ETS recently made updates to the GRE General Test structure in September 2023. The new GRE syllabus shortens the test but keeps the same value as before. There are minor changes in the math and language sections, but a big change happens in the Analytical Writing (AWA) section. This article will explore the new GRE Structure 2023 in detail.
If you are planning advanced education abroad, particularly in America and Europe, you must familiarize yourself with the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. Many prestigious universities and colleges consider GRE scores during the student admission and scholarship application processes. While some universities designate the GRE test as optional, providing scores is often necessary for scholarship consideration. With this new GRE structure, you can plan for the test and proceed with your preparation to achieve high scores.
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What are the major changes in the new GRE structure?
The new GRE syllabus has made various changes in the test structure and the number of questions to be asked has been reduced. Here you will get all the updates on the new GRE test structure.
1. Analytical Writing:
- Old Structure: Two tasks (Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument) for 30 minutes each.
- New Structure: One task – “Analyze an Issue” – for 30 minutes. The “Analyze an Argument” task has been eliminated. The total time for the Analytical Writing section is now shorter.
2. Verbal Reasoning:
- Old Structure: Two sections with a total of 40 questions.
- New Structure: Two sections with a reduced total of 27 questions.
- Section 1: 12 questions in 18 minutes.
- Section 2: 15 questions in 23 minutes.
- This change results in a shorter Verbal Reasoning section overall, with fewer questions and a decreased time limit.
3. Quantitative Reasoning:
- Old Structure: Two sections with a total of 40 questions.
- New Structure: Two sections with a reduced total of 27 questions.
- Section 1: 12 questions in 21 minutes.
- Section 2: 15 questions in 26 minutes.
- Similar to the Verbal Reasoning section, the Quantitative Reasoning section is now shorter in terms of both the number of questions and the time allotted.
The most notable changes include the elimination of one task in the Analytical Writing section, resulting in a single “Analyze an Issue” task. Both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections have seen a reduction in the number of questions and overall test duration. These changes aim to streamline the test-taking experience while maintaining the same level of difficulty for the remaining questions.
Comparison of old and new GRE tests
Certainly! Here’s the comparison of the new and old GRE structures presented in a table:
| GRE Section | Old Structure | New Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | Two tasks (30 minutes each) | One task – “Analyze an Issue” (30 minutes) |
| Verbal Reasoning | Two sections, 40 questions total | Two sections, 27 questions total |
| Section 1: 20 questions in 30 minutes | Section 1: 12 questions in 18 minutes | |
| Section 2: 20 questions in 35 minutes | Section 2: 15 questions in 23 minutes | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Two sections, 40 questions total | Two sections, 27 questions total |
| Section 1: 20 questions in 35 minutes | Section 1: 12 questions in 21 minutes | |
| Section 2: 20 questions in 40 minutes | Section 2: 15 questions in 26 minutes | |
| Overall Test Duration | Up to 4 hours | Less than two hours |
The new GRE syllabus brings a more streamlined and time-efficient format. Notable changes include a single Analytical Writing task, a reduction in the number of questions in both Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections, and an overall test duration of less than two hours. Despite these adjustments, the types and difficulty levels of the remaining questions remain consistent with the previous format, ensuring a fair and accurate assessment.
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This video will help you to understand all the changes in the new GRE structure in September 2023.
Benefits of New GRE Structure
The new GRE structure, implemented in September 2023, comes with several benefits that aim to enhance the testing experience for candidates. Here are some advantages of the new GRE structure:
1. Time Efficiency
The most prominent benefit is the significant reduction in overall test duration. The new format allows the GRE to be completed in less than two hours compared to the previous format which took up to four hours. This change accommodates test-takers with busy schedules, providing a more time-efficient testing experience.
2. Streamlined Analytical Writing Section
The elimination of one Analytical Writing task results in a more focused and streamlined section. Candidates now only need to complete the “Analyze an Issue” task in 30 minutes, allowing for greater concentration on this singular writing component.
3. Reduced Verbal and Quantitative Workload
Both Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections have seen a reduction in the number of questions, lightening the overall workload for test-takers. This reduction can contribute to a less stressful testing environment and potentially lead to improved performance.
4. Consistent Question Types and Difficulty
Despite the changes, the types of questions and their difficulty levels in the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections remain consistent with the previous format. This ensures that the skills being assessed remain the same, allowing for a fair and accurate evaluation of candidates.
5. Faster Score Reporting
The new structure promises faster score reporting, with score reports generated in eight to ten days, as opposed to the previous timeframe of 10 to 15 days. This quicker turnaround facilitates a more efficient application process for candidates seeking to send their scores to universities promptly.
6. Improved Accessibility
The shorter test duration and streamlined sections may make the GRE more accessible for individuals who may have found the previous format challenging due to time constraints. This change could potentially encourage a broader range of candidates to take the GRE.
7. Flexibility for Test-Takers
The new GRE structure allows test-takers to adapt to changes without significantly altering their preparation strategies. Since question types and difficulty levels remain consistent, individuals who have been preparing for the longer format can seamlessly transition to the shorter format.
In summary, the new GRE structure is designed to provide a more efficient and focused testing experience without compromising the integrity of the assessment. The changes aim to address the evolving needs of test-takers and contribute to a smoother and more accessible GRE examination process.
