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CHAPTER 1
SCORING HIGH ON THE GRE CBT

ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book—produced expressly for readers without access to computers—provides you with a paper-based representation of the GRE General Computer-Based Test, or CBT. REA’s printed tests also afford you excellent preparation if you’re planning to take the paper-based GRE General Test.
Unlike its former incarnation as a fully computer-adaptive test, or CAT, the GRE General CBT contains a non-adaptive essay component, which graduate schools had been championing for years.

Inside this book you’ll find topical reviews and six full-length true-to-format practice exams that will equip you with the information and strategies you’ll need to master the GRE General CBT. Our practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on the actual exam. Following each REA model test, we provide an answer key with detailed explanations designed to help you confidently grasp the test material and benchmark exactly what constitutes top-scoring performance.

ABOUT THE TEST
The GRE General CBT is required by graduate and professional schools, as it is considered a crucial component for admission to a graduate program. Applicants for graduate school submit GRE CBT test results together with other undergraduate records as part of the admission process. The test examines your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing abilities. These are skills that have been found to contribute to successful achievement in a graduate program. The exam does not test prior knowledge of data or facts specific to any field of study.

The computer-based GRE contains three distinct sections with various types of questions:
• Analytical Writing Ability: One 45-minute “Present Your Perspective” task, and one 30-minute “Analyze an Argument” assignment.

• Quantitative Ability: One 28-question section containing arith-metic, algebra, geometry, quantitative comparison, and data interpretation questions.

• Verbal Ability: One 30-question section containing analogies, antonyms, sentence completions, and reading comprehension questions.

Following this introduction are extensive reviews with test strategies, numerous examples, and suggested studying techniques for attacking all three sections of the test.

The Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GRE General CBT consist primarily of multiple-choice questions contained in timed sections. The test administrators have recently announced the incremental introduction of new question types into the exam. Be sure to visit www.rea.com/grefor examples of the latest new question types. The “Present Your Perspective” task of the Analytical Writing section gives you a choice of two essay questions, whereas the “Analyze an Argument” assignment consists of only one essay you have to evaluate. The test contains a trial section, which is neither identified nor counted toward your score, so don’t let it concern you. The purpose of the trial section is to test new questions for future exams. For practical purposes, our test-preparation book has omitted the trial section and presents only the counted and scored sample sections for each practice exam.

CAT vs. CBT: What’s the difference?
While you can take all three sections of the GRE General Test on the computer, that is not to say that the entire test is adaptive; clearly, it contains a non-adaptive essay component. “CBT” simply means that you will take the test on a computer. Then again, portions of two parts of the GRE General—the Quantitative and Verbal sections—are adaptive. This means that the software picks which questions to pose next based on your performance on the earlier items. Thus, the test customizes itself to your level of ability. A correct response is followed by a more difficult question, and an incorrect response is followed by an easier question. Difficult questions increase your score in greater increments than moderate or easier questions. For the Analytical Writing section, the computer presents you with essay questions without considering your performance on other sections of the test. All essay tasks have the same level of difficulty.

On a traditional paper-based test* every examinee sees questions in a fixed sequence. Because of the adaptive nature of two parts of the GRE General and the large pool of available questions, different test-takers are asked different questions. The test items have been designed to meet content and difficulty specifications that allow for an equitable comparison of scores.

Pros and Cons of Computer-Based Testing
There are several advantages to computer-based testing. First, you will receive your unofficial scores for the Quantitative and Verbal sections on the day you take your test, rather than several weeks later. Second, the CBT is offered much more frequently than its paper-and-pencil predecessor, and you can register closer to the administration date. Third, you may choose to take the test in the morning or afternoon. In addition, the testing venue is quieter and more orderly than traditional testing locations. Finally, there are fewer questions on the GRE CBT than on traditional paper-and-pencil tests.

Unfortunately, there are also some important disadvantages to the CBT. People who are unfamiliar with computers may find the testing environment intimidating. While no computer skills are required, an unusual environment may have a psychological impact on your preparedness. In addition, you must answer the questions in the order in which they are presented. You cannot skip a question and return to it later—or return to an earlier question to change your answer, as you could on a paper-and-pencil test. This is significant because it eliminates the important test-taking strategy of answering the easier questions first and returning to the more difficult questions if you have time. Finally, in the computer-adaptive sections, the majority of the questions you encounter will be challenging to you.

