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Welcome to
McGraw-Hill’s
GRE
C
ongratulations!You’ve chosen the GRE guide from America’s leading educational
publisher. You probably know us from many of the textbooks you used in college. Now we’re
ready to help you take the next step — and get into the graduate program of your choice.
This book gives you everything you need to succeed on the test. You’ll get in-depth instruction and
review of every topic tested, tips and strategies for every question type, and plenty of practice exams
to boost your test-taking confidence.
In addition, in the following pages you’ll find:
(cid:1) How to Use This Book: Step-by-step instructions to help you get the most out of your test-
prep program.
(cid:1) How to Use the Practice Tests: Tips and strategies to guide your test-taking practice and
to help you understand GRE scoring.
(cid:1) Your GRE Training Schedule and GRE Emergency Plan: How to make the best use of your
time, even if the test is just days away.
(cid:1) 50 Top Strategies for Test Day: Use this list to check your knowledge, or as a last-minute
refresher before the exam.
(cid:1) Information for International Test-Takers: Find out what you need to know if you plan to
take the test outside of the United States.
(cid:1) Getting the Most from the Free Online Practice Tests and Problem-Solving Videos: Log on
to the companion website for more test-taking practice and to view videos demonstrating
the use of problem-solving strategies to answer GRE questions.
ABOUT McGRAW-HILL EDUCATION
This book has been created by a unit of McGraw-Hill Education. McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global
provider of instructional, assessment, and reference materials in both print and digital form. McGraw-Hill
Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages. With a broad range of
products and services — from traditional textbooks to the latest in online and multimedia learning — we
engage, stimulate, and empower students and professionals of all ages, helping them meet the increasing
challenges of the 21st century knowledge economy.
Learn more. Do more.
How to Use This Book
This book provides all the material you need to score well on the GRE. It will teach you the
knowledge that is required for this difficult exam, and it also provides ample opportunities
for you to test yourself with full-length practice tests. At the end of the book you’ll find
a GRE vocabulary list, a glossary of GRE math terms, and additional test-taking resources.
Count backward from your GRE test day to determine how much preparation time you have.
If you have at least three weeks but preferably twelve to eighteen weeks before test day, you
should work through this entire book. You can follow the five-step program shown below. If you
have less than three weeks, go to the GRE Emergency Plan on page 6A.
1
Start with the Diagnostic Test
The Diagnostic Test in Chapter 3 of this book is a simulated full-length GRE. Take it as the
first step in your test-preparation program. It will help you to pinpoint areas of strength
and weakness in your knowledge base and your skill set. After you have scored the Diagnostic Test,
you should review the parts of the chapters that cover any content areas you found difficult.
2
Learn Test-Taking Strategies
Chapter 4 describes important test-taking strategies that can help you earn extra points.
You’ll learn about strategic thinking, relaxation techniques, and when to guess if you don’t
know the answer to a question.
3
Get Ready for GRE Analytical Writing
Chapter 6 offers tips and strategies for writing the two essays required in the Analytical
Writing section. Also provided is information about how your essays will be scored. You’ll
find typical writing prompts as well as sample student responses to show you what makes a high-
scoring GRE essay.
4
Prepare for the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning Sections
Chapters 7 and 8 provide complete review and practice for the Verbal and Quantitative
Reasoning sections of the GRE. Each chapter offers concept reviews and specific strategies
for answering the given question types, along with plenty of practice exercises with answers. As
you work through these chapters, pay close attention to topics and question types that were
parti cularly difficult for you on the Diagnostic Test. To learn more, view the problem-solving videos
on the companion website at MHPracticePlus.com.
5
Take the Practice Tests
Part IV of this book contains full-length practice GRE tests with complete explanations.
Additional practice tests are available online at MHPracticePlus.com. Use these tests
to check your progress, to gain experience with the GRE format, and to learn to pace yourself to
get your highest score.
2A
How to Use the Practice Tests
(cid:1)
Take the Diagnostic Test Under Realistic Testing Conditions
Time yourself strictly. You need to have an accurate picture of what your performance would
be like if test day were today. A good place to take the test is a library; it will be relatively quiet,
just like a testing center.
(cid:1)
After Your Review, Tackle the Practice Tests
When you have finished your review of the instructional material in Chapters 4–8, start tackling
the practice tests in Part IV of this book and on the companion website. Each one is a full-
length simulated GRE. These tests contain some variations in style and mix of question types. This
approach is intentional so that you can get a taste of all the various formats and styles that can
appear on a GRE exam.
(cid:1)
Review the Explanations as Necessary
There is an explanation for each of the practice questions in this book. You will probably not
need to read all of them. Sometimes you can tell right away why you answered a particular
question wrong. We have seen countless students smack themselves on the forehead and say, “stupid
mistake.” We try to refer to these errors as “concentration errors.” Everyone makes them from time
to time, and you should not worry when they occur. Try to distinguish between concentration errors
and any actual holes in your knowledge base. If you have time, read the explanations for any ques-
tions that were challenging for you.
(cid:1)
Keep Your Score Results in Perspective
GRE scores are sensitive to factors such as fatigue and stress.
