Computer-Based General Test
Structure of the Computer-Based General Test

The computer-based General Test contains four sections, one of which is an unidentified pretest section that can appear in any position in the test after the analytical writing section. Questions in the pretest section are being tested for possible use in future tests and answers will not count toward your scores. An identified research section that is not scored may also be included and this section would always appear in the final section of the test. Questions in the research section are included for the purpose of ETS research and answers will not count toward your scores.

Total testing time is up to 3 1/4 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 will always be 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 verbal or quantitative pretest 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 min.
1 Argument task* 30 min.
Verbal 30 30 min.
Quantitative 28 45 min.
Pretest** Varies Varies
Research*** Varies Varies

* For the Issue task, two essay 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.

** An unidentified verbal or quantitative pretest 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 will always be at the end of the test.
Modified Versions of Verbal and Quantitative Questions

The test you take may include questions that are modified versions of published questions or of questions you have already seen on an earlier section of the test. Some modifications are substantial; others are less apparent. Thus, even if a question appears to be similar to a question you have already seen, it may in fact be a different question and may also have a different correct answer. You can be assured of doing your best on the test you take by paying careful attention to the wording of each question as it appears in your test.

The GRE Program is currently investigating the feasibility of reusing questions that have been published in GRE practice materials. As part of that investigation, you may see questions from these materials on a test you take.
How Does the Computer-Based General Test Work?

Analytical Writing Section

The 2 writing tasks are delivered on the computer, and you must word process your responses.

For the Issue task, you will be able to choose 1 of 2 essay topics selected by the computer from the pool of topics.

The Argument task does not offer a choice of topics; the computer will present you with a single topic selected from the topic pool.

The testing software uses an elementary word processor developed by ETS so that individuals familiar with a specific commercial word processing software do not have an advantage or disadvantage. The software contains the following functionalities: inserting text, deleting text, cut and paste, undoing the previous action, and scrolling. Tools such as a spelling checker and grammar checker are not available in the software, in large part to maintain fairness with those examinees who handwrite essays at paper-based administrations.

Verbal and Quantitative Sections

The verbal and quantitative sections of the General Test are adaptive tests; that is, they are tailored to your performance level and provide precise information about your abilities using fewer test questions than traditional paper-based tests. At the start of each section, you are presented with test questions of middle difficulty. As you answer each question, the computer scores that question and uses that information, as well as your responses to any preceding questions and information about the test design, to determine which question is presented next. As long as you respond correctly to each question, questions of increased difficulty typically will be presented. When you respond incorrectly, the computer typically will present you with questions of lesser difficulty. Your next question will be the one that best reflects both your previous performance and the requirements of the test design. This means that different test takers will be given different questions.

Because the computer scores each question before selecting the next one, you must answer each question when it is presented. For this reason, once you answer a question and move on to another, you cannot go back and change your answer. The computer has already incorporated both your answer and requirements of the test design into its selection of the next question for you.

Each computer-based test section meets preestablished specifications, including the types of questions asked and the subject matter presented. The statistical characteristics of the questions answered correctly and incorrectly, including the difficulty levels, are taken into account in the calculation of the score. Therefore, it is appropriate to compare scores of different test takers even though they received different questions.

ETS has conducted research studies indicating that verbal and quantitative scores on the computer-based General Test are comparable to verbal and quantitative scores earned on the paper-based General Test.
On the Test Day

Report to the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment for check-in procedures. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted and your test fee will be forfeited. Plan to be at the test center up to 4 hours.

What to take to the test center:

* your authorization voucher if you registered by mail
* acceptable and valid identification with signature and photo

At the test center:

