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GRE Overview

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a standardised test used in postgraduate admissions throughout the world and especially in North America, at both the master’s and doctoral level. It measures test-takers’ aptitude across three areas: 1. verbal reasoning, 2. quantitative reasoning, and 3. analytical writing. The most common version is the GRE General Test; however, discipline-specific versions are also available in mathematics, physics, and psychology.

Verbal Reasoning

In the verbal reasoning section, test-takers will be assessed on their reading comprehension skills and their ability to analyse texts, including identifying main ideas, making inferences, and drawing conclusions. It also requires them to demonstrate a strong understanding of English vocabulary and sharp critical thinking skills.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section is comprised of various tasks covering statistics, algebra, and geometry. Test takers are expected to analyse data and showcase their problem-solving skills.

Analytical Writing

The GRE General Test includes one writing task: Analyze an Issue. Here, test takers should be able to coherently express their ideas and support their arguments with adequate detail and language competence.

Comparison with IELTS and TOEFL

Compared to IELTS and TOEFL, the GRE is shorter in duration, tests a wider range of knowledge, and is primarily about measuring one’s preparedness for advanced study rather than English language skills. Nonetheless, a solid foundation in English reading and writing is essential to GRE success. The main similarity is that each test includes a writing task; however, the GRE Analyze an Issue section requires a single essay that is longer and more developed, while the IELTS and TOEFL writing tasks require 2 shorter written pieces. GRE writing also places specific emphasis on the test-taker’s analytical proficiency. IELTS and TOEFL scores are typically valid for two years; GRE scores are valid for five years.

Print Resources Available at ILC

  • GRE prep plus 2024-2025 – updated for the new GRE. (2018-). New York: Kaplan Publishing. (LB2367.4 .G7485)
  • GRE Complete 2024: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online. (2023). New York: Kaplan Test Prep. (LB2367.4 .G7485 2024)
  • GRE math workbook. (2019). New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing. (QA43 .G68 2019)
  • GRE verbal workbook. (2019). New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing.(LB2367.4 .G749 2019)
  • Meltzer, E.L. (2017). GRE vocabulary in practice. New York: The Critical Reader. (LB2367.4 .M45 2017)
  • Princeton Review GRE premium prep, 2024. (2020-). New York, NY: Penguin Random House LLC. (LB2367.4 .G735)

Need Further Assistance?

Students who need further assistance can make an appointment for an individual consultation session with a member of the ILC teaching staff. Please select a date and time on the English calendar (viewable here) and include “GRE preparation” in the booking notes.

Inspirations

  • “Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned.”

    Mark Twain

  • “I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.”

    Winston Churchill

  • “The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.”

    Mortimer Adler

  • “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.”

    Vernon Howard

  • “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

    Benjamin Franklin

  • “Be observing constantly. Stay open minded. Be eager to learn and improve.”

    John Wooden

  • “Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”

    Abigail Adams

  • “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

    Henry Ford