GRE: Practicing to Take the General Test

477 Pages·2002·2.01 MB·english

by  Educational Testing Service

50
TOP STRATEGIES
FOR TEST DAY
WWhheenn iitt’’ss aallmmoosstt tteesstt ddaayy,, aanndd yyoouu’’vvee rread this book Guess Carefully
aanndd ttaakkeenn tthhee PPrraaccttiiccee TTeessttss,, mmaakkee ssuurre you review
6. You have to select an answer before you can
tthhiiss ppaaggee aanndd tthhee ppaaggeess tthhaatt ffoollllooww.. HHere you’ll
move on, so making high-percentage guesses
find 50 essential strategies that can definitely help
is important. Eliminate answer choices that you
you earn more points on the GRE. You’ll see longer
know are wrong. The more you can eliminate,
explanations of each strategy, along with examples,
the better your chance of getting the question
in the review portions of this book. The purpose of
right.
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 do your best—and get COMPUTER-BASED TEST-TAKING
your best score. STRATEGIES
Make sure that you practice with released and
simulated exams before you take the actual GRE.
GENERAL TEST-TAKING
STRATEGIES
The Computer System
Here are some useful tips to help you maximize
7. Take advantage of the computer tutorial that
your GRE score on test day.
is offered before you begin the actual test. At
any point during the test, you may return to
the tutorial by clicking your mouse on the HELP
Relax
box at the bottom of the screen.
1. Don’t panic if you are having a hard time
8. Be aware of scroll bars. Some images and text
answering the questions! You do not have to
are too big to fit on your screen and require
answer all the questions correctly to get a good
you to scroll down to view them.
score.
2. Take a few moments to relax if you get stressed
Adaptive Questions
during the test. When you get back to the test,
you will feel better. 9. The questions for the Verbal and Quantitative
sections are adaptive. The computer picks
your question based on your response to the
Be Aware of Time
previous question and the specific test.
3. Pace yourself. Budget enough time for each
10. Do not waste time trying to figure out whether
question so that you won’t have to rush at the
you answered the previous question correctly
end of the section.
or incorrectly. Just keep working through the
4. You cannot go back and change your answers, test.
so read each question carefully to determine
11. The only way to move on to another question is
exactly what is being asked. Taking the time
to answer the question already on your screen.
to answer one question correctly is better
If you do not know how to answer, make your
than rushing and answering several questions
best educated guess and move on.
incorrectly.
5. Stay focused. Ignore the things going on
around you that you cannot control.
CRITICAL READING Analogies
21. Before you look at the answer choices, try to
GRE Critical Reading includes Reading
figure out the relationship between the two
Comprehension passages and questions, Sentence
words that are given in the question. Use the
Completion questions, Analogy questions,
two words in a sentence; substitute the answer
Antonym questions, Text Completion questions,
choices into the same sentence.
and Analytical Writing essay tasks. Following are
specific strategies for each section. 22. There are many different possible relationships,
and some are very obscure. Be as specific as
you can when determining the relationship
Reading Comprehension
between the original pair of words.
12. Read the questions first and make a mental
23. Always consider ALL the answer choices before
note when the questions refer to specific
you select an answer.
lines, words, or highlighted text. Do not try to
memorize—just get an idea of what you should
be looking for.
Antonyms
13. Read each passage for topic, scope, and
24. Before you look at the answer choices, try to
purpose. Then skim for structure. Try to
clearly define the given word. Remember that
isolate one topic word or sentence for each
you are looking for the answer choice that
paragraph. The details will still be there when
has a meaning OPPOSITE to that of the given
you need them. Don’t spend precious time
word.
trying to “learn” them.
25. Consider slight variations in the meaning of
14. Try to distinguish between details that are
each word.
factual and details that are the opinions of the
author. 26. Use the Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes to
figure out what difficult words mean. Look for
15. Try to predict an answer before looking at the
“cognates” from French, Spanish, or Italian if
answer choices. If an answer choice matches
you recognize them.
your predicted answer, it is most likely correct.
27. Always consider ALL the answer choices before
16. Paraphrase when you need to. Putting the
you select an answer.
question and answer choices in your own words
often makes them easier to understand.
Text Completions
Sentence Completions 28. Read through the text once to get an idea of
context.
17. Use the Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes to
figure out what difficult words mean. Look for 29. Pay attention to “clue” words in the text, such
“cognates” from French, Spanish, or Italian if as transition words, that will help you to identify
you recognize them. the structure of the text.