So don’t get worried if you see some variations due to an off day
or because the practice test exposed a weakness in your knowledge base
or skill set. Just use the information that you gather as a tool to help you
improve.
(cid:1)
A Note on Scoring the Practice Tests
The scoring scale for the GRE revised General Test is different from the scale
used for the previous test version. In the past, the Verbal and Quantitative
Reasoning sections were each scored on a 200–800 point scale. Now, however, for
the revised General Test, the Verbal and Quantitative sections are each scored on
a scale that runs from 130 to 170 points. Analytical Writing essays are scored on a
scale that runs from 1 to 6. That scale is described in Chapter 6 of this book.
For the real GRE, scaled scores are derived from the test-taker’s raw scores through a complex
statistical process. The purpose of the process is to ensure that scores from different versions of
the test are comparable even though some test versions may be slightly more or less difficult than
others. Because of this process, a raw score that is equal to a certain scaled score on one test version
maybe equal to a different scaled score on another test version. Once scaled scores are calculated,
they are then assigned percentile ranks based on comparing each test-taker’s results to the results
3A
of all test-takers who took the same exam. Both processes require sophisticated statistical analyses
of a very large number of test scores.
Such analyses are not possible for practice tests like the ones in this book. Consequently, for
these practice tests, we have not tried to create “simulated” tables of scaled scores and percentile
rankings. Any such tables would be approximations at best and would not serve as reliable
indicators of how you would score on the real GRE. As we have said in past editions, we advise you
not to get too hung up on practice test scores. The goal is to do your best on test day, and these tests
will help you do that; the idea is to learn something valuable from each practice experience. Keep
in mind that you do not need to be perfect in order to get a great score and be admitted to your
chosen program.
For the latest information on GRE scoring, visit the
GRE website at www.ets.org/gre. There you’ll find
additional information on the GRE scaled scores and
percentile rankings. You’ll also find information on how
the scaled scores and percentile rankings on the GRE
revised General Test compare to the scores and rankings
on the earlier version of the test.
4A
w1eek GRE Training Schedule
At least four weeks before your GRE
(cid:1) Find a quiet place, such as a library, and take the Diagnostic Test (Chapter 3) under actual
test conditions. Time yourself strictly. Evaluate your results and pinpoint your areas of
strength and weakness. Read chapters 1 and 2. Download the POWERPREPII®software from
ETS if you haven’t done so already. Register for the GRE exam following the procedures
described at www.gre.org.
The first three to four weeks of training
(cid:1) Don’t worry about timing. At your leisure, work through the first two GRE practice tests in
this book or on the companion website. Think about how the questions and passages are put
together and study whatever other sources you need to so that you can fill any holes in your
knowledge base. Read chapters 4–10 in this book.
Two weeks before your GRE
(cid:1) Take your first “dress rehearsal” exam — we recommend the POWERPREPII®software.
Time yourself strictly. Use the results to fine-tune the last part of your training. Review
relevant chapters in this book.
One week before your GRE
(cid:1) Take your second “dress rehearsal” exam. If it doesn’t go well, don’t get too worried. Try to
figure out what went wrong and review the explanations provided and the other relevant
portions of this book. There is still time to consolidate your gains and continue to improve.
Start planning a fun event for after your GRE!
Two to three days before your GRE
(cid:1) Make a practice run to the testing center. Figure out what you are going to wear on test day.
Gather your materials together (ticket, ID, pencils, calculator). Adjust your sleep schedule, if
necessary, so that you are able to wake up by 7:00 A.M. and be thinking clearly by 8:00 A.M.
Confirm your plans for fun after the exam!
The day before your GRE
(cid:1) Rest and relaxation are the order of the day. Do little or no practice or studying. Get some
physical activity so that you are better able to sleep and because the endorphins that you
release in your brain will help with stress management. Make sure that you take care of your
transportation issues and wake-up plan.
Test Day!
(cid:1) Get up early. Eat breakfast. Read something to get you “warmed up.” Bring your materials.
Be on time. Avoid any fellow test-takers who are “stress monsters.” Remember your game
plan for each section. Don’t forget to breathe evenly and deeply, and don’t tire yourself out
with needless physical exertion like tensing up your muscles while taking your GRE. When
the test is finished, try not to think about it until you get your score report.
5A
GRE Emergency Plan
If you have only a day or two before your GRE, you should take the following steps. They are
listed in order of priority so you should do as many of them as you can before your test.
1. Seriously consider rescheduling
Rather than taking your exam with little or no preparation, you should look at your calendar and
the GRE website and wait to take your GRE if you can do so and still get the information to your
schools of choice before their deadlines.
2. Relax
Even if you don’t have enough time to reschedule, you can get some useful information out of
this book that will help you to pick up a few points that you might not have gotten otherwise.
3. Take the Diagnostic Test
There is a psychological theory called “Test Re-Test” that says that you should do a little bit
better on a second GRE than a first GRE, even if you don’t do any preparation in between. So
make the Diagnostic Test in this book your first practice GRE. Time yourself strictly and do it
all in one sitting.
