GRE General Test
The GRE is a graduate-admissions test measuring verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, accepted by most graduate and business schools.
Difficulty
Very Hard
Popularity
64%
Past questions
6
Study tips
10
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
Year-round (on demand)
1 hour 58 minutes
Verbal & Quant 130–170 each; Writing 0–6
155+ per section competitive; 4.0+ writing
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 30 minutes | 1 essay task | Separate score |
| Verbal Reasoning | ~41 minutes | 27 questions | 130–170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ~47 minutes | 27 questions | 130–170 |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Elite
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Define every key term precisely — many exam marks come from accurate use of subject terminology.
- 2
Apply concepts to real-world scenarios; application questions dominate modern exams.
- 3
Work through past papers under timed conditions — familiarity with question style is half the battle.
- 4
Take full-length, timed practice tests under real conditions — stamina and pacing matter as much as content.
- 5
Review every wrong answer until you can explain why the right answer is right and yours was wrong, then log the mistake.
- 6
Learn the recurring question types — the SAT and ACT reuse the same patterns every administration, so familiarity is free points.
- 7
Master pacing: know your per-question time budget and practice skip-and-return so you never leave easy points behind.
- 8
Use aggressive elimination — rule out wrong choices on every question before you commit to an answer.
- 9
Attack your weakest section with focused drills between full tests; a few points per section compound fast into a big composite gain.
- 10
Simulate test day exactly — same start time, same breaks, no phone — so the real thing feels routine.
Past Exam Questions
Define the key terms associated with Verbal Reasoning and explain why they matter in this subject.
Apply the concept of Quantitative Reasoning to a realistic scenario, explaining your reasoning step by step.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Analytical Writing, using evidence to support a clear, balanced conclusion.
Define the key terms associated with Text Completion and explain why they matter in this subject.
Apply the concept of Data Interpretation to a realistic scenario, explaining your reasoning step by step.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Vocabulary in Context, using evidence to support a clear, balanced conclusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Confusing similar key terms that examiners deliberately test against each other.
- ✕
Memorizing definitions without practicing application to scenarios.
- ✕
Ignoring the marks allocated per question — a 2-mark answer doesn't need a paragraph.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for GRE General Test — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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