Taking the CBT
The CBT testing environment is based on a point-and-click interface. You will be presented with a question, and you will use a mouse to choose your answer. Once you have chosen your answer, you will click on the on-screen “Next” button, and then the “Answer Confirm” button to verify your choice. When you have confirmed your answer, the computer will select the next question. In the computer-adaptive sections, the first question asked in each multiple-choice section will be of medium difficulty. Subsequent questions will be more or less difficult depending on your answer to the preceding question. The adaptive software will adjust throughout the test until it matches your ability level.

The computer will also give you your essay questions. You’ll then word-process your answer*. The computer software used for the essay sections is specially designed in order to ensure fairness for all examinees. It contains the following functions: inserting text, deleting text, cut and paste, scroll, and undoing the previous action. There won’t be a spell- or grammar-checking feature.

At any time during the test, you may choose to quit an individual section, or cancel your score for the entire test. You may wish to exercise this option if you feel that you are ill-prepared for the exam. However, you must not take this decision lightly. There is a fee to reinstate your score, and you must request reinstatement within 60 days. Note that you may only take the GRE CBT once per calendar month and no more than five times within a 12-month period, even if you do not complete the exam.

When you complete the exam, the computer will instantaneously give you unofficial scores for the Quantitative and Verbal sections. Your official score report, which includes the score for the Analytical Writing section, will be mailed to you within 10 to 15 days of the test date.

Should I take paper-and-pencil practice exams?
The practice exams in this book will provide you with the best possible printed version of the type of test you will be facing. Our model tests have been calibrated to provide a score that is comparable to what you would achieve on a CBT. Consequently, the printed tests necessarily contain extra questions, and the testing time is 15 minutes longer than the CBT.

Who administers the test?
The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service under the direction of the Graduate Record Examinations Board, which, though independent, is affiliated with the Association of Graduate Schools and the Council of Graduate Schools.

Is there a registration fee?
Yes, there is a registration fee. All costs are listed in the information bulletin. There is a basic registration charge, and special services sometimes require extra fees. The fees for the GRE can be waived or reduced if you meet the criteria for financial assistance. Consult the ETS bulletin for further information on all fees and options for financial assistance.

When and where is the test given?
Test locations and dates are listed in the GRE Information and Registration Bulletin, which is provided upon request by ETS. For more information, or to get an information bulletin, see your college advisor, or contact ETS:

Graduate Record Examinations
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000
Phone: (609) 771-7670

Website:http://www.gre.org

In addition, students with special needs may wish to consult the bulletin in order to arrange for convenient testing accommodations.

How to Use this Book

What do I study first?
Remember that the GRE General CBT is designed to test knowledge that has been acquired over a long period of time. Therefore, your best preparation is to take the sample tests provided in this book, which will acquaint you with the types of questions, directions, and, of course, the overall format of the GRE General. It will also help you establish a time frame in which each section must be completed. Read over the book and its suggestions for test-taking, take one of our practice tests to determine your area(s) of weakness, and then go back and focus your study on any specific problem area(s). Brushing up on the areas in which you tested well will also improve your total test score. We strongly recommend that you follow the study schedule in the front of this book to best utilize your time.

When should I start studying?
It is never too early for you to start studying for the GRE CBT. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material.

Format of the GRE General
Most of the questions in the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GRE CBT will be in multiple-choice format. Some of the questions will have five options lettered (A) through (E), and some will have only four options. Be prepared to encounter alternative question types as part of the effort by the test administrators to make incremental changes to the exam. Visitwww.rea.com/grefor examples of the latest new question types. The Analytical Writing section consists of two separate essay questions. Be aware that there is a time limit for each section, so you should keep track of the time as you take each test section. Our practice tests will help you greatly in this respect.

Sections of the GRE CBT

Analytical Writing Section
This section tests your ability to construct and analyze arguments. You find two essay questions in this part: one asks you to address an issue from your perspective, the other wants you to evaluate the reasoning of someone else’s argument. Here are the details:

1) “Present Your Perspective on an Issue”: You will have a choice between two topics. You have to show your ability to articulate a complex idea clearly and effectively. While you can address the issue from any perspective you wish, you have to support your argument with relevant, cogent reasons and examples and construct a well-written and focused essay.

2) “Analyze an Argument”: This item requires you to critique an argument by discussing how plausible you find it. Rather than agreeing or disagreeing with it, you will have to examine the soundness of the argument’s claims and the evidence provided.

