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Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
VERBAL and QUANTITATIVE Sections
• Practice test questions under timed conditions so that you get used to the pace of the test. For example, if there are 30 questions in a section and you have a total of 30 minutes to complete the section, give yourself an average of 1 minute to complete each question. When you are practicing, keep time in mind and remember that if you spend too much time on one question, you will have less time to spend on others.
• Use the computer tutorial. The tutorial is included in the GRE POWERPREP software that will be sent to you upon registration. The tutorial will let you try out the functions of the computer (e.g., the mouse, the scroll bar) used during the test.
• When you arrive at the test center, you will have the opportunity to complete an untimed computer tutorial before the actual test begins. You can spend up to 30 minutes on the tutorial and other untimed sections to become familiar and comfortable with the computer before starting the timed sections of the test.
• Once the test is under way, you can always click on "Help" to review the directions or a summary of the tutorial again, but be aware that this will count against the allotted time for that section of the test.
• Some questions, graphs, or passages are too large to appear completely on the computer screen. In these cases a 'scroll bar' appears to the right of the material and the word 'Beginning' appears on the information line at the top of the screen. These are cues to scroll for more information.
• Use the computer tutorial. The tutorial is included in the GRE POWERPREP software that will be sent to you upon registration. The tutorial will let you try out the functions of the computer (e.g., the mouse, the scroll bar) used during the test.
• When you arrive at the test center, you will have the opportunity to complete an untimed computer tutorial before the actual test begins. You can spend up to 30 minutes on the tutorial and other untimed sections to become familiar and comfortable with the computer before starting the timed sections of the test.
• Once the test is under way, you can always click on "Help" to review the directions or a summary of the tutorial again, but be aware that this will count against the allotted time for that section of the test.
• Some questions, graphs, or passages are too large to appear completely on the computer screen. In these cases a 'scroll bar' appears to the right of the material and the word 'Beginning' appears on the information line at the top of the screen. These are cues to scroll for more information.
ANALYTICAL WRITING Section
GRE sets two writing tasks (analysis of an issue, and analysis of an argument), collectively called the Analytical Writing Section. The tasks are designed to test critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The essays come first on the test - 45 minutes for the issue and 30 minutes for the argument.
The first task on the GRE CAT is the discussion of an issue. The topic is intentionally open to interpretation, so that you can marshal your arguments in support of a position. It is rather like a debate. A good essay of this type will give highly specific reasons for a point of view, and back up its thesis with suitable examples. Minor errors in spelling punctuation or grammar will not prevent your getting a good mark - poor logical flow and vagueness will.
The second task on the GRE CAT is the analysis of an argument, which tests your ability to find flaws in apparently logical arguments. It does help if you have a basic familiarity with the terms of logic, so that you can successfully identify the premises and assumptions on which a conclusion rests. Here the mark you obtain is directly linked to the number of problems that you identify in the logic, and sensible suggestions you make to evaluate the conclusion. With a little training and practice, this task is actually easier than the issue.
* You have to type your response. Obviously there is no spell-check or grammar check available.
* The essays a marked by one human reader and one computer program (e-rater)
* Scores range from 1-6 (see the ETS scoring guidelines)
* Topics come from the pool of issue and argument topics on the official GRE website
Analysis of an issue
Follow our guidelines and use our format for a stress-free approach to writing a good essay.
Guidelines:
* You are expected to explain your position on an issue. You must state and justify your opinion of the topic under discussion.
1. All the issue topics will have two sides.
2. There is no "right" side: You have to decide your position on the topic after consideration of the pros and cons.
3. Your position will usually be 80 or 90% in favor of one side.
* Always spend about 5 minutes thinking and planning. (Draw up a table of points before deciding which side will make the most persuasive essay.)
* Always use specific examples to support your point of view.
Format of your essay:
Part I - introduction
Write an introduction explaining in your own words what the issue is about. Try to generate interest in the topic under discussion, and make it clear why the topic is controversial. End your paragraph with a thesis statement. (A thesis statement is a clear summation of your point of view.)
Part II – the body of the essay
Write 2-3 paragraphs to support your thesis. Each paragraph should introduce one point. Explain the point and give a specific example wherever possible. You can also give reasons why the point is important or relevant. Be sure to give connecting words and phrases (links) at the beginning of each paragraph to give a sense of logical flow.
Part III – qualification
Since the issue is never entirely black or white, you do not want to sound too dogmatic, and so you ‘qualify’ (moderate) your position (i.e. you usually explain that under certain circumstances the other side of the issue might be correct). This may involve a sentence beginning with "but" or "however"...
