Excelling On The GREExcelling 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

• Computer-based

• Three Scores: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing

• Verbal and Quantitative - Multiple Choice

• Analytical Writing : Two Essays

Test Format

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: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

• 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

• 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 b) withdraw … foster

c) divide … consolidate d) recede … avoid

e) patronize … exclude

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) facile … awkward b) complex … easyc) redundant … impossible d) parallel … obvious e) devious … ambiguous

Analogies

• 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/objectCraftsmanship: Artisan :: Statesmanship: Governor

• Characteristic and a related resultDissatisfaction: 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.