Sections of the GMAT and GRE Question Paper
Are you planning to apply to a master’s programme abroad and contemplating taking the GMAT or GRE? This article will help you understand the structure of the GMAT and GRE exams, the purpose of both the tests and which programmes can you apply using either of the two test scores. Let us begin by understanding the structure of the GMAT.
What is the GMAT?
The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admissions Test and is administered by GMAC globally. It is an essential admission requirement at several business schools and universities. Moreover, as the official website claims, nearly 7000 master programmes at over 2300 business schools around the world accept GMAT scores. While some universities do not ask for the GMAT test scores, most reputed business schools and universities do ask for a GMAT score to draw comparisons between applications.
The GMAT is divided into four sections – analytical writing assessment, integrated reasoning, quantitative and verbal reasoning – and is scored on a scale of 200-800. To understand the overall GMAT sample questions, the scores and duration of each section, let’s take a look at each of the sections in detail:
- Analytical Writing Assessment
The analytical writing section of the GMAT is a 30-minute-long section wherein you’re asked to critically analyse an argument or scenario being presented. Furthermore, to score well on this section you need to produce an essay that is not only grammatically accurate but also logically sound. The essay will be evaluated on a scale of 0-6 with a half-point increment. The GMAT AWA section gauges your ability to critically examine a scenario or argument and arrange your thoughts in a manner that is well connected and has a logical flow.
- Integrated Reasoning
The IR section of the GMAT is used to test your ability to integrate data and solve complex problems. The data on the IR section can be presented to you in the form of tables, charts, graphs, enn diagrams or scatter plots. Based on your understanding of the data provided, you will be asked 12 MCQs. These questions asked are of four types – two-part analysis, multi-source reasoning, table analysis and graphical interpretation. The IR section is scored on a scale of 1-8 with a single point increment.
- Quantitative Reasoning
GMAT quantitative reasoning is designed to gauge your understanding of basic concepts of mathematics such as algebra, geometry and arithmetic to solve complex problems within the limited time and information available. The quant section has two types of questions: problem-solving and data sufficiency. You need to answer a total of 31 questions within 60 minutes and are scored on a scale of 6-51.
- Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section of the GMAT gauges your command of the English language. Furthermore, the verbal reasoning section assesses your ability to analyse passages and evaluate the main idea by making accurate assumptions. The questions asked in the verbal section are of three types — critical reasoning, sentence correction and reading comprehension. The overall section comprises 36 questions that need to be answered within 60 minutes. Similar to the quant section, you’re scored on a scale of 6-51 with a single-point increment system.
Now that we have explained to you about the GMAT and its sections, let us begin to understand the GRE.
What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a standardised test administered and conducted by ETS globally. However, the GRE is not only used as an admission criterion to management and business courses alone like the GMAT, it is accepted by postgraduate and PhD level programmes at universities for various fields such as law, business and STEM courses.
The submission of GRE scores is important for admissions to most programmes taught at business schools and universities. Furthermore, universities mandate the submission of GRE scores as part of their admission criteria to understand your depth of knowledge pertaining to mathematics and the English language. Moreover, the GRE syllabus is designed to test your ability to think critically and solve complex problems. The GRE is scored on a scale of 260-340. However, each section of the GRE has its own score range and time duration. Mentioned below are the three sections of the GRE:
- Analytical Writing Assessment
The GRE analytical writing assessment section comprises two parts. While one part requires you to analyse an argument, the other requires you to analyse an issue. Although the overall duration of the GRE AWA section is one hour, it’s split into 30 minutes per part within the section.
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning
The quant section of the GRE is divided into two sections. Each section of GRE quantitative reasoning comprises 20 questions that need to be answered within 35 minutes. The different types of questions asked in the GRE quant section are quantitative comparison, numeric entry and data interpretation sets. Furthermore, these questions are designed to test your knowledge of mathematical concepts and their application. The GRE quantitative reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130-170.
- GRE Verbal Reasoning
Similar to the quant section, the verbal reasoning section is also divided into two sections and is scored on a scale of 130-170. However, while you have 35 minutes to answer 20 questions on quantitative reasoning, you only get 30 minutes to answer the same number of questions in the verbal reasoning section. The different types of questions asked in the GRE verbal reasoning section are sentence equivalence, text completion and reading comprehension.
Preparing for the GRE requires regular practice and taking sufficient mock tests to help you increase your scores. If you’re looking for a guide to solve questions from GRE previous papers it is best to get your hands on the official guide. The GRE Official Guide consists of exam-like questions and includes detailed explanations of each question.
Now that we have explained to you about the GMAT and GRE exams and provided a detailed explanation of the structures of both the tests, you’re better aware of what both the tests entail.
