GRE Syllabus – What topics are tested on the GRE exam in 2024?

Introduction

Are you gearing up for the GRE and wondering what’s on the horizon for the 2024 syllabus? You’ve landed in the right place. Understanding the GRE syllabus is the first step in your preparation journey. This article is designed to walk you through the various topics tested on the GRE exam in 2024, breaking down the syllabus for the General Test, including the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections, as well as the GRE Subject Test syllabus. Our aim is to keep things simple, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their academic background, can grasp the essentials of GRE preparation. Let’s dive into the specifics and make your GRE preparation journey a bit easier!

GRE Syllabus for General Test in 2024

The GRE General Test in 2024 tests your skills in three main areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Here’s a simple explanation of what each part involves:

GRE Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning

1. Introduction to Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section is like a test of how well you understand what you read and how you can play with words and sentences. Imagine reading a story or an article and then being asked questions about it. This section does something similar. It checks if you can figure out what words mean, how sentences are built, and how ideas connect with each other. It’s not just about big, fancy words but understanding the gist of what you’re reading.

2. Reading Comprehension

Think of Reading Comprehension as reading with a purpose. You’ll get passages from different subjects – like art, science, or business. After reading, you’ll answer questions about what the main idea is, what the author thinks, or what could happen next based on the text. It’s like being a detective, looking for clues in the passage to answer the questions. The trick is to read actively, asking yourself questions as you go along and trying to predict what information or question might come next.

3. Text Completion

In the Text Completion part, you’ll find passages with blanks that you need to fill in. It tests if you can use hints from the passage to pick the right words or phrases that make the passage complete and make sense. Imagine listening to a song with missing words, and you have to fill in those blanks to keep the song flowing smoothly. Each blank is a chance to show that you understand not just the words themselves but also how ideas and sentences fit together.

4. Sentence Equivalence

Sentence Equivalence is like a puzzle. You’ll see a sentence with one blank, and you have to find two options that could fit in the blank and keep the sentence’s meaning the same. It’s not just about knowing synonyms (words that mean the same thing) but also about understanding the sentence well enough to see how it can be completed in two different but similar ways. It’s like having two keys that can both unlock the same door. This part tests your ability to grasp the subtleties of language and how changing just one word can alter the meaning of a sentence.

GRE Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning section

1. Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section is like a test of how good you are with numbers and solving problems using mathematical concepts. It checks if you understand basic math, can think logically about numbers, and solve different kinds of math problems. This section is not just about knowing math but also about using math to make decisions and solve problems.

2. Arithmetic Topics

Arithmetic is all about the basics of math. It includes:

Integers: These are whole numbers like 1, 2, 3, and also include negative numbers like -1, -2, -3.

Fractions: Think of a pizza sliced into parts. Each slice is a fraction of the whole pizza.

Decimals: Numbers like 0.5 or 2.75, where there’s a dot to show values less than one.

Percentages: Imagine you have 100 candies, and you give away 20. You gave away 20% of your candies.

Ratios and Proportions: If you have 2 apples and 4 oranges, the ratio of apples to oranges is 1:2. Proportions compare ratios, like saying 2 apples per 4 oranges is the same as 1 apple per 2 oranges.

3. Algebra Topics

Algebra involves using letters and symbols to represent numbers and quantities in equations and formulas. It includes:

Algebraic expressions: These are math phrases that can include numbers, variables (like x or y), and operations (like addition or multiplication).

Equations: Think of a balance scale where both sides need to be equal. An equation is like saying, “This side with an x is the same as that side with a number.”

Inequalities: These are like equations but with a twist. Instead of the two sides being exactly equal, one side is either greater than or less than the other.

Linear and quadratic equations: Linear equations make straight lines when graphed. Quadratic equations make curves (like a U-shape) when graphed.

4. Geometry and Data Analysis

Geometry is about shapes and space. You’ll work with:

Lines and angles: Imagine drawing straight lines and measuring corners where two lines meet.

Triangles, circles, and polygons: These are shapes with three sides, no sides (just a round edge), and many sides, respectively.

Data Analysis: This part asks you to look at graphs, charts, and tables to understand and analyze data. Imagine having a graph that shows how much ice cream is sold at different times of the year. You might be asked to say when the most ice cream is sold or compare sales from different months.

GRE Syllabus for Analytical Writing

1. Introduction to Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section is like a test of how well you can think deeply and write clearly. It checks if you can look at complex ideas, understand them, and explain them in writing. You need to be able to support your thoughts with good reasons and examples. This part of the test shows how well you can communicate your ideas and argue a point in writing, which is a very important skill in many areas of study and work.

