GRE Quantitative Reasoning Overview On Question Types and Tips

GRE Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE tests your ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information and solve problems using mathematical models. Before you start preparing for the test, it is very important to understand the format of the test. This blog will introduce you to different question types, which will significantly boost your confidence and performance. The Dilip Oak’s Online test screenshots will also give you a good idea of what these formats look like when you take the GRE computer-based test.

Here’s a breakdown of the various question types you’ll encounter and tips on tackling them.

Multiple-Choice Questions (Single Answer)

  • These are the traditional multiple-choice questions where you select one correct answer from five options.
  • The options are in the form of radio buttons, as they only allow a single selection.

Tip: Think about the maximum and minimum values the quantities can take to see if the relationship holds in all cases.

GRE Quant: Multiple-Choice Questions (Single Answer)

Multiple-Choice Questions (Multiple Answers)

  • These questions are accompanied by checkboxes and require you to select one or more answers.
  • You must choose all correct answers to get credit; there is no partial credit.

Tip: Review all options to ensure you have marked all the correct responses.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning: Multiple-Choice Questions (Multiple Answer)

Numeric Entry Questions

  • Numeric Entry questions require you to enter your answer in a box rather than selecting from multiple choices.
  • The answer can be in any format: whole numbers, decimals, or fractions.

Tip: Pay careful attention to the format in which you are expected to enter the answer.

GRE Quant: Numeric Entry Questions

Quantitative Comparison Questions

  • Quantitative Comparison questions ask you to compare two quantities — Quantity A and Quantity B — and determine the relationship between them.
  • You’ll choose one of the following options:
    • Quantity A is greater
    • Quantity B is greater
    • The two quantities are equal
    • The relationship cannot be determined from the information given

Tip: Think about the maximum and minimum values the quantities can take to see if the relationship holds in all cases.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning: Quantitative Comparison Questions

General Strategies while preparing for the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE:

  • Understand the Basics: Review fundamental math concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
  • Strengthen your concepts: Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing formulas.
  • Practice Mental Math: Quick calculations can save time, so practice mental math to increase your speed.
  • Practice Regularly: Use practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question formats and time constraints. Identify your weak areas and devote extra time to those topics.
  • Manage Your Time: The Quant section is timed, so practice pacing yourself to complete all questions within time.

Tips for acing the Quantitative Reasoning Section of the GRE:

  • Double-Check Work: If time permits, double-check your calculations to avoid careless mistakes.
  • Use Scratch Paper: Work out the problem on scratch paper to avoid mistakes when transferring your answer.
  • Estimate and Simplify: Look for ways to simplify the expressions or use estimation to compare the quantities quickly.
  • Plug in Numbers: Substitute values for variables to test the relationship. This is particularly useful if the question involves variables without specific numbers.
  • Move on: Don’t spend too much time on any one question; move on and come back if time permits.
  • Use the On-Screen Calculator: The GRE provides an on-screen calculator for the Quant section. Use it for complex calculations, but don’t rely on it for simple arithmetic: mental math will save you more time.
  • Stay Calm and Focused: Keep calm and maintain your focus throughout the test. Anxiety can lead to simple mistakes.

Mastering the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE requires practice, strategic thinking, and a solid understanding of basic math concepts. By familiarizing yourself with the different question types and employing effective strategies, you can improve your performance and achieve your desired GRE score. Happy studying!

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. To explore our services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

Understanding the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section

GRE Quantitative Reasoning section

When preparing for an exam, it is important for us to understand the format, structure and syllabus of that exam. So, in this blog, we will try to understand every aspect of the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section, which will help us develop a very focused approach to ace this section. It will also answer the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that students ask while preparing for this section. So, let’s begin!

Assessing the Content of the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE mainly evaluates:

  • Your basic understanding of the mathematical concepts
  • Your ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information
  • Your application skills in solving the questions within the given time limit

Understanding the scope of the syllabus for the Quantitative Reasoning Section

  • The GRE broadly tests you on four main topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Data Analysis. The Math Review (PDF) file provides detailed information about the scope of the syllabus.
  • To summarize, it tests you on all your high school math concepts.
  • Good news: No trigonometry, no calculus!

Exploring the Structure of the Quantitative Reasoning Section

  • The Test comprises two Quantitative Reasoning sections with 27 questions to be completed in 47 minutes.
  • The section-wise break-up is as follows:
    • Section I: 12 questions to be completed in 21 minutes
    • Section II: 15 questions to be completed in 26 minutes
  • The following question types are asked:
    • Multiple Choice (Single Correct):
    • Multiple Choice (One or more correct)
    • Numeric Entry Questions
    • Quantitative Comparison Questions
  • An on-screen calculator is available for the Quantitative Reasoning Section. (It is not a scientific calculator.)

