GRE Sample Paper for Practise (GRE Question Paper)

Every year, around 300,000 students tackle the GRE exam, hoping to get one step closer to their dream graduate programs. But for many, it’s not a lack of knowledge that trips them up—it’s feeling unprepared for the real exam experience. This is where the relevance of GRE question paper comes in.

A lot of GRE test-takers struggle to find practice materials that truly replicate the pressure of exam day. While there’s no shortage of study resources out there, many feel too broad or disconnected from the actual test. Students might not be able to grasp the complete benefits the GRE exam provides as well. This can lead to anxiety, time management issues, and ultimately, disappointing scores. The key? Using sample papers that mirror the GRE format, helps you sharpen your skills and boost your confidence.

What Is The GRE Exam Pattern & Syllabus?

The GRE General Test is structured to assess your readiness for graduate-level academic work across three key sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section tests specific skills that graduate programs deem essential.

The Analytical Writing section evaluates your ability to articulate and support complex ideas. You’ll be tasked with writing two essays, requiring clear arguments and strong reasoning within a limited time frame. GRE exam eligibility is also something you need to keep in mind while preparing.

In the Verbal Reasoning section, you’ll tackle reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions. These test your ability to understand and analyze written material, while also measuring your vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on your grasp of high-school-level math, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Here, your ability to interpret and solve quantitative problems is key.

Understanding the GRE exam pattern and practicing with a GRE sample paper can greatly enhance your performance. These test papers provide real exam-like conditions, helping you get familiar with the question types and improve your time management during the actual test.

By regularly working through a GRE practice test, you’ll be better equipped to handle the rigors of the GRE General Test. Just keep an eye on the GRE exam dates. Whether you’re focusing on quantitative questions or honing your analytical writing, consistent practice with a GRE sample is crucial to achieving a competitive GRE score.

All GRE test papers are designed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), ensuring they reflect the same standards as the official exam. When you prepare with ETS-released GRE sample papers, you align yourself with the exact educational testing requirements that schools use to evaluate candidates. Make sure you have a clear idea of GRE exam is for which country.

What Is The GRE Online vs Paper-Based Exam Pattern?

The GRE exam offers two formats: GRE online (computer-based) and the paper-based version. While the overall structure remains consistent, there are some differences in timing and accessibility. Both versions assess your skills in GRE verbal, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

In the computer-based GRE, taken by most test-takers, you’ll answer multiple-choice questions across different sections, including an on-screen calculator for the quant section. This version spans 3 hours and 45 minutes and offers tools to review and change answers during the test. Mock tests are highly recommended to simulate the online mode and familiarize yourself with the digital environment. GRE exam fee also must be kept in mind here.

For those taking the paper-based GRE, which is offered in regions where the online format is unavailable, you will receive a physical paper for the General Test. The content remains the same, but the experience differs. There are no tools to track time like in the online version, making it crucial to practice with previous year GRE papers to manage time efficiently. Practice papers will help you adjust to writing out answers and utilizing scratch paper effectively.

In both formats, the analytical writing section comes first, where you’re expected to present relevant reasons and examples to support your arguments. The GRE verbal and quantitative sections follow, with each testing your ability to handle different types of questions. Whether you’re preparing for the GRE online or paper version, solving sample questions and practicing with free practice resources can help you achieve a good GRE score.

When you download previous year GRE papers and take GRE mock tests, you familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and build essential skills for test day. Sample test papers, especially those provided by ETS, offer insights into the complete GRE exam pattern and the section-wise breakdown of the test. For consistent results, focus on quantitative practice, writing sections, and practicing standard written English—skills that are crucial for competitive graduate record exams like the GRE.

To perform well, test-takers should regularly practice with Kaplan or official website resources and take the time to understand how every question in the GRE previous year papers was structured. Utilizing sample test and mock tests ensures that you can prepare appropriately for this widely accepted exam format and achieve a strong score in GRE.

GRE Verbal Practice Questions

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section is designed to assess your ability to analyze and interpret written material, understand the relationships between concepts, and identify word meanings in context. GRE idioms can also be super helpful here.

