Section Sequence on the Test
| Pre Test Tutorial | Untimed |
| Analytical Writing | 60 minutes, two 30-minute writing tasks |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 35 minutes, approx. 20 questions |
| Verbal Reasoning | 30 minutes, approx. 20 questions |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 35 minutes, approx. 20 questions |
| Verbal Reasoning | 30 minutes, approx. 20 questions |
| Unscored Verbal or Quantitative section | 30 or 35 minutes, approx. 20 questions |
| Unscored Research section | Time and number of questions vary |
| Post-test procedures |
|
The Pre-Test Computer Tutorial
Before you begin the timed test, you'll step through a computer tutorial, during which you'll learn all you need to know about:
- using the mouse
- scrolling the screen display vertically
- selecting and changing your responses to questions
- marking questions for possible later review
- moving from one question to the next
- using the built-in word-processor for the Analytical Writing section
- accessing and using the calculator during the Quantitative sections
- accessing the directions for the current test section and question format
During the tutorial you can also practice using the system by responding to sample questions, at your option. Also, you'll be required to demonstrate competence in performing each of the tasks listed above before the testing system will allow you to move on to the timed exam.
Analytical Writing
This exam section consists of two separately timed 30-minute writing tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze and Argument. The testing system will select each writing prompt randomly from a large pool; you won't be able to choose either prompt from a list. To record your responses you'll use the word processor built into the testing system. (Handwritten responses are not allowed.)
Quantitative Reasoning
Each Quantitative Reasoning section provides questions in four different formats (questions are intermingled rather than grouped separately by format):
- Multiple choice—select one of five answer choices
- Multiple choice—select one or more answer choices
- Numeric Entry (you enter a number as your answer rather than select among choices)
- Quantitative Comparison (you determine which of two quantitative expressions, if either, is greater in value; the four answer choices are the same for every question in this format)
The first and last formats listed above account for more exam questions than the other two formats.
Verbal Reasoning
Each Verbal Reasoning section provides questions in three different formats (questions are intermingled rather than grouped separately by format):
- Text Completion (you complete a passage of text by selecting one of several fill-in choices for each of 1-3 blanks)
- Sentence Equivalence (you select two of six choices for filling the blank in a sentence)
- (3-4 passages, each accompanied by one or more questions)
Reading Comprehension accounts for more exam questions than either of the other two formats.
The Unscored Verbal or Quantitative Section
Your exam will include one unidentified, unscored Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning section. In all likelihood, you won't be able to identify which section is unscored. (In any event, you should approach each and every test section under the assumption that it is scored.)
The Research Section
At the end of the test you might be presented with an identified Research section, which will contain unconventional question types. The Research section will not be scored, and it may or may not be timed.
Post-Test Procedures
Cancel your test or view your scores. After all exam sections, the computerized testing system will prompt you to either cancel the test or view your preliminary (unofficial) scores for Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. You'll be given 5 minutes to decide, after which time if you have not chosen either option the system will automatically show your scores to you. By agreeing to see your preliminary scores, you forfeit your right to cancel any of your scores (including your Analytical Writing score). If you choose instead to cancel the test, responses and scores for all exam sections will be canceled.
Designation of score-report recipients. Unless you designated at least four institutions as score-report recipients when you registered to take the exam, you can designate them at the testing center by completing the appropriate form. A complete list of institution codes will be provided for this purpose. You'll give the completed form to the exam supervisor before leaving the testing center. The first four score reports are free, but ETS charges a fee for each additional report.
v>
|
Meet Your Target
Best Preparation
You’ve probably heard the quote (originally credited to Alexander Graham Bell): Preparation is the key to success. When it comes to test taking, these are words to live by.