* Dress so that you can adapt to any room temperature.
* Test centers do not have large waiting areas. Friends or relatives who accompany you to the test center will not be permitted to wait in the test center or be in contact with you while you are taking the test. Except for ETS-authorized observers, visitors are not allowed in the testing room while testing is in progress.
* ID verification at the test center may include thumbprinting, photographing, videotaping, or other form of electronic ID confirmation. If you refuse to participate, you will not be permitted to test and you will forfeit your test fee. This is in addition to the requirement that you must present acceptable and valid identification.
* Other than ID, personal items are not allowed in the testing room. Before the test, you will be assigned a locker or receive instructions from test center staff regarding where you must deposit items such as cell phones, pagers, handbags, and study materials (cell phones are not permitted on the writing surface). You may also be asked to empty your pockets. Storage space is limited, so plan accordingly. You may not have access to your personal items during the test or break.
* Test centers assume no responsibility for candidates’ personal belongings.
* The test administrator/supervisor will assign you a seat.
* On occasion, weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the test administrator’s or ETS’s control may require a delayed start or the rescheduling of your test appointment. In the event that a technical problem at the test center makes it necessary to cancel your test session, or if it is later determined that your scores could not be reported, you will be offered the opportunity to schedule another test appointment free of charge or receive a full refund of the original test fee. In addition, you may seek reimbursement from ETS for reasonable and documented expenses associated with traveling to the test center, even though technical problems are generally not the fault of ETS. To request reimbursement, contact ETS with the following information within 30 days of your original appointment: your name, date of birth, mailing address, daytime telephone number, e-mail address, original test date and registration or CBT appointment number, and a brief description of what occurred at the test center. All reimbursements will be made in U.S. dollars.

Test Center Procedures and Regulations

The following procedures and regulations apply during the entire test session, which begins at sign-in, ends at sign-out, and includes breaks.

* If you requested and received an authorization voucher from ETS, you must take it with you to the test center.
* You will be required to write (not print) and sign a confidentiality statement at the test center. If you do not complete and sign the statement, you cannot test and your fees will NOT be refunded.
* You will be required to sign the test center log before and after the test session and any time you leave or enter the testing room.
* The administrator will provide you with scratch paper that may be replaced after you have used all pages of the scratch paper initially given to you. You may not take your own scratch paper to the test, nor may you remove scratch paper from the testing room at any time. Scratch paper is provided to assist test takers in working out problems and for appropriate note taking during timed sections of the test. Scratch paper should NOT be used during untimed sections or during breaks.
* If you need to leave your seat at any time other than the break, raise your hand; timing of the section will not stop.
* If at any time during the test you have a problem with your computer, or for any reason need the administrator, raise your hand.
* Testing premises are subject to videotaping.
* The GRE General Test includes an optional 10-minute break after the analytical writing section. This break time cannot be exceeded.
* The maximum time allotted for the tutorial and/or other untimed sections prior to the test is 30 minutes. The purpose of the tutorial and/or other untimed sections prior to the test is to become familiar with the computer functions and other important information that will make your computer-based test experience as convenient as possible. The time you spend on the tutorial and/or other untimed sections should not be used for any other purpose. You may not use scratch paper during this time. Infractions will be reported to ETS, and the test administrator is authorized to dismiss you from the test administration if you fail to follow the test administrator’s directions.

Although tests are administered under strict supervision and security measures, testing irregularities may sometimes occur. Please contact us as soon as possible to report any observed behavior that may lead to an invalid score — for example, someone copying from another test taker, taking a test for someone else, having access to test questions before the exam, or using notes or unauthorized aids. All information will be held in strictest confidence.

Phone: 1-800-353-8570 (United States only)
Fax: 1-609-406-9709
E-mail/Internet: TSReturns@ets.org



Dismissal From A Test Center

A test administrator/supervisor is authorized to dismiss you from a test session and/or your scores may be canceled by ETS for violations such as, but not limited to, the following:

