal Reasoning Test is divided into 2 sections or tasks, each of which must be completed in 30 minutes. In each section, you will face 3 particular types of multiple-choice questions, which include:. Reading Comprehension. Text Completion. Sentence Equivalence Overview of the Three Verbal Question Types. Reading Comprehension: The Reading Comprehension questions are specifically designed to test your command over understanding written text.

This also includes testing your strengths in the area of text analysis, your ability to break down primary and secondary points, and your ability to identify the writer’s perspective. Around ten passages will be provided, and all of them will be non-fiction. The passages will be borrowed from subjects that range from physics and biology to social sciences and humanities. Each passage will be accompanied by a set of 6 questions that may pertain to the individual meaning of a word or sentence or may involve analyzing the entire passage. The answering process also varies for each question.

You may be asked to choose one right answer or more than one right answer. You may also be asked to identify the answer from within the passage itself. Text Completion: The text completion questions are designed to assess your skills with regard to reading. The objective of the test is to find out how well you can evaluate the text that you read. Therefore, critical or important words from the given text are omitted.

You will be asked to replace these omitted words or phrases in order to arrive at a passage that makes sense or is coherent. The test is not as simple as it sounds. In fact, it can be extremely challenging, especially since the identification of one omitted word from the passage or text may depend on the identification of another omitted word from the same passage or text.

Sentence Equivalence: This particular question type is quite similar to Text Completion. However, here, the questions are designed to assess your ability to make sense of an incomplete sentence and then choose the appropriate conclusion to the sentence. You will be asked to opt for two unique phrases or words that finish an incomplete sentence in such a way that it creates 2 finished sentences that enjoy the same meaning.

The trick lies in focusing on the first part of the given sentence as it usually provides the clue to completing the sentence appropriately. Study Strategy and Helpful Tips Preparation for an examination such as GRE requires a lot of effort and hard work. Therefore, a strategy must be put in place. According to experts, you must dedicate at least 4 to 12 weeks of your time to prepare for GRE. Apart from improving your existing set of skills, experts advise that you practice using sample GRE tests. Taking practice tests has been known to significantly contribute to higher scores on the GRE Verbal Reasoning Test.

You can also make use of the PowerPrep II software provided by ETS. The software provides you with sample tests that are exactly like the actual GRE Verbal Reasoning Test. This will provide you with an added advantage as you will have an idea of what to expect, especially when it comes to navigating and operating the Computer-Delivered Test. This will also save time and allow you to focus on the actual test. You can also make use of various study resources provided by ETS. These resources are either free or available at very low prices. Some of these resources even include guidance videos that provide preparation strategies and tips.

Another excellent resource is the Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test. This resource provides tons of sample tests along with complete paper-based practice tests.

The guide can be purchased as a paperback or downloaded as an e-book. You can also choose from a wide range of GRE study resources that are provided by third parties. They are available at bookstores, and the prices vary. Most of them are quite reliable; however, experts advise you to do some research on the third party resources before spending on them. Another misconception that you might have about the Verbal Reasoning Test is that you are required to have a skilled vocabulary. Having a skilled vocabulary is definitely advantageous, but what’s more important is your ability to understand text. Therefore, make a habit of reading advanced texts on a regular basis.

Also, make sure to check out various definitions and new words. Once again, sample tests are the best way to test your vocabulary. The questions on the Verbal Reasoning Test are made up of different formats. Therefore, it is necessary that you read all the given instructions before answering the question. This will help you determine what type of answer you must provide. With regard to the Computer-Delivered GRE Test, you can always mark questions and skip them.

Once you’re done with the remaining questions, you can come back to the skipped ones and try solving them. You also have the option of editing your previous answers, if you feel they might be wrong or incomplete. The scoring of the Verbal Reasoning Test depends on how many questions you’ve answered correctly.

There is no negative marking or credit for wrong answers, which means answering every question is the best thing to do. The ideal strategy to use here is to answer all the questions you know first, and then go back to the ones you aren’t sure of. 5 Verbal Reasoning Bonus Tips:. Get used to the question formats that we discussed earlier. Practice and make sure are thorough with them.

Read plenty of texts, especially complex ones. This will help you develop your comprehension skills.

Do not focus too much on word lists. Instead, read as much as you can. This will help you improve your vocabulary and also your language skills. Do not be ashamed to get help.

Use resources or talk to other successful GRE candidates that you might know of. There are also many preparatory courses that are available that can help you out. Do not feel embarrassed to enroll in one. Keep practicing with sample tests. Learn to keep time and practice trying to solve questions within the given time.