Quantitative Ability Section
Quantitative Ability is designed to measure your understanding of basic math skills and concepts, and the ability to solve problems of a quantitative nature. This section does not normally require any mathematical knowledge beyond the high school level. The mathematics section can be broken down into broad areas of arithmetic, geometry, data analysis, and algebra. In detail, the sections look like this:

1) Algebra: These questions involve factoring and simplifying, relations and functions, and equations and inequalities. Required skills include the ability to solve first- and second-degree equations, inequalities, and simultaneous equations. Word problems also fall under this section, as well as basic algebraic skills applicable to problem-solving.

2) Arithmetic: These questions involve such operations as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These operations are to be performed on real numbers and radical expressions. This area also covers percents, estimations, absolute values, and properties of numbers.

3) Geometry: Geometry deals with the properties of circles, triangles, parallel lines, rectangles, and polygons. Area, volume, perimeter, angles, and the Pythagorean Theorem are also included. Simple coordinate geometry is also tested by these questions, including intercepts, slope, and graphing.

4) Data Analysis: Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, interpreting data given in graphs or tables, probability, determining if enough data is given to solve a problem, and choosing appropriate data for problem solution.

Verbal Ability Section
Verbal Ability will measure your effectiveness at solving a problem based on your command of the English language. This involves understanding, analyzing, and discerning relationships between or among words or groups of words. The verbal ability section contains four types of items: antonyms, analogies, sentence completion, and reading comprehension. Here are the details:

1) Antonyms: These questions measure strength of vocabulary and your ability to make a transition from a word to its most likely opposite.

2) Analogies: These questions test your ability to recognize relationships among words and to recognize when they parallel each other. A pair of words is given and you are asked to determine which, among the five answer choice sets, is most like the original pair.

3) Sentence Completion: These questions measure your ability to recognize which words or phrases best stylistically and logically complete a sentence.

4) Reading Comprehension: These questions require you to analyze a written passage from several perspectives, and to read with thorough understanding and insight. You will encounter six types of reading comprehension questions. They primarily focus on the main idea, explicitly stated information, the author’s implied ideas, applications of the author’s ideas to other scenarios, the author’s reasoning, logic, or persuasive technique, and the attitude or tone of the passage. There are four passages on the general test, two of which are longer and yield seven or eight questions, and two shorter passages followed by three or four questions. Each of these passages is drawn from four different areas of study: the social sciences, the humanities, and physical and biological studies.

About the Review Sections
Our reviews are written to help you understand the broad concepts behind GRE General CBT questions. They will prepare you for the test by helping you survey what you need to know. Our reviews are accompanied by drills and numerous examples to help reinforce the subject matter. By using the reviews in conjunction with the practice tests, you will be able to substantially sharpen your test-taking skills.

Analytical Writing Review
Our Analytical Writing Review helps you gauge your essay-writing skills. It offers suggestions about how to prepare and pre-plan your essay, as well as how to effectively use the English language. You will also find an extensive writing skills review.

Quantitative ability review
REA’s Quantitative Ability Review includes refreshers with several examples to help familiarize you with basic math and its properties. Refreshers are provided for arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, as well as quantitative comparisons, and mastering data interpretation.

Verbal Ability Review
Strategies and tips for improving performance are provided in REA’s Verbal Ability Review, as are the directions for each subset. Sentence completion, reading comprehension, analogies, and antonyms are covered.

Scoring the GRE CBT
When will I receive my score report and what will it look like?
One of the advantages of computer-based testing is that scores for the Quantitative and Verbal sections should be available immediately. Approximately two weeks after you take the exam, you will receive your official score report in the mail. This report will include your score for the Analytical Writing section. The results are mailed to the address you supply on the test form, and approximate dates for when you should receive your results are given in the information bulletin. Separate scores for each of the three sections will be reported. Score recipients will receive a copy of your essay responses, as well as short score descriptions. In addition, score recipients will be provided with the percentile ranks of all three sections to indicate your score’s position in relation to all other students who have taken the test in the prior three-year period. In both the Quantitative and Verbal measure, a maximum score of 800 can be obtained. A minimum of 200 is possible, but at least one question must be answered in order to receive a score of 200. If no questions are answered, then no score can be given.

