Computer-based General Test Content and Structure
The computer-based General Test is composed of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections. In addition, one unidentified unscored section may be included, and this section can appear in any position in the test after the Analytical Writing Section. Questions in the unscored section are being tested for possible use in future tests, and answers will not count toward your scores.
Total testing time is up to three hours, not including the research section. The directions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in the section and the time allowed for the section.
The Analytical Writing section is always first. For the Issue task, two topics will be presented and you will choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead, one topic will be presented.
The Verbal and Quantitative sections may appear in any order, including an unidentified unscored section. Treat each section presented during your test as if it counts.
Typical Computer-based GRE® General Test
Section | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 Issue Task* | 45 minutes |
| Analytical Writing | 1 Argument Task* | 30 minutes |
| Verbal | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative | 28 | 45 minutes |
| Unscored** | Varies | Varies |
| Research*** | Varies | Varies |
* For the Issue task, two essay topics are presented and you choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead one topic is presented.
** An unidentified unscored section may be included and may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. It is not counted as part of your score.
*** An identified research section that is not scored may be included, and it is always at the end of the test.
Scores:
*There are three different portions of the GRE test, and three different scores.
*The essay portion is scored on a scale of - 0 to 6, in half point increments.
*The verbal & quantitative reasoning portions are scored on a scale of - 200 to 800, in 10 point increments.
*There is no passing or failing cutoff, but the higher your score the better your chances of getting into the program you're considering.
