Revisions to the Computer-based GRE® General Test*
Reformatted Reading Passages in Reading Comprehension Questions*
Reformatted reading passages are included in the Verbal Reasoning section of the computer-based GRE® General Test. Traditionally, reading passages accompanying Reading Comprehension questions have contained line numbers that reference specific parts of the passages. Those line numbers are being replaced with highlighting when necessary in order to focus the test taker on specific information in the passage.
The reformatted question types are being phased in gradually over time. During this time, test takers may encounter both formats in their tests. The GRE Program believes that the new format will help students more easily find the pertinent information in reading passages. The GRE Program will begin counting these question types toward examinee scores as soon as an adequate sample of data from the operational testing environment is available.
New Question Types*
Two new question types are included in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the computer-based GRE® General Test. Test takers may see ONE new Verbal question or ONE new Quantitative question or no new questions at all. No test taker will receive more than ONE new question. The new question types are part of the first phase of the General Test improvements that are being introduced gradually over time.
The new question types have been through extensive field trials, and the results indicate that they are functioning as intended. The GRE Program will begin counting these question types toward examinee scores as soon as an adequate sample of data from the operational testing environment is available.
Sample Questions and Strategies:
- New Verbal Reasoning Question Type: Text Completions (PDF)
- New Quantitative Reasoning Question Type: Numeric Entry (PDF)
* The reformatted reading passages and the new question types will not be included in the paper-based GRE General Test or the split-test administrations of the GRE General Test offered in China (including Hong Kong), Korea, or Taiwan.