4. Review the strategies in Chapter 4
Those are the high-yield test-taking strategies that will get you the most extra points on test day.
5. Read through the content chapters
Focus on the content areas you know you will struggle with on the GRE.
6. Do as many practice questions as you can in your weakest area
Look at the explanations to gain a better understanding of how to approach the questions.
7. Get some sleep
Being well rested will have a bigger impact on your score than staying up all night “cramming.”
There is a significant skill component on this test. It is not all about knowledge. So you can’t
learn enough information to guarantee a higher score.
6A
50 Top Strategies for Test Day
W
hen it’s almost test day, and you’ve read this book and taken the Practice Tests, make
sure you review this page and the pages that follow. Here you’ll find 50 essential
strategies that can definitely help you earn more points on the GRE. You’ll see longer
explanations of each strategy, along with examples, in the review portions of this book. The purpose
of these pages is to provide a handy, all-in-one, last-minute reminder of these valuable concepts. Use
this review to check your test readiness and make sure you’re prepared to get your best score.
General Test-Taking Strategies
Relax
1 Don’t panic if you are having a hard time answering the questions! You do not have to answer all
of the questions correctly to get a good score.
2 Take a few moments to relax if you get stressed during the test. You will feel better.
Be Aware of Time
3 Pace yourself. Budget enough time for each question so that you won’t have to rush
at the end of the section.
4 Stay focused. Ignore the things going on around you that you cannot control.
Guess Carefully
5 You can skip around within a section, so answer the questions that are easiest for you, saving the
more difficult questions for the end. Keep moving so that you can answer as many of the “easy”
questions as possible and only guess on those that are more difficult or time-consuming.
6 There is no direct scoring penalty for wrong answers, so it pays to answer every question, even if
you have to guess.
7 When you don’t know the answer and need to guess, try to make an educated guess by eliminating
answer choices that you know are wrong. The more you can eliminate, the better your chance of
getting the question right.
Strategies for the Computer-Based Test
The Computer System
8 In your Analytical Writing essays, take a few moments to check your spelling and grammar. The
word processing software that you will use does not include a spell checker or a grammar checker.
9 Be aware of scroll bars. Some images and text are too big to fit on your screen and require you to
scroll down to view them.
10 The online calculator should be used sparingly. Take the time to learn how to use it before you
begin testing.
Answering Questions
11 Within a test section, if you have time, you can return to a question that you answered earlier and
change your answer if you think a change is warranted. But be very careful about changing your
mind. When answering questions, your first instinct is often the right one.
12 Be aware that the Verbal and Quantitative portions of the test are partially computer-adaptive.
That is, if you do well on the first Verbal or Quantitative section, the computer will give you a
more difficult second section.
7A
GRE Verbal
Reading Comprehension
13 Read the questions first and make a mental note when the questions refer to specific lines, words,
or boldfaced text. Do not try to memorize — just get an idea of what you should be looking for.
14 Read each passage for Topic, Scope, and Purpose. Then skim for structure. Try to isolate one topic
word or sentence for each paragraph. Don’t spend precious time trying to “learn” details.
15 Try to distinguish between details that are factual and details that are the opinions of the author.
16 Try to predict an answer before looking at the answer choices. If an answer choice matches your
predicted answer, it is most likely correct.
17 Paraphrase when you need to. Putting the question and answer choices into your own words often
makes them easier to understand.
18 Remember that some Reading Comprehension questions ask you to select more than one answer
choice. Carefully consider ALL of the answer choices before making your selections.
Sentence Equivalence
19 Remember that for Sentence Equivalence questions, you must select two answer choices. Always
consider ALL of the answer choices before you make your selections.
20 Use the Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes to figure out what hard words mean.
21 Let the context of the sentence guide you. Try to look for “clue” words and phrases in the sentence
that might suggest a contrast or comparison.
22 Try filling in the blank with your own words before you look at the answer choices. If you find
answer choices that are similar to yours, they are most likely correct.
23 When you think that you have the correct answers, read the entire sentence to yourself, using your
choices in the blank. If it makes sense, then mark your answers on the computer screen.
24 Consider slight variations in the meaning of each word.
Text Completions
25 Read through the text once to get an idea of context.
26 Pay attention to “clue” words in the text, such as transition words, that will help you to identify
the structure of the text.
27 Start with the blank that seems the most simple to fill, and then work on the others.
28 Once you’ve made your selections, check the text for logic and grammar.
GRE Analytical Writing
Issue Task
29 Discuss the issue from any perspective. Remember, there is no correct position. Choose the
position that you can most strongly support.
30 No matter which position you take, make sure you have compelling reasons and examples to
support it. Make sure you consider how someone might challenge or question your position.
31 Do not worry about the number of examples included in your essay or the length of your essay;
focus on the quality of your ideas.
Argument Task
32 Carefully read the given argument. Pay attention to the structure of the argument and the
statements or claims, assumptions, implications, and supporting evidence given or left out.
33 Remember, your task is to find flaws in the logic of the argument, NOT agree with, disagree with,
prove, or disprove the argument.
34 Do not worry about the number of examples or the length of your essay; focus on the quality of
your critique.
8A