* attempting to take the test for someone else or having someone else take the test for you
* failing to provide acceptable identification
* obtaining improper access to the test, a part of the test, or information about the test
* using a telephone or cellular phone during the test session or during breaks
* using any aids in connection with the test, such as: mechanical pencils, pens, pagers, beepers, calculators, watch calculators, books, pamphlets, notes, rulers, highlighter pens, stereos or radios with headphones, telephones, cell phones, watch alarms (including those with flashing lights or alarm sounds), stop watches, dictionaries, translators, and any hand-held electronic or photographic devices.
* creating a disturbance (disruptive behavior in any form will not be tolerated; the test administrator/supervisor has sole discretion in determining what constitutes disruptive behavior)
* attempting to give or receive assistance —or otherwise communicate in any manner with another person about the content of the test during the administration, during breaks, or after the test.
* removing or attempting to remove test content from the test center. Under no circumstances may test content or any part of the test content be removed, reproduced, and/or disclosed by any means (e.g., hard copy, verbally, electronically) to any person or entity.
* tampering with a computer
* attempting to remove scratch paper from the computer-based testing room or using scratch paper during untimed sections of the test or during breaks
* bringing a weapon or firearm into the test center
* bringing food, drink, or tobacco into the testing room
* leaving the test center vicinity during the test session or during breaks
* leaving the testing room without permission
* taking excessive or extended unscheduled breaks during the test session. Test center supervisors are required to strictly monitor unscheduled breaks and report test takers who take excessive or extended breaks.
* referring to, looking through, or working on any test, or test section, when not authorized to do so, or working after time has been called
* failing to follow any of the test administration regulations contained in the Bulletin, given by the test administrator/supervisor, or specified in any test materials

ETS reserves the right to take all action —including, but not limited to, barring you from future testing and/or canceling your scores—for failure to comply with test administration regulations or the test administrator/supervisor’s directions. If your scores are canceled, they will not be reported, and your fees will not be refunded.
Test-Taking Strategies

We strongly urge you to carefully review the following information as you prepare for your test and before you arrive at the test center. It could help improve your performance on the test.

Become familiar with the test before test day. It is always best to know as much as possible about what to expect before you arrive at the test center. Thoroughly read this section of our Web site to learn about the purpose of the test, the content of the questions, test day procedures, and test preparation strategies and materials.

Once you know what to expect on your test, it’s time to practice. Review the free POWERPREP software sent to you upon registration. For additional practice, try answering the free, interactive sample questions or download the Math Review (in PDF format) or the full-length paper-based GRE Practice General Test (in PDF format).

For the analytical writing section, the software will give you advice about how to write effective essays for the Issue and Argument tasks. It will also let you practice writing essay responses under simulated testing conditions. For the verbal and quantitative sections, you should try to answer some sample questions to become familiar with the question format.
Analytical Writing Section

Writing tasks will be delivered on the computer, and you must word process your responses.

Issue Task

The Issue task gives you considerable latitude in the way you respond to the claim made about a given issue. To prepare for this task, try asking yourself the following questions as you review the published list of Issue topics. Practice writing responses on several of the topics, keeping to the 45-minute limit.

* What does the statement mean? What does it imply? What, precisely, is the central issue?
* Do I agree with all or with any part of the statement? Why or why not?
* Is the statement valid only in certain circumstances.
* Do I need to explain how I interpret certain terms or concepts used in the statement?
* If I take a certain position on the issue, what reasons support my position?
* What examples — either hypothetical or drawn from my readings or direct experiences — could I use to illustrate those reasons and advance my point of view? Which examples are most compelling?
* What reasons might someone use to refute or undermine my position? How should I acknowledge or defend against those views?

Argument Task

Because the Argument task is constrained by the line of reasoning in the argument presented to you, be sure to read and analyze the argument carefully. Try asking yourself the following questions as you review the list of published Argument topics, and practice writing responses to several of the topics within the 30-minute time limit.

* What claims, conclusions, and underlying assumptions does the argument make?
* What alternative explanations and counterexamples can I think of?
* What additional evidence might weaken or strengthen the claims?
* What changes in the argument would make the reasoning more sound?

Verbal and Quantitative Sections
IMPORTANT NOTE: Test-taking strategies appropriate for the verbal and quantitative sections of the computer-based General Test are different from those that are appropriate for taking the verbal and quantitative sections of the paper-based General Test. Be sure to follow the appropriate strategies for the testing format in which you will be testing. Computer-based testing strategies should not be used if you take the paper-based test.

* Try to practice test questions under timed conditions so that you get used to the pace of the test. For example, if there are 30 questions in a section and you have a total of 30 minutes to complete the section, give yourself an average of 1 minute to complete each question. When you are practicing, keep your time in mind and remember that if you spend too much time on one question, you will have less time to spend on others.
* Use the computer tutorial to your advantage. The tutorial is included in the GRE POWERPREP software that will be sent to you when you register. The tutorial will let you try out the functions of the computer (e.g., the mouse, the scroll bar) that you will need to use during the test.