How will my essays be scored?
When you take the GRE CBT, two trained readers will score each essay on a 6-point scale. They will assign scores on the basis of the overall quality of your essays, emphasizing critical thinking and analytical writing rather than grammar and mechanics. The top score for your essays is six, the lowest possible score is zero. If the two assigned scores differ by more than one point, a third GRE reader will be called in to determine the score. The final scores of the two essays are then averaged and rounded up to the nearest half-point. Only one score will be reported in the Analytical Writing section.
The scoring system for both the “Present Your Perspective on an Issue” and the “Analyze an Argument” essays are identical. The 6-point scale looks like this:

6—Outstanding
5—Strong
4—Adequate
3—Limited
2—Seriously Flawed
1—Fundamentally Deficient
0—Illegible, Off-Topic, or Nonverbal
NS—Blank

Studying for the GRE CBT
It is critical that you choose the time and the place for studying that works best for you. Some students may set aside a certain number of hours every morning to study, while others may choose to study at night before going to sleep. Other students may study during the day, while waiting on a line, or even while eating lunch. Only you can determine when and where your study time will be most effective. But be consistent and use your time wisely. Work out a study routine and stick to it.
When you take the written practice tests, try to make your testing conditions as much like the actual test as possible. Turn your television and radio off, and sit down at a quiet table free from distraction. Make sure to time yourself by setting a timer for 31/4 hours.

As you complete each practice test, score your test and thoroughly review the explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly; however, do not review too much at once. Concentrate on one problem area at a time by reviewing the question and explanation, and by studying the review until you are confident that you completely understand the material.

To Our Readers

This book features the best available paper-and-pencil practice tests for the computer-based GRE General Test, portions of which are adaptive. Because of the printed format, our model tests contain more questions than the actual test in order to provide a score that is roughly comparable to what your score would be on the GRE CBT. It is also important to bear in mind that the GRE CBT moves inexorably forward. Thus, unlike in our printed tests, there’s no turning back once you commit to your response. Despite format differences, our tests will give you an accurate idea of your strengths and weaknesses, provide guidance for further study, and enable you to master the GRE General. Good luck!

About Research & Education Association	p. vii
GRE CBT Pro Study Plan	p. viii
Scoring High on the Gre	p. 1
About this Book	p. 3
About the Test	p. 3
CAT vs. CBT: What's the Difference?	p. 4
How to Use this Book	p. 7
Format of the GRE General	p. 7
Sections of the GRE CBT	p. 8
About the Review Sections	p. 10
Scoring the Practice Exams	p. 11
Scoring the GRE CBT	p. 12
Studying for the GRE CBT	p. 13
GRE CBT Test-Taking Tips	p. 14
The Day of the Test	p. 15
Scaled Scores and Percents	p. 17
Score Description for the Analytical Writing	p. 19
Scoring Worksheet for Practice Tests	p. 20
Gre Quantitative Review	p. 21
Overview of the Quantitative Ability Section	p. 23
Arithmetic Refresher	p. 25
Algebra Refresher	p. 40
Geometry Refresher	p. 46
Mastering Quantitative Comparisons	p. 58
The Essentials	p. 60
Mastering Discrete Quantitatives	p. 66
Mastering Data Interpretation	p. 75
You as Coach-Evaluating Your Own Performance	p. 83
Gre Verbal Review	p. 91
Overview of the Verbal Ability Section	p. 93
Sentence Completion	p. 95
Reading Comprehension	p. 103
Analogies	p. 113
Antonyms	p. 120
Build Your Vocabulary Using Word Components	p. 127
GRE Vocabulary Word Components	p. 129
High-Frequency GRE Vocabulary Words	p. 139
Analytical Writing Review	p. 149
Overview of the Analytical Writing Section	p. 151
Preparing for the Writing Assignment	p. 152
Writing Your Essay	p. 154
Effective Use of Language	p. 156
Writing Skills Review	p. 158
Sentence Structure	p. 158
Verbs	p. 163
Pronouns	p. 169
Adjective and Adverbs	p. 173
Punctuation	p. 174
Six Gre Cbt Practice Tests
Practice Test 1	p. 185
Answer Key	p. 228
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 230
Practice Test 2	p. 277
Answer Key	p. 321
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 323
Practice Test 3	p. 371
Answer Key	p. 413
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 415
Practice Test 4	p. 461
Answer Key	p. 504
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 506
Practice Test 5	p. 551
Answer Key	p. 595
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 597
Practice Test 6	p. 639
Answer Key	p. 682
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 684
Answer Sheets	p. 731
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GRE General Test : Are You Serious about Your Career?

9780738608105

0738608106

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Excerpts

Rewards Program

Rent More, Save More! Use code: ECRENTAL

Rent More, Save More! Use code: ECRENTAL

5% off 1 book, 7% off 2 books, 10% off 3+ books

GRE General Test : Are You Serious about Your Career?

9780738608105

0738608106

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Excerpts

Rewards Program

Digital License