Additional Verbal Reasoning Resources:. Quantitative Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning is one of the most important and exhaustive sections in the GRE test paper. It assesses your reasoning skills in math and your ability to apply these concepts to real-life situations.

It includes solving problems, most of which are given in the form of word problems. It tests your skills from the word go, converting words into mathematical problems, applying appropriate reasoning, and using suitable tools to come up with the correct answers. The section is quite extensive and can test your skills to the limit, so prepare accordingly to ensure that you are not overwhelmed when you take the test. What is Assessed in the Quantitative Reasoning Section? There are four major skills that are analyzed in the section: arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and data analysis. The analysis includes both knowledge and application skills of the theories that you have studied.

The Quantitative Reasoning Section of the GRE tests your basic math skills, understanding of mathematical concepts, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving skills using quantitative methods. Arithmetic The section includes basic mathematical principles and operations. Most Common Mistakes Made by GRE Candidates The GRE is a difficult exam, and it takes a lot of preparation to get it right and score well. If you are not well prepared or are simply nervous, you are likely to make mistakes. You may enter wrong values during computation, understand passages incorrectly, or take too much time and be left without enough to finish all the questions on the test. Here are a few mistakes that most candidates taking the GRE make in particular sections or overall through the entire test.

General Mistakes Most students commit a few general mistakes while preparing for the GRE. The GRE is an important test and is not something that you can get ready for at the last minute. Doing so will simply confuse you with the deluge of information, making you forget what you have already studied.

There are a number of free online resources that offer guidance and practice tools for the exam. If you do not use them, you may find it difficult to finish the test on time.

Each section of the test is distinctly different and requires preparation. If you do not practice equally as much for all the sections, your final score will suffer, even if you have performed exceptionally well in one section. Look for multiple guide books, sample questions, and tests online when getting ready for the GRE. Sticking to just one kind of study material will make your preparation less diverse. Start early, keep looking for new sources online, study well, and time yourself frequently when completing questions.

Common Mistakes in Analytical Writing The analytical section is tricky as it tests language skills, logical reasoning, and creative ideas. Spelling errors and typos are common when writing or typing quickly. Words get misspelled, or you end up spelling them wrong. For example, you may type ‘use’ as ‘sue’, thereby completely changing the meaning of what you say. Not being clear in your arguments and ideas means that the examiner checking your paper will not be able to fully understand what you are trying to convey. Errors in sentence formations are another major problem.

Sometimes, you may have a thought that you are trying to convey but may end up writing long sentences that lose their meaning at the end and are plain confusing to read. If you start writing in a hurry, you may actually miss the point of the argument and may misunderstand the entire point of the essay. Take your time and do not rush through this section. Common Mistakes in Quantitative Section This section tests your skills with numbers and analytics. Errors while writing an answer like not putting a negative sign or not using the decimal point can cost you points on the final score. The most common mistake is entering wrong numerical values or using addition instead of subtraction as it can completely change your answer. Being in a hurry and misreading questions usually happens when you are nervous or running out of time.

Confusing single-option and multiple-option questions can cost you dearly, as you may end up losing multiple points for such errors. Read questions carefully, and double-check computations for errors.

Common Mistakes in the Verbal Section This section tests your language understanding and writing skills. If you do not read a passage carefully or understand it well, you could be answering all the questions for that passage wrong. If you choose one correct and one wrong answer in sentence equivalence, you will lose out on scores for the entire question. Many multiple-choice questions have similar-sounding answers, and it is common to get confused and choose the wrong option. Using the same words over and over again, or using the same idea in different sentences throughout the essay, can cost you points.

Read passages carefully, and double-check answers and essays for mistakes. You can get rid of most of these errors simply by being better prepared and knowing how to time yourself to finish the test well in time. Prepare well, be confident of your knowledge and reasoning skills, and you should be able to score well on your upcoming GRE test. Do Not Ignore These if You Want to Score Well on the GRE Here are a few tips to prepare well, answer correctly, and finish your test on time for your upcoming GRE test. If you find a question difficult, mark it for later review and move on to the next one. It will help save time; you can get back to the question later and view it with a fresh perspective.

The Quantitative Reasoning Section will usually give you one option for an on-screen calculator for the computations. There is an option to view all the questions in one section on a single page. Use it to get an idea of the kinds of questions before beginning your test for each section. Time yourself for each question or each section and ensure you stick to the timeline.

