Excelling On The GRE
Emily Gung
Graduate Admissions
Valdosta State University
Graduate Record Exam
• Where and when can I take it?
• What is it?
• Scores required for VSU?
• How can I prepare to do my
best?
Where & When Can I Take It?
• See Candidate Information
Booklet
• ETS/GRE Web Site
www.gre.org
• Sylvan Learning Center
Test Format
• Computer-based
• Three Scores: Verbal, Quantitative,
and Analytical Writing
• Verbal and Quantitative - Multiple
Choice
• Analytical Writing : Two Essays
Analytical Writing
• Present your perspective on an
issue = 45 min.
• Analysis of an argument =
30 min.
• Must be typed
• Scoring
Perspective on an Issue
• Choose a topic and decide on perspective
• Think about personal experiences and
examples that support your argument.
• Introduction - State your perspective and
summarize your ideas.
• Body - Explore your ideas in detail and
include examples.
• Conclusion - re-state your original idea
Ask yourself the following:
• Do I agree with any part of the claim?
• Does the claim make certain assumptions?
• How do I interpret certain terms or
concepts?
• What reasons support my position?
• How might someone dispute my position?
• How should I defend my views?
Analyze An Argument
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•
•
•
•
One topic.
Critique the argument.
Consider the evidence.
Does the argument make sense?
What other information is needed?
• Truth and accuracy of data is not important.
• Quality - not quantity.
Verbal and Quantitative
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•
•
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Questions are in a multiple choice format.
Sections are adaptive.
Each question must be answered.
Test takers cannot return to previous
questions.
• Directions are given at the beginning of
each section.
Format
• Test design factors
– difficulty level of questions already answered
– required question types
– appropriate coverage of content
– scoring
Verbal
• Four types of questions:
– Sentence Completion
– Analogies
– Antonyms
– Reading Comprehension
Sentence Completion
• Measures ability to recognize words and
phrases that both logically and stylistically
complete the meaning of a sentence.
• The heart of sentence completion is
recognizing the author’s intent and finding
the best words to fit the meaning.
Tips
Fill in the blanks with your own
words.
Read your choices carefully.
Pay attention to context clues
within the sentence.
Look for structural road signs.
Road Signs
• Straight-Ahead Road Signs: these make
one part of the sentence support or elaborate
on another part. They continue the sentence
in the same direction.
Clues: and, similarly, in addition, since,
also, thus, because, likewise, and the use of
the semicolon
Sentence Completion
Example:
Slovenia’s declared intention to ______ and
Croatia’s decision to ______ the conference
aimed at preventing the breakup of the
federation are twin blows to Yugoslavian unity.
a) secede … boycott
c) divide … consolidate
e) patronize … exclude
b) withdraw … foster
d) recede … avoid
Road Signs
• Detour Road Signs: these words indicate a
change in the direction of the sentence.
They make one part of the sentence
contradict another part.
Clues: but, despite, yet, however, unless,
rather, although, while, unfortunately, and
nonetheless
Sentence Correction
Example:
Although the seemingly _____ nature of
the task appeared fundamental, further
application of the principles seemed
_____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
facile … awkward
complex … easy
redundant … impossible
parallel … obvious
devious … ambiguous
Analogies
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•
•
•
•
Relationships among words
Do not say “is to”
Make a sentence using the words
Read all choices
5 types of analogies on the GRE
*Antonyms and Synonyms*
Action/Activity
• Action and its meaning
Yawn: Fatigue :: Sob: Sorrow
• Action and its performer
Oratory: Candidate :: Soliloquy: Actor
• Action and its object
Hate: Villainy :: Worship: Deity
• Action and its recipient
Drama: Audience :: Writing: Reader
Characteristic/Condition
• Characteristic and related action
Oppressed: Liberate :: Melancholy: Cheer
• Characteristic and related person/object
Craftsmanship: Artisan :: Statesmanship: Governor
• Characteristic and a related result
Dissatisfaction: Complaint :: Curiosity: Questioning
Effect
• Relationship between effect and its cause
Verdict: Deliberation :: Deficit: Overspending
• Relationship between effect and its object
Oxidation: Paint :: Photosynthesis: Plant
Time and Space
• Relationship between part and whole
Movement: Symphony :: Chapter: Novel
• Relationship between concrete and abstract
Story: Height :: Degree: Temperature
• Relationship between item and category
Iguana : Reptile
Antonyms
Look for the word that is most nearly
opposite.
Make a sentence.
Break the word apart.
Use your knowledge of prefixes, root
words, and suffixes.
Positive and negative connotations
(POE)
Reading Comprehension
• Six content areas:
Narrative writing
Argumentative writing
Biological Science
Physical Science
Humanities
Social Studies
Reading Comprehension
• Questions will reflect the following areas:
–
–
–
–
main idea or primary purpose
information explicitly stated or clearly defined
ideas that are suggested or implied
possible applications of the author’s ideas to
other situations
– the author’s logic, reasoning, or persuasive
techniques
– the tone of the passage or the author’s attitude
Quantitative
• Quantitative Comparison
• Word Problems
• Data Interpretation
• Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
Quantitative Comparison
• Avoid extensive computation. Try to
estimate the answer.
• Geometric figures may not be drawn to
scale. Therefore, comparisons should
be based on your knowledge of
mathematics and the given
information.
• Ex. Column A and Column B
Word Problems
• Your ability to read, understand,
and solve a problem that involves
either an actual or an abstract
situation.
• Practice, practice, practice, …
Data Interpretation
• Scan the data to see what it is about
• Try to make visual comparisons and
estimate products and quotients rather
than perform computations
• Answer questions only on the basis of
data given.
• Charts, graphs, etc.,
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
• Memorize necessary algebraic
formulas and basic foundations of
geometry.
• ETS/GRE Math Review
Tips To Improve Your Score
Practice using study guides and
practice tests.
Be familiar with the structure of the
test.
Beware of distractors-wrong answers
are not random. Read all choices.
Process of elimination.
Manage your time.
Practice Materials
• Test Preparation Books/Manuals
• GRE POWERPREP Software
• GRE ScoreItNow! = $10
www.scoreitnow.org
• GRE Diagnostic Service = $15
http://grediagnostic.ets.org
• Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions
www.kaplan.com/gre
Other Suggestions
• Reduce worries related to the actual taking
of the test!
• Arrive early!
• Bring two forms of identification (one with
a picture)
• Get plenty of rest.
• Think positively.
• Focus on each question and don’t worry
about past or future questions.