18. Let the context of the sentence guide you. 30. Start with the blank that seems the most simple
Try to look for “clue” words and phrases in to fill, and then work on the others.
the sentence that might suggest a contrast or
31. Once you’ve made your selections, check the
comparison.
text for logic and grammar.
19. Try filling in the blank(s) with your own words
before you look at the answer choices. If you
Analytical Writing
find an answer choice that is similar to yours, it
is most likely correct. Issue Task
20. When you think that you have the correct 32. Choose between the two topics and discuss
answer, read the entire sentence to yourself, the issue from any perspective. Remember,
using your choice(s) in the blank(s). If it makes there is no correct position. Choose the
sense, then mark your answer on the computer position that you can most strongly support.
screen.
33. No matter which position you take, make sure 25
MATH CONCEPTS YOU
you have compelling reasons and examples
to support it. Make sure you consider how ABSOLUTELY NEED TO KNOW
someone might challenge or question your
position. 1. The area of a circle is A (cid:2) (cid:4)r2, where r is
the radius of the circle.
34. Do not worry about the number of examples
included in your essay or the length of your 2. The circumference of a circle is C (cid:2) 2(cid:4)r,
essay; focus on the quality of your ideas. where r is the radius of the circle. The
(cid:4)
circumference can also be expressed as d,
Argument Task because the diameter is always twice the
radius.
35. Carefully read the given argument. Pay
attention to the structure of the argument 3. The area of a rectangle is A (cid:2) lw, where l
and the statements or claims, assumptions, is the length of the rectangle and w is the
implications, and supporting evidence given or width of the rectangle.
left out.
4. The area of a triangle is A (cid:2) _ 1_ bh, where
36. Remember, your task is to find flaws in the logic 2
of the argument, NOT agree with, disagree b is the base of the triangle and h is the
with, prove, or disprove the argument. height of the triangle.
37. Do not worry about the number of examples 5. The volume of a rectangular prism is
included in your essay or the length of your (cid:2)
V lwh, where l is the length of the
essay; focus on the quality of your critique.
rectangular prism, w is the width of
the rectangular prism, and h is height of
the rectangular prism.
MATHEMATICS
6. The volume of a cylinder is V (cid:2) (cid:4)r2h, where
GRE Quantitative (Math) covers four basic content r is the radius of one of the bases of the
areas: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data cylinder and h is the height of the cylinder.
analysis. The question types include Discrete
7. The perimeter is the distance around any
Quantitative questions, Data Interpretation
object.
questions, Quantitative Comparison questions, and
Numeric Entry questions. Following are specific 8. The Pythagorean theorem states that
strategies for each question type, as well as a quick c2 (cid:2) a2 (cid:3) b2, where c is the hypotenuse of
review of general math concepts. Emphasis is the triangle and a and b are the other two
placed on the more important skills, concepts, and sides of the triangle.
definitions, as well as on particular concepts that
are often confused or misunderstood. 9. The following are angle measures and side
lengths for Special Right Triangles:
General Math Strategies
The following strategies can be applied to all the 45°
GRE math sections.
s 2
60° s
2x
38. Draw pictures on your scratch paper as x
necessary to help you solve problems.
30° 45°
39. Look for a way to reason through the problem. x 3 s
40. When reading word problems, translate them 30-60-90 Triangle 45-45-90 Triangle
into mathematical equations. (“Carrie has 3 more
10. In an equilateral triangle, all three sides
(cid:2) (cid:3)
CDs than Amy” is equivalent to C A 3)
have the same length, and each of the
angles equals 60˚.
(continued) (continued)
41. Remember to estimate or “ball-park” answers 25
MATH CONCEPTS YOU
when you can. It is often possible to eliminate
all but the correct answer choice without doing ABSOLUTELY NEED TO KNOW
any actual math.
11. In an isosceles triangle, two sides have the
Discrete Quantitative Questions
same length, and the angles opposite those
42. Make sure that you understand what sides are congruent.
information is given and what question is being
12. The complete arc of a circle measures 360°.
asked. Paraphrase if necessary.
43. Many questions will allow you to “reason” 13. A straight line measures 180°.
your way to an answer by performing only a
14. A prime number is any number that can only
few or even no calculations. Avoid lengthy and
be divided by itself and 1.
complicated calculations when possible.
15. Squaring a negative number yields a positive
Data Interpretation Questions
result.
44. Before answering each question, scan the given
16. To change any fraction to a decimal, divide
data.
the numerator by the denominator.
45. Many of the questions will allow you to
approximate an answer by making a visual 17. If two numbers have one or more divisor in
common, those are the common factors of
comparison only. Avoid performing calculations
the numbers.
when possible.