Question 1: Sentence Equivalence

While many believe the author’s latest novel to be a brilliant work of literary fiction, others criticize it for its excessive and unnecessary verbosity, claiming that the author’s use of such an elaborate style is nothing more than a (__________) attempt to impress readers with his command of the language.

Options:
a) painstaking
b) ostentatious
c) meticulous
d) pretentious
e) subtle

Solution:
The key to this sentence is the contrast between the author’s perceived brilliance and the criticism for verbosity, which implies the author’s style might be seen as showy or done to impress. Thus, the correct answers are (b) ostentatious and (d) pretentious, both of which suggest a showy, overly elaborate style intended to impress.

Question 2: Reading Comprehension

Passage: “Research indicates that biodiversity in rainforests is declining at an unprecedented rate. While some scientists attribute this primarily to deforestation, others argue that the introduction of invasive species plays an equally significant role. Regardless of the cause, it is clear that the loss of biodiversity has far-reaching consequences not only for the ecosystems themselves but also for human populations who rely on these environments for resources such as food, medicine, and clean air.”

Question:
According to the passage, the decline in biodiversity:
a) is mainly due to deforestation.
b) is caused solely by invasive species.
c) affects both ecosystems and human populations.
d) can be mitigated by halting deforestation.
e) has no impact on human populations.

Solution:
The passage mentions that the decline in biodiversity has consequences for both ecosystems and human populations. The correct answer is (c) affects both ecosystems and human populations. Options (a) and (b) are incorrect because the passage presents deforestation and invasive species as two contributing factors, not exclusively one or the other.

GRE Quantitative Practice Questions

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section tests your ability to solve mathematical problems and interpret data, covering topics like algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and data analysis. Understand the GRE minimum score and try to achieve above it.

Question 1: Geometry and Algebra

A rectangular garden has a length that is 4 meters longer than its width. If the perimeter of the garden is 48 meters, what are the dimensions of the garden?

Solution:

Define Variables:

• Let w be the width of the garden.
• Then, the length ll can be expressed as l=w+4

Perimeter Formula:
The formula for the perimeter P of a rectangle is:

P=2l+2w

Given that the perimeter is 48 meters, we can set up the equation:

2(w+4)+2w=48

Simplify the Equation:

2w+8+2w=482

4w+8=48

4w=40

w=10

Find the Length:

l=w+4=10+4=14

Final Dimensions:
The dimensions of the garden are:

• Width: 10 meters
• Length: 14 meters

Question 2: Data Interpretation and Ratios

A class of students consists of boys and girls in the ratio of 3:2. If there are 30 students in total, how many boys and how many girls are in the class?

Solution:

Define the Ratio:
The ratio of boys to girls is 3:2. Let the number of boys be 3x and the number of girls be 2x.

Set Up the Equation:
The total number of students is given as 30, so:

3x+2x=30

Combine Like Terms:

5x=30

Solve for x:

x=6

Calculate the Number of Boys and Girls:

• Number of boys: 3x=3×6=18
• Number of girls: 2x=2×6=12

Final Count:
There are 18 boys and 12 girls in the class.

GRE AWA Practice Questions

The GRE Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section evaluates your ability to clearly articulate complex ideas, support arguments with relevant evidence, and maintain a focused, coherent discussion. GRE pen and paper test can be a better choice for student who prefers writing things down rather than doing it online.

Question 1: Analyze an Issue

The best ideas arise from a passionate interest in commonplace things.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

Solution:

I agree with the statement to a certain extent. While some of the best ideas may indeed arise from a passionate interest in commonplace things, I believe that great ideas can also come from a fascination with the extraordinary and a desire to push boundaries.

On one hand, focusing intently on the mundane aspects of everyday life can lead to innovative solutions to common problems. For example, the invention of the typewriter was inspired by the desire to improve the efficiency of writing by hand. Similarly, the computer was developed from a passionate interest in automating calculations and data processing. In these cases, a deep engagement with the commonplace led to transformative ideas.
However, some of humanity’s most revolutionary breakthroughs have come from a fascination with the exceptional and a drive to explore the unknown.

