GRE - Syllabus

GRE Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section of the GRE syllabus assesses your academic excellence through a variety of question types:

Content: Reading comprehension, Text completion, Sentence equivalence 

Number of questions:  27 Questions

Time Duration: Section 1: 18 minutes, Section 2: 23 minutes

Types of Questions:

• Reading Comprehension: These questions, constituting roughly half the exam, present passages from diverse fields like science, social sciences, humanities, and everyday topics. Passages can be academic or non-academic, mirroring content found in books. You’ll answer one to six questions based on each passage, demonstrating your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract critical information.
• Sentence Equivalence: These questions test your vocabulary and reasoning skills. Each question presents a single sentence with a blank. Your task is to identify two answer choices that, when inserted, create grammatically correct and logically complete sentences with equivalent meanings.

• Text Completion: This section assesses your reading comprehension and ability to infer meaning. Short passages will have crucial words omitted. You must draw upon the remaining context to select words or phrases that effectively fill in the blanks, ensuring a coherent and meaningful passage.

Success in Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion questions rely heavily on a strong vocabulary. By familiarising yourself with these GRE topics and honing your vocabulary skills, you can effectively crack the GRE and showcase your academic excellence.

GRE Quantitative Section

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section, or the GRE maths syllabus, assesses your understanding of fundamental maths concepts typically covered in high school. It emphasises problem-solving skills and critical thinking, not advanced maths like calculus or trigonometry. 

Content: Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Data Analysis

Number of questions:  27 Questions

Time Duration: Section 1: 21 minutes, Section 2: 26 minutes

 Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential topics tested:

• Arithmetic: Basic operations, properties of integers (divisibility, prime numbers, etc.), percentages, ratios, rates, absolute values, and number sequences.
• Algebra: Exponents, factoring, equations & inequalities (linear and quadratic), solving word problems using algebraic concepts, and coordinate geometry (graphs, intercepts, slopes).
• Geometry: Lines, circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, other polygons, 3D figures, area, perimeter, volume, Pythagorean Theorem, and angle measurement.

• Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, etc.), interpreting data visualisations (graphs, charts), basic probability concepts, and counting methods (combinations, permutations).

A strong foundation in these core mathematical concepts is essential for success in the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section.

GRE Analytical Reasoning

The GRE Analytical Writing section evaluates your ability to think critically and express your ideas effectively in written form. This section does not assess your knowledge of any specific subject area. 

Content: Analysing an Issue

Number of questions:  1

Time Duration: 30 minutes

Here’s a breakdown of the critical skills tested:

• Clear and Effective Communication: You’ll be assessed on your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and in an organised way .
• Supporting Arguments: Developing reasonable arguments with relevant and convincing examples is crucial for success.
• Focused and Coherent Discussion: Maintaining a clear focus throughout your writing and ensuring a logical flow of ideas is essential for a robust analytical response.

• Standard Written English: The test evaluates your grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure skills.

The Analytical Writing section consists of a single task:

• Analyse an Issue: You’ll be presented with a broad issue or topic and asked to develop a focused and well-reasoned argument in response.