Part IV – conclusion
You cannot leave the essay without reinforcing your thesis. If you have introduced a qualification into your argument, you will need to draw the essay back to your thesis. Try to avoid simply repeating what you have said; find something general to say that makes it clear that you have finished.
Note the following:
* The introduction and the conclusion can be very general, but the body of the essay must be specific.
* Do not give a long list of examples all illustrating the same point. Stick to the one point-one example method.
* The examples can be from your own experience or from your reading or knowledge of current affairs, history etc.
* Good vocabulary is an asset, but don’t use long words if you are not sure of the meaning.
Analysis of an argument
Follow our guidelines and use our format for a stress-free approach to writing a good essay.
Guidelines:
* You are expected to analyze the logic of the argument. You must not start giving your opinion of the subject matter of the argument.
(For example, if the argument claims that a certain newspaper is not selling well because it has recently increased its price, you are not expected to give views on what makes a good newspaper, or on marketing strategies. You simply have to discuss whether the evidence provided warrants that conclusion.)
* All the arguments will be seriously flawed. You will lose marks if you do not identify the major faults. The main categories of logical error that you should be able to spot are:
1. Generalizations
2. Problems with surveys and statistics
3. False causes
4. False analogies
5. Hidden assumptions
6. Inadequate authority
Format of your essay:
Part I - introduction
Write an introduction explaining in your own words what the argument claims.
End your paragraph with a statement such as:
However, this conclusion seems unwarranted, or
However, the information provided does not justify this conclusion or
This conclusion is not well supported / fails to convince/ is flawed etc.
Part II – the body of the essay
Write 2-3 paragraphs to identify and explain the faults that you have found in the argument.
For example, in the case of the ‘false cause’ you can explain what alternative reasons or other causes might need to be considered. In the case of inadequate surveys you can explain what is omitted in the methodology. In the case of misleading statistics and figures you can discuss what is wrong with the information.
Part III – what else is needed?
The final paragraph is the place to cover what else you would need to know before you are able to decide whether the conclusion is actually valid. This ‘what else’ paragraph obviates the necessity for a formal conclusion. Useful statements are along the lines of:
In order to decide whether, indeed, ABC is actually the case, it would be useful to have access to XYZ.
XYZ might include one or other of: Expert opinion (e.g. business consultant) / statistics / surveys / research data etc
The first task on the GRE CAT is the discussion of an issue. The topic is intentionally open to interpretation, so that you can marshal your arguments in support of a position. It is rather like a debate. A good essay of this type will give highly specific reasons for a point of view, and back up its thesis with suitable examples. Minor errors in spelling punctuation or grammar will not prevent your getting a good mark - poor logical flow and vagueness will.
The second task on the GRE CAT is the analysis of an argument, which tests your ability to find flaws in apparently logical arguments. It does help if you have a basic familiarity with the terms of logic, so that you can successfully identify the premises and assumptions on which a conclusion rests. Here the mark you obtain is directly linked to the number of problems that you identify in the logic, and sensible suggestions you make to evaluate the conclusion. With a little training and practice, this task is actually easier than the issue.
* You have to type your response. Obviously there is no spell-check or grammar check available.
* The essays a marked by one human reader and one computer program (e-rater)
* Scores range from 1-6 (see the ETS scoring guidelines)
* Topics come from the pool of issue and argument topics on the official GRE website
Analysis of an issue
Follow our guidelines and use our format for a stress-free approach to writing a good essay.
Guidelines:
* You are expected to explain your position on an issue. You must state and justify your opinion of the topic under discussion.
1. All the issue topics will have two sides.
2. There is no "right" side: You have to decide your position on the topic after consideration of the pros and cons.
3. Your position will usually be 80 or 90% in favor of one side.
* Always spend about 5 minutes thinking and planning. (Draw up a table of points before deciding which side will make the most persuasive essay.)
* Always use specific examples to support your point of view.
Format of your essay:
Part I - introduction
Write an introduction explaining in your own words what the issue is about. Try to generate interest in the topic under discussion, and make it clear why the topic is controversial. End your paragraph with a thesis statement. (A thesis statement is a clear summation of your point of view.)
Part II – the body of the essay
Write 2-3 paragraphs to support your thesis. Each paragraph should introduce one point. Explain the point and give a specific example wherever possible. You can also give reasons why the point is important or relevant. Be sure to give connecting words and phrases (links) at the beginning of each paragraph to give a sense of logical flow.
Part III – qualification
Since the issue is never entirely black or white, you do not want to sound too dogmatic, and so you ‘qualify’ (moderate) your position (i.e. you usually explain that under certain circumstances the other side of the issue might be correct). This may involve a sentence beginning with "but" or "however"...
