New GRE format makes the exam lengthy

Posted Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:08:22 -0000

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a standardised test for getting admission in American universities, has implemented the proposed changes from 1st August, 2011 as declared earlier. The students who have taken this test have mixed opinions about this new format of the test. Geeta Garg, who wants to pursue Ph.D in Economics from a US University, says that "before taking the exam she was worried about the pattern of the exam as no one knew what the new format will be like. She said that she was particularly wary about the Analytical Writing section."

The new format of the exam was introduced on 1st August, 2011 and this is first major revamp in the structure of the exam since October, 2002. The GRE mainly consists of sections on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.

Geeta, who works as a research officer with the National Transport Development Policy Committee (NTDPC), said, "Earlier, we were given four topics to choose from to write the two essays in Analytical Writing. Now, there will be only two topics and I will have to write on them. This has limiting the choice of topics."

The new revised pattern of the test makes it longer and more time consuming, and now the test lasts for four hours. In Verbal Reasoning section, there will be "fewer questions asked on vocabulary and more emphasis would be given on reading." In this new format you will not face questions related to antonyms and analogies.

Anil G Jacob, Senior Advisor-Education with the United States-India Educational Foundation, said, "This means less memorisation and more usage focus." He further added that there will be more questions asked on Reading and Comprehension. In Quantitative Reasoning, there will be "filling in a number or providing more than one response when asked."

Shaifali Singh, who appeared in this test said, "This could be tricky because if we miss even one correct answer, our response will be deemed incorrect." This new format the exam is student friendly as students can use on-screen calculator for calculations.

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