46. Do not base your answer to any question on 18. To calculate the mean, or average, of a list of
an assumption or any outside information. Use values, divide the sum of the values by the
only the data given. number of values in the list.
19. The median is the middle value of a list
Quantitative Comparison Questions
of numbers that is in either ascending or
47. Many comparisons require estimation only. descending order.
Avoid lengthy and complicated calculations
when possible. 20. The mode is the value that appears the
greatest number of times in a list.
48. If one column is sometimes greater or
sometimes less than the other column, then the
21. A ratio expresses a mathe(cid:2) matical (cid:3)comparison
relationship cannot be determined from the _1_
between two quantities. or 1:4
information. (Answer choice D means that no 4
one can determine the answer, not just that you
can’t determine the answer.) 22. A prop(cid:2)o rtion is an equatio(cid:3)n involving two
ratios. _1_ (cid:2) _ x_ or 1:4 (cid:2) x:8
4 8
Numeric Entry Questions
23. When multiplying exponential expressions
49. Read the questions carefully and be sure to with the same base, add the exponents.
provide the type of answer indicated.
24. When dividing exponential expressions with
50. You will not have any answer choices to guide the same base, subtract the exponents.
you, so check your answer and make sure it is
25. When raising one power to another power,
logical based on the information provided in
multiply the exponents.
the question.
2010
EDITION
McGraw-Hill’s
GRE
Graduate Record Examination General Test
Steven W. Dulan
and the Faculty of Advantage Education
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About the Author
Steven W. Dulan, J.D. has been involved with GRE preparation since 1989. A
former U.S. Army Infantry Sergeant, Steve scored in the 99th percentile on every
standardized test he has ever taken. After graduating from Michigan State, Steve
attended The Thomas M. Cooley Law School on a full Honors Scholarship. While
attending law school, Steve continued to teach standardized test prep classes
(including ACT, SAT, PSAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT) an average of 30 hours each
week, and tutored some of his fellow law students in a variety of subjects and in
essay exam writing techniques. Professor Dulan has also served as an instructor
at Baker University, Cleary University, Lansing Community College, The Ohio
State University-Real Estate Institute, and The Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Guest lecturer credits include Michigan State University, University of Michigan,
Detroit College of Law, Marquette University, Texas Technical University,
University of Miami, and Wright State University.
Thousands of students have benefited from Steve’s instruction, coaching,
and admissions consulting, and have entered the graduate programs of their
choice. Steve’s students have gained admission to some of the most prestigious
institutions of higher learning in the world, and have received numerous
scholarships and fellowships of their own. Since 1997, Steve has served as
the president of Advantage Education® (www.AdvantageEd.com), a company
dedicated to providing effective and affordable test prep education in a variety
of settings, including one-on-one tutoring via the Internet worldwide using its
Personal Distance Learning® system. The information and techniques included in
this book are the result of Steve’s experiences with test preparation students at all
levels over many years.
iii
Acknowledgments
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of the faculty and
staff of Advantage Education. Your hard work and dedication have made this
endeavor a success. You are not only the smartest but also the best.
The following Advantage Education staff members deserve special thanks for
their extra efforts:
Senior Editor and Project Manager: Amy Dulan
Contributing Authors/Editors: Pamela Chamberlain, Lisa DiLiberti,
Megan Hettwer, Matt Mathison, Blair Morley, Ryan Particka,
Jordan Pearce, Andrew Sanford, and Amanda Thompson.
iv
Contents at a Glance
PART I: Introduction to the GRE General Test
CHAPTER 1 Overview of the GRE 3
CHAPTER 2 Taking the GRE 11
CHAPTER 3 Information for International Test-Takers 15
PART II: Preparing for the GRE General Test
CHAPTER 4 GRE Diagnostic Test 21
CHAPTER 5 GRE General Testing Strategies 61
CHAPTER 6 Introduction to GRE Logic 71
CHAPTER 7 GRE Analytical Writing Assessment 85
CHAPTER 8 GRE Quantitative 115
CHAPTER 9 GRE Verbal 141
PART III: Content Area Review
CHAPTER 10 Basic GRE Math Review 191
CHAPTER 11 Basic GRE Verbal Review 247
PART IV: Practicing for the GRE General Test
CHAPTER 12 GRE Practice Test 1 271
CHAPTER 13 GRE Practice Test 2 315
CHAPTER 14 GRE Practice Test 3 361
Appendixes
APPENDIX A GRE Vocabulary List 407
APPENDIX B Glossary of GRE Math Terms 439
APPENDIX C Additional Resources 451