Free GRE sample questions

Correct answer: It always comes first, and the Verbal and Quantitative sections follow in any order

The Analytical Writing section always comes first. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections then follow in any order. So you write the essay before any Verbal or Quantitative question.

Correct answer: A spellchecker

The word processor lets you insert and delete text, cut and paste, and undo the last action. It has no spellchecker and no grammar checker. So you must check your own writing.

Correct answer: On a 0 to 6 scale in half-point increments

The Analytical Writing score runs from 0 to 6 in half-point steps, so 4.5 is a possible score. The 130 to 170 scale is for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, not for the essay.

Correct answer: Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores only; the Analytical Writing score comes later

Right after the test you see unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores. The essay must be scored first, so the Analytical Writing score comes later. It arrives with the official scores about 8 to 10 days after the test.

Correct answer: The score reflects the overall quality of the essay as a response to the assigned task

Holistic scoring gives one score for the overall quality of the essay as a response to the task. It is not a count of errors or words. It is not a sum of separate part scores either.

Correct answer: A computer program from ETS that identifies essay features related to writing proficiency and gives a score

The e-rater engine is a computer program made by ETS. It identifies essay features linked to writing proficiency and gives a score. That score is part of the 6-point holistic evaluation, along with trained human raters.

Correct answer: stigma

A stigma is a mark of shame or discredit. The clue is the fear that others will think less of them. Prestige, glamour and acclaim are positive and would not make anyone delay treatment.

Correct answer: No particular position; they judge how well you follow the instructions and support your own view

There is no correct position, so any side can earn a top score. Raters judge how well you follow the task instructions and support your own view. An essay that avoids taking a position scores lower.

Correct answer: Yes; a high score can come from several examples or from a single extended example

A high score can come from several examples or from one extended example. Raters look at how clearly and skillfully the example supports your position, not at how many examples you give.

Correct answer: quelled

To quell is to put down or end something, such as a riot. The calm streets by nightfall show that the police ended the disturbance. Incited and provoked mean to stir up trouble, the opposite.