Part IV – conclusion
You cannot leave the essay without reinforcing your thesis. If you have introduced a qualification into your argument, you will need to draw the essay back to your thesis. Try to avoid simply repeating what you have said; find something general to say that makes it clear that you have finished.
Note the following:
* The introduction and the conclusion can be very general, but the body of the essay must be specific.
* Do not give a long list of examples all illustrating the same point. Stick to the one point-one example method.
* The examples can be from your own experience or from your reading or knowledge of current affairs, history etc.
* Good vocabulary is an asset, but don’t use long words if you are not sure of the meaning.
Analysis of an argument
Follow our guidelines and use our format for a stress-free approach to writing a good essay.
Guidelines:
* You are expected to analyze the logic of the argument. You must not start giving your opinion of the subject matter of the argument.
(For example, if the argument claims that a certain newspaper is not selling well because it has recently increased its price, you are not expected to give views on what makes a good newspaper, or on marketing strategies. You simply have to discuss whether the evidence provided warrants that conclusion.)
* All the arguments will be seriously flawed. You will lose marks if you do not identify the major faults. The main categories of logical error that you should be able to spot are:
1. Generalizations
2. Problems with surveys and statistics
3. False causes
4. False analogies
5. Hidden assumptions
6. Inadequate authority
Format of your essay:
Part I - introduction
Write an introduction explaining in your own words what the argument claims.
End your paragraph with a statement such as:
However, this conclusion seems unwarranted, or
However, the information provided does not justify this conclusion or
This conclusion is not well supported / fails to convince/ is flawed etc.
Part II – the body of the essay
Write 2-3 paragraphs to identify and explain the faults that you have found in the argument.
For example, in the case of the ‘false cause’ you can explain what alternative reasons or other causes might need to be considered. In the case of inadequate surveys you can explain what is omitted in the methodology. In the case of misleading statistics and figures you can discuss what is wrong with the information.
Part III – what else is needed?
The final paragraph is the place to cover what else you would need to know before you are able to decide whether the conclusion is actually valid. This ‘what else’ paragraph obviates the necessity for a formal conclusion. Useful statements are along the lines of:
In order to decide whether, indeed, ABC is actually the case, it would be useful to have access to XYZ.
XYZ might include one or other of: Expert opinion (e.g. business consultant) / statistics / surveys / research data etc
If you are looking for high score in GRE (Graduate Record Examination), then its strongly recommended to read all the articles from this page. You will find all required information to improve your score and exam preparation tips including.Some of the articles include how to prepare for GRE, study tips, top GRE books, Revised GRE format FAQ’s, study plan and time table. You can seriously get good score in the exam, if you spend enough time and effort to prepare.
What is GRE?
GRE - Graduate Record Examination
-GRE is an aptitude test. GRE Score is required to get the graduate admission in most of the academic fields of American universities. Thus, it is required for graduate study in USA.
-GRE General Test is internationally organised by ETS (Educational Testing System) Princeton, New Jersy, USA. Their website is http://www.ets.org/.
The GRE General Test measures 3 skills of test takers:
a) Verbal Reasoning
b) Quantitative Reasoning
c) Analytical Writing
These skills have been acquired over a long period of time during student's development and these are not related to any specific field of study.
FORMAT of the GRE
The GRE General Exam is approximately 3 HOURS long.
It has 3 Sections:
a) WRITING -- 2 Questions -- (45+30) -- 75 Minutes
10 Minutes BREAK
b) VERBAL -- 30 Questions -- 30 Minutes
1 Minute BREAK
c) MATHS -- 28 Questions -- 45 Minutes
-The GRE Test always begins with the writing section.
-The Maths and Verbal sections can appear in any order. Also, the questions within each section can appear in any order.
-One Extra Section - EXPERIMENTAL (Unidentified or Unscored) section may appear in the GRE Exam which may be in any order during exam, after the analytical writing section. For example, it may appear after analytical writing or after maths section or even at the end of all the sections. Experimental section's time and scores are NOT counted in GRE Scores.
GRE General Test SCORING
It is Scored in 2 Parts:
a) Out of 1600
-- VERBAL Section has 800 Marks
-- MATHS Section has 800 Marks
These Score will be Immediately known to you on your Computer Screen, after You Finish Your Exam.
b) Out of 6 Bands
-- ANALYTICAL WRITING Section has 0 to 6 Score Range
These Score, sent by ETS (USA) will be Delivered to You through Mail Post, after 10-15 Days after Your GRE Exam.
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