When you arrive at the test center on the test day, you will have the opportunity to complete an untimed computer tutorial before the actual test begins. You can spend up to 30 minutes on the tutorial and other untimed sections to become familiar and comfortable with the computer before you start the timed sections of the test.

Once the test is under way, you can always click on “Help” to review the directions or a summary of the tutorial again, but be aware that this will count against your allotted time for that section of the test.

Some questions, graphs, or passages are too large to appear completely on the computer screen. In these cases a “scroll bar” appears to the right of the material and the word “Beginning” appears on the information line at the top of the screen. These are your cues to scroll for more information.

Pace yourself throughout the test — You want to finish!

* Use the resources available for test practicing (test preparation books, software) to become familiar with the test and test instructions before you get to the test center.
* Read the directions carefully before you begin. The directions at the beginning of each test section give you the total number of questions in that section as well as total time allotted for that section.
* Try to budget enough time for each question so that you will be able to complete the test without having to rush at the end of each section. Keep in mind the average amount of time you may want to spend per question.
* Once you start the test, an on-screen clock display will continuously count down the remaining time. You can hide this display if you want, but it is a good idea to check the clock periodically to monitor your progress. The clock will automatically alert you when 5 minutes remain in the allotted time for that section.
* Use your time wisely. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Eliminate the wrong answers and select the best choice. Don’t let yourself get stuck on a tough question and lose time. Keep moving through the test and try to finish each section.
* You may want to use the one-minute break between test sections to replenish your supply of scratch paper. After the analytical writing section, an on-screen message will tell you a 10-minute break is available. Section timing will not stop if you take an unscheduled break.

Know the rules.

* Computer-adaptive tests require that you answer every question in the order it is presented. You can’t skip a question and go back. The computer selects the next question you see from a large pool of available questions based upon your previous responses.
* Click on the appropriate answer. Answer each question by clicking on the oval next to your answer choice or by clicking on any part of the text of that answer choice. Complete your answer by clicking on “Next” and then “Answer Confirm.” You can change your answer any time before confirming it by clicking on a different answer choice.
* Understand the implications of exiting a section or quitting the test. Once you exit a section, you cannot return to it. Click on the “Test Quit” box at the bottom of your screen only if you decide to end your testing session. If you quit the test, you will not receive a score for any section, even for sections you have already completed. If you click on “Section Exit” or “Test Quit” by mistake, you will be given the opportunity to reverse or confirm your decision.

You may take the computer-based General Test once per calendar month up to 5 times in a 12-month period. This applies even if you ended your testing session by clicking on “Test Quit ” or canceled your scores after completing the test.

Understand how the test is scored.

* Computer-adaptive tests are scored differently than most paper and pencil tests. Your score on the computer-adaptive test depends on a combination of such factors as
o the number of questions you answered within the allotted time
o your performance on questions answered throughout the test
o the statistical characteristics (including difficulty level) of questions answered throughout the test.

Don’t panic if you don’t know an answer.

* Don’t spend too much time on any one question. The last thing you want to do is waste a lot of valuable time on any one question. If, after you’ve given it a reasonable amount of thought, you don’t know the answer, eliminate as many answer choices as possible and then select and confirm the answer you think is best. Keep going and aim to complete the test.
* If you are running out of time at the end of a section, make every effort to complete the test. Data indicate that most test takers get higher scores if they finish the test. In fact, based on analyses of test takers, a majority of test takers will score higher if they finish the test than if they do not attempt to answer all of the questions. There is a chance that guessing at the end of the test can seriously lower your score. The best strategy is to pace yourself so that you have time to consider each test question, and won’t have to guess.

Test Development Process

The General Test is composed of questions formulated by specialists in various fields. Each question is reviewed by several independent critics and revised if necessary. New questions are pretested in actual tests under standard testing conditions.

Questions appearing in a test for the first time are analyzed for usefulness and potential weaknesses; they are not used in computing scores. Questions that perform satisfactorily become part of a pool from which new editions of the General Test are assembled at a future date.