Doing so will ensure that you finish the test on time and do not miss out on any questions. Take timed tests during preparation so that you know which sections are faster to finish and which questions take more time. It will help you set a timeline for the actual test. Keep these tips in mind and you will find it easier to manage your time during the test and give it your best shot. Before the Test Prep Work Before applying for GRE, make sure that the institutions and the courses you are applying for accept GRE scores.

Here are a few facts that you should pay special attention to during your GRE preparation as well as on the actual test day. Register on the official GRE website to get email alerts for submission dates and other important dates and updates. It will help you make sure that you do not miss out on any submissions and payments in the midst of your preparations. Know that most business schools do not have a preference for GRE or GMAT. However, check with the school or schools you are applying for and the details of the programs you wish to enroll in to know the specific requirements. Check the cost of taking the test, and ensure that you have the amount ready so that you do not have to rush at the last minute to arrange for funds. Check various online sources to get more details about GRE.

If you are not a native English speaker, you can take the test in multiple other languages, as well, so check for the details before applying. Calculators are provided at the center, so you need not carry or use your own. Pay attention to these small details. They can help you with important decisions about taking the test or the scores you need to target as well as ensure that you are on time and at the right venue for your tests. Know all the rules and regulations and follow them strictly if you do not want any last minute problems at the test center. Look at the list of documents to be carried to the center, and keep them ready beforehand.

Sample Test Resources Here are a few links to sample questions and GRE test papers online that you can refer to and use when preparing for the test. The last link is a timed test that you can take once you have prepared for the various sections and want to check if you can complete the test on time. It will help you time yourself better for the actual test. GRE is an important test. Be prepared for biometric testing at the center (a few hours before the test).

Do not write any information related to the test on your personal belongings or clothing. Phones and all other electronic devices are barred from test rooms, so make sure you leave them outside. Only analog watches are allowed in test centers. If you have any health related problems or requirements which may prevent you from taking the test on a particular date, specify it while filing the application itself so that your request can be accommodated accordingly. Wear comfortable clothing during the test. Read through all the rules of the test so you go to the test center prepared accordingly.

Stay calm, and you will be able to attempt the test better and give it your best shot. Best GRE Prep Apps for Studying If you want to get admission into a premier, scoring high on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is not the only option you have. Most schools also accept GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores now.

Of course, you will need to score high in this test to maximize your chances of gaining admission into the best schools. For this, studying effectively by identifying and using the best study materials is very important.

So is learning how to study most effectively for the GRE test so that you score high and this is one area where technology comes to your rescue. The internet has transformed the field of education in many ways and the immense popularity of is proof of this. For you, the GRE aspirant too, the internet has some benefits to offer in the form of GRE preparation apps that you can download. These Apps are designed to make GRE preparation easier, quicker, and more accessible. There are a number of such apps today mainly because of the prevalence of smartphones and tablets.

Plus, students are looking for innovative ways to ace the test and apps seem to be a good solution. However, one common mistake that students like you make is to think that these apps can substitute for studying, practicing, and sheer hard work. This is incorrect. Apps can make studying easier and faster. You still have to invest work, time, and attention in studying the right kinds of material if you hope to pass the test with flying colors. So, if apps are not a substitute for studying, why should you download them at all?. First, apps are great supplements to your GRE studying and they improve your chances of scoring better.

Mobile learning allows you to study on the go. That means your GRE preparation can go on when you are traveling or commuting, letting you devote more hours to studying. Apps give you access to study material from anywhere so even if you are away from home, your study schedule need not be interrupted All GRE apps are NOT created equal There hundreds of study-centric apps available today, but not all of them are designed with your needs in mind. Some of them may be too intricate to deliver value while others are just too basic and gloss over the learning part to be of any actual use to you. It will not do to download the cheapest app or the one that takes up the least space on your phone either because these may not offer any value addition to your GRE preparation.

To pick the right ones, you should have a basic idea of what each one does and what it is good for. Match this information what your specific needs and you can quickly find a GRE preparation app that will give you maximum benefit. The Official GRE Guide Mobile App by ETS Overview:ETS is the company that writes and administers the GRE the material you access through the app, which is drawn from previous tests. The Start pack is $4.99 and it has verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning questions (25 each), 2 analytical writing topics. You can buy the Expansion pack at $19.99 which has 125 extra verbal and quantitative reasoning questions (each) and 4 additional analytical writing tasks.