Identifying Resources for Preparation

GRE Quantitative Reasoning section - Preparation

The following ETS GRE Resources would be the most authentic prep material as they include practice questions straight from the source.

A myriad of publications is available in the market, and a vast resource of material is on the net. But while choosing material, it would be wise to choose GRE-oriented material as it would cater to the format of the exam. At Dilip Oak’s Academy, our books and online practice material have been designed keeping the Test in mind, thus ensuring your focused preparation.

Achieving Success in the Quantitative Reasoning Section: Top Strategies

To get a good score in the Quantitative section of the GRE, ensure that your preparation involves the following steps:

Concept building:

  • Get a good grasp of the fundamental concepts
  • Memorize your formulae and computational tables to quickly and accurately solve questions.
  • Get familiar with the Question Types.

Practice, practice, practice:

  • Strengthen your concepts by solving a large number of practice questions specifically designed for the GRE.
  • Practice using tricks, shortcuts and time-saving strategies
  • Focus on increasing your accuracy and time management.

Testing:

  • Testing yourself at regular intervals will familiarize you with the format of the exam.
  • Review/feedback will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, which can be worked upon.
  • Taking at least two tests under simulated testing conditions would be a good approach as it would make you comfortable with the testing environment with time restrictions.

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s discuss some other questions you may have.

What if I have ‘Math Phobia’?

Many students are always scared of math and thus experience ‘math phobia’, which probably has no cure. Maybe you are not good at math naturally, but don’t give up. Remember, the GRE covers only the basic mathematical concepts studied at your school level, so your math skills are not being tested in this exam. Your application skills are put to the test, along with your logical and analytical thinking. Focus on your strong areas, not the troubled areas that haunt you. Lingering on these may only increase your anxiety and thus affect your preparation and, consequently, your performance.

What should be my approach if I have a strong Math background?

If that is the case, you may find the questions on this exam very simple. But beware! You may be caught off guard! Instead of becoming complacent, a good strategy would be to brush up on your concepts and use the simplicity of this exam to your advantage. Overdependence on your mathematical abilities may affect your score adversely, narrowing your chances of securing admission to a good university. 

What Next?

GRE Quantitative Reasoning section - what next?
  • Now that you have understood the focus of the exam and its format, start preparing according to the three steps mentioned above.
  • Ensure that you have a very good understanding of the fundamental concepts.
  • Completing 12 and 15 questions in 21 and 26 minutes respectively is one of the main challenges you will face while answering the Math section. Remember, your speed and accuracy should go hand in hand. You cannot afford to compromise one at the cost of the other.

To summarize, a dedicated and focused approach will surely enhance your test-taking skills, which will guarantee a good score. It’s not necessary to study hard; study smart. Wishing you all the BEST!!!

At Dilip Oak’s Academy, we understand the significance of this journey. Thus, we offer comprehensive GRE coaching in Pune, both online and classroom, to support you in this crucial aspect of your academic journey. Further, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-020-67444222.

We offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and Canada.  

Last-minute tips to master the Quant section on the GRE

Preparing for a competitive exam like GRE is always a daunting task. Nonetheless, summing up the preparation is also equally important to perform better on the exam. In this blog, we will share some of the tips with you on how to brush up on the Math section in the last week before your GRE. So, let’s get started!

Revise all the theory concepts well

Don’t forget that the GRE is more about conceptual clarity than heavy calculation. So, make sure that you have understood all the concepts well. In case you come across a point where some clarity is required, refer to your lecture notes and practice it again but don’t panic.

Check your error log

In the last week of preparation, instead of revising all the problems that you have solved, it is advisable to concentrate only on those questions that you have got incorrect while practicing. So, refer to your error log and revise only the difficult questions.

Solve only a limited number of questions

Don’t get exhausted by solving too many of the questions in the last week. Instead, select only a limited number of questions for practice.

Revise formulae sheet

Please remember that the required formulae should be on the tip of your tongue! Thus, revise all the formulae at least once daily without fail.

Revise tables daily

This is yet another important technique to give a boost to your Quant score on the GRE. In spite of the fact that the use of a calculator is permitted on GRE, it is better to do the calculations manually as much as possible. Thus, revise the tables at least twice a day.

If you ensure that these aspects are taken care of, you will feel more confident as you attempt the exam.

Wish you all the very best in your preparation!!

Question of the Week

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We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

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