The Wright brothers’ invention of the airplane was fueled by a desire to achieve human flight, a feat that was considered impossible at the time. The development of quantum mechanics was driven by a curiosity about the strange behavior of particles at the atomic scale. These examples suggest that a passionate interest in the extraordinary can also yield groundbreaking ideas.

Ultimately, I believe that the origin of great ideas lies not in the nature of the subject matter itself, but in the depth of engagement and the willingness to question assumptions. Whether one’s passion lies in the commonplace or the exceptional, the key is to approach the subject with a critical eye, a creative mindset, and a determination to push the boundaries of understanding. It is this combination of passion, curiosity, and intellectual rigor that gives rise to the best ideas, regardless of their source.

Question 2: Analyze an Argument

The following appeared as part of an article in a magazine about planning for retirement:

“In recent years, many Americans who have worked for decades have seen their retirement plans disrupted by the combination of high inflation and a bear market. To avoid similar problems, workers today should invest their retirement savings in assets that are guaranteed to grow, such as real estate. Real estate has historically been a safe investment, with property values increasing consistently over time. By investing in real estate, workers can safeguard their retirement savings from the volatility of the stock market and inflation.”

Write a response in which you discuss what specific evidence is needed to evaluate the argument and explain how the evidence would weaken or strengthen the argument.

Solution:

To evaluate the argument, we need evidence on the following points:
The historical performance of real estate investments compared to other asset classes: The argument claims that real estate has “historically been a safe investment, with property values increasing consistently over time.” However, it does not provide any data to support this claim. To strengthen the argument, the author would need to present evidence showing that real estate has outperformed other investments, such as stocks and bonds, over a significant period of time and during various economic conditions.

The risk profile of real estate investments: The argument suggests that real estate is less volatile than the stock market. However, this may not always be the case. Real estate prices can be affected by factors such as location, property type, and economic conditions. To support the argument, the author would need to provide data showing that real estate has lower volatility and risk compared to other asset classes.

The impact of inflation on real estate investments: The argument claims that real estate can protect against inflation. While it is true that property values may increase over time, this may not always keep pace with inflation. To strengthen the argument, the author would need to provide evidence showing that real estate investments have consistently outperformed inflation.

The costs and fees associated with real estate investments: Investing in real estate often involves significant costs, such as transaction fees, maintenance expenses, and property taxes. These costs can eat into the returns of real estate investments. To support the argument, the author would need to address these costs and show that they do not significantly impact the overall returns of real estate investments.

If the author fails to provide evidence on these points, the argument remains weak and unconvincing. Presenting data that contradicts the claims made in the argument would further weaken the argument. For example, if data showed that real estate investments have underperformed other asset classes or have not kept pace with inflation, it would significantly undermine the argument.

While the argument presents real estate as a safe haven for retirement savings, it lacks the necessary evidence to support its claims. To strengthen the argument, the author would need to provide data on the historical performance, risk profile, inflation protection, and costs of real estate investments compared to other asset classes.

How to Prepare for the GRE With The Help Of GRE Sample Papers?

Preparing for the GRE using GRE sample papers is one of the most effective strategies to improve both your understanding of the exam and your performance. By working through sample test papers, you get familiar with the GRE exam pattern, including the types of questions in the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. Regular practice helps you develop essential time management skills, as you’ll experience how long each section takes and adjust your pacing accordingly. This is how you should do your GRE prep.

Moreover, using GRE practice test papers allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, providing insight into areas that need more focus. Whether you are preparing for the GRE online or paper-based exam, solving previous year’s GRE papers and mock tests gives you real-world practice that builds confidence and helps you achieve a good GRE score. You can come up with a 6 month GRE study plan as well to solidify the process.

Conclusion

Utilizing GRE sample papers is a vital step in your preparation strategy and GRE preparation time. They provide realistic practice, helping you get accustomed to the exam format, sharpen your skills, and manage your time effectively. Whether you’re aiming to improve in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, or analytical writing, consistent practice with mock tests and sample questions will greatly enhance your chances of achieving a high GRE score and performing confidently on test day.

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