2. Issue Task

In the Issue Task, you’ll get a statement about a topic or an issue. Think of it as a debate topic. Your job is to write an essay where you talk about your own views on the issue. You need to explain why you think what you think. It’s important to give clear reasons and examples to back up your opinion. You’re not just saying if you agree or disagree with the statement, but also showing how well you can support your position with a well-thought-out discussion.

3. Argument Task

The Argument Task is a bit different. Instead of giving your own opinions, you’ll read someone else’s argument. This could be an opinion or a plan about something. Your task is to write an essay that critiques this argument. You have to look closely at the argument and see what’s strong or weak about it. Ask yourself: Does the argument make good points? Are there any holes or parts that don’t make sense? Is the evidence strong enough? You’re like a detective, looking for clues that show whether the argument is solid or not.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus 2024

1. Overview of Subject Tests

GRE Subject Tests are special exams that measure how well you know a particular subject area. Think of them as deep dives into subjects like Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Math, Physics, and Psychology. Each test is different and focuses only on one subject. They’re for students who have majored in or have extensive background knowledge in that subject. These tests can help you stand out when you apply for postgraduate programs by showing schools how much you know about your field of study.

2. Biology

The Biology test looks at your understanding of life science. It has three big parts:

Cell and Molecular Biology: This is about the basics of life at the cellular and molecular level. You’ll need to know how cells work, how they grow, and how they communicate.

Ecology and Evolution: Here, you focus on how organisms live in their environments and how they have changed over time. It’s about understanding the relationships between different forms of life and their surroundings.

Organismal Biology: This part covers the structure and function of all kinds of organisms, from plants to animals, and how their systems work together.

3. Chemistry

The Chemistry test measures your knowledge across four main areas:

Analytical Chemistry: You’ll need to understand how to analyze substances, figure out what they’re made of, and how much of each substance is present.

Inorganic Chemistry: This part deals with materials that aren’t based on carbon-hydrogen bonds, including metals and minerals.

Organic Chemistry: Here, it’s all about carbon-containing compounds, how they react, and how they are made.

Physical Chemistry: You’ll explore the physical principles that underpin chemical reactions, such as thermodynamics and quantum mechanics.

4. Mathematics

The Mathematics test covers several key areas of math:

Calculus: This is about rates of change and the slopes of curves, integrating areas under curves, and more complex functions.

Algebra: You’ll be tested on solving equations and understanding structures like groups, fields, and vector spaces.

Additional Topics: These can include probability (how likely something is to happen), statistics (analyzing data), and discrete mathematics (dealing with distinct values).

Key TakeAways

1. Understand the Structure: Familiarize yourself with the GRE’s structure, including the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing sections, and the specific Subject Tests. Knowing the format will help you prepare effectively.

2. Verbal Reasoning Skills: Improve your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and ability to analyze and synthesize information. Practice with a wide range of texts to enhance these skills.

3. Quantitative Reasoning Mastery: Strengthen your basic math skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Regular practice and familiarization with the types of questions asked can significantly improve your performance.

4. Analytical Writing Clarity: Develop your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively. Practice writing essays, especially for the Issue and Argument tasks, to refine your critical thinking and writing skills.

5. Subject Test Knowledge: If you’re taking a Subject Test, ensure a deep understanding of your chosen field. Review college-level coursework and use specific study materials to cover all topics thoroughly.

6. Practice Tests: Regularly taking full-length practice tests will help you get accustomed to the GRE’s timing and pressure. This practice is crucial for building stamina and confidence.

7. Review and Learn: Use your practice test results to identify weak areas. Spend extra time reviewing these topics, ensuring you understand the concepts before moving on.

8. Time Management: Develop strategies to manage your time effectively during the test, ensuring you can complete all sections within the allotted time without rushing.

9. Use Official Resources: Leverage official GRE preparation materials for the most accurate representation of test questions and format. Supplement with other reputable sources as needed.

10. Stay Calm and Confident: Preparation is key, but so is your mindset. Approach the test with confidence, and don’t let difficult questions unsettle you. Stay focused, and remember to take care of your well-being during your study period.

FAQ

In conclusion, we hope this guide has given you the key aspects of GRE scores for you. Understanding how the GRE is scored, what constitutes a good score, and how it impacts your graduate school application is crucial in your journey toward higher education. Remember, preparing for the GRE is not just about mastering the content, but also about understanding how the test works and what your target programs are looking for.

If you found this article helpful, we encourage you to explore our other resources for more insights and guidance. Whether you are just starting your GRE preparation or looking to refine your strategies, our comprehensive articles, tips, and study tools are designed to support you at every step. Good luck on your GRE journey, and may your efforts open the doors to your academic and professional aspirations!