After questions for a new edition of a General Test have been assembled, they are reviewed by other subject matter experts and test specialists from inside and outside ETS. Individual test questions and the test as a whole are reviewed to eliminate material considered to be potentially offensive, inappropriate for major subgroups of the test-taking population, or serving to perpetuate any negative attitude concerning these subgroups.

The extensive procedure described above has been developed to ensure that every question in the General Test is appropriate and useful and that the combination of questions is satisfactory. Even so, the appraisal continues until after the new edition has been administered and subjected to a rigorous statistical analysis, before scores are reported, to see whether each question yields the expected statistical results.

This analysis could provide information that suggests that a particular question is ambiguous, requires knowledge beyond the scope of the test, or is inappropriate for the total group or for a particular subgroup of test takers. Answers to questions found to have such flaws are not used in computing scores.


Scoring Process

Scores will be based on one section each of verbal and quantitative, and two analytical writing tasks.

Analytical Writing Section

A single score is reported for the analytical writing section. Each essay receives a score from 2 trained readers using 6-point holistic scale. In holistic scoring, readers are trained to assign scores on the basis of the overall quality of a response to the assigned task. If the 2 assigned scores differ by more than 1 point on the scale, the discrepancy is adjudicated by a third, very experienced, reader. Otherwise, the scores from the 2 readings of an essay are averaged. The final scores on the 2 essays are then averaged and rounded up to the nearest half-point interval (e.g., 3.0, 3.5). If no essay response is given for either of the 2 tasks in this section, an NS (No Score) is reported for the section. If any essay response is provided for only one of the 2 writing tasks, the task for which no essay response is provided will receive a score of zero.

The primary emphasis in scoring the analytical writing section is on your critical thinking and analytical writing skills rather than on grammar and mechanics. Additional scoring information is provided in the POWERPREP software and in the interpretive leaflet enclosed with your score report.

During the scoring process, your essay responses on the analytical writing section will be reviewed by ETS essay-similarity-detection software and by experienced essay readers. See Independent Intellectual Activity.

Verbal and Quantitative Sections

You will receive a test score on every section (except unidentified pretest sections and/or research sections), regardless of the number of questions answered, even if time expires before you answer all the questions. However, if you answer no questions at all in a section, that section will be reported as a No Score (NS).

Your score on each section of the test will depend on the number of questions answered in the time allotted, as well as on your performance on the questions given. Because both of these sections are computer adaptive, the questions given are selected to reflect both your performance on preceding questions and the requirements of the test design. Test design factors that influence which questions are presented include:

* the statistical characteristics (including the difficulty level) of those questions already answered
* the required variety of question types
* the appropriate coverage of content

Scores Reported on the General Test

Three scores are reported:

* a verbal score reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments,
* a quantitative score reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments, and
* an analytical writing score reported on 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments.

If you answer no questions at all in a section (analytical writing, verbal, or quantitative), that section will be reported as a No Score (NS).

Descriptions of the analytical writing abilities characteristic of particular score levels are available in the interpretive leaflet enclosed with your score report, and in the Guide to the Use of GRE Scores.
Canceling Your Scores

At the end of the test, before you view your scores, you will have the option to cancel your scores. This is the only time your scores can be canceled. Canceled scores cannot be reinstated, and no refund will be issued.

Institutions will not receive any information about your canceled scores or about any previous scores you may have on file.
Reporting Your Scores

You can view unofficial verbal and quantitative scores at the test center; however, because of the essay scoring process, you will not receive your analytical writing score at that time. Official verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores will be sent to you and score recipients within 10 to 15 days after you take the test. Printed score reports are not available at the test center.

At the end of the test, if you choose to report your scores, you may request that they be sent to as many as 4 graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors at no additional charge. If an institution is not listed, ask the test center administrator for the appropriate form to indicate unlisted institutions. Complete the form and turn it in before you leave the test center. The form will not be accepted after you leave the test center. If you do not select institutions on the test day, you will be required to pay US$15 per recipient to have the scores sent at a later date.

Test centers cannot provide printed copies of score reports.
Retaking the Test

You may take the General Test (computer-based and/or paper-based) only once per calendar month and no more than 5 times in any 12-month period. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously.