GRE Course Outline
Detailed Guide to Verbal, Quant, and AWA Sections
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a globally recognized, standardized test required for admission to many graduate programs in the United States, Canada, and several universities across Europe, Asia, and Australia. It is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is primarily delivered online throughout the year in most countries. Candidates can take the GRE exam up to five times within a 12-month period, and it is open to test-takers from around the world. This article will give you a detailed understanding of the course outline and the syllabus of Verbal Reasoning (VR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR) and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) sections of the GRE General Test and the topic and syllabus coverage for the subject tests.
There are two main types of GRE tests:
GRE General Test – Required by most graduate and business schools; it assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
GRE Subject Tests – Designed for students applying to specialized programs in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology and English Literature.
GRE Section Wise Course Outline
This course outline guide will help you understand the following.
- The Structure of GRE General Test
- QR Course Outline
- GRE Quants Topics & Syllabus
- VR Course Outline
- Analytical Writing
- GRE Subject Test: Course Outline
The Structure of GRE General Test
| Section | #Task / Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 essay task | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning Section 1 | 12 questions | 21 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning Section 2 | 15 questions | 26 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning Section 1 | 12 questions | 18 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning Section 2 | 15 questions | 23 minutes |
GRE General Test scores are reported for three sections: Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are each scored on a scale of 130–170 in 1-point increments, while Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0–6 in half-point increments. If no questions are answered in a specific section, a No Score (NS) will be reported for that measure. Official scores are typically available in your ETS account 8–10 days after your test date, and you will receive an email notification when they are ready. At that time, ETS will also send an official Institution Score Report to the score recipients you designated on test day.
GRE Course Outline
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE assesses your understanding of basic mathematical concepts. It includes four types of questions:
- Multiple Choice – Single Answer: Choose the one correct answer from several options.
- Multiple Choice – One or More Answers: Select one or more correct answers from a list of choices. More than one option may be correct.
- Quantitative Comparison: Compare two quantities—Quantity A and Quantity B—and select one of the following:
- Quantity A is greater
- Quantity B is greater
- The two quantities are equal
- The relationship cannot be determined from the information given
- Numeric Entry: Solve the problem and enter your answer directly into the provided box.
GRE Quants Topics & Syllabus
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on mathematical concepts typically taught up to the high school level, but it emphasizes logical problem-solving over rote calculation. The GRE course outline includes essential topics from arithmetic, number systems, algebra, geometry, data analysis, permutations and combinations, and set theory. Students preparing for the test should become familiar with the complete GRE syllabus and understand how each topic fits into the overall GRE course structure. The GRE curriculum targets core quantitative skills and evaluates your ability to apply them in analytical contexts. Below is a detailed breakdown of the GRE subjects covered, providing a clear GRE outline for your preparation:
Given below is the syllabus or topic from where questions are asked in the GRE Exam
- Percentages & Applications
- Ratio & Applications
- Proportions & Proportionality
- Mixtures & Solutions
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Statistics
- HCF & LCM
- Divisibility & Remainders
- Numbers & Number System
- Set Theory & Venn Diagrams
- Linear & Quadratic Equations
- Sequences & Series
- Coordinate Geometry
- Lines & Angles
- Triangles
- Quadrilaterals
- Polygons
- Circles
- Area & Volume
- Permutation & Combinations
- Probability
- Data Analysis
- Graphical Representations
GRE Course Outline
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE assesses your ability to evaluate written materials and recognize the relationships between sentences, words and concepts. It includes types of questions:
- Reading Comprehension: Tests your ability to read and understand passages.
- Text Completion: Tests your ability to read a short passage or sentence(s) and choose the right word(s) to make the meaning clear and coherent.
- Sentence Equivalence: Tests your ability to identify two words that complete a single sentence in a way that produces two equivalent meanings.
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE is designed to assess a test taker’s ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand the meanings of words, sentences, and entire texts, and reason with verbal information. This section includes questions on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. While a strong grasp of the English language is essential, success in this section is not possible with language skills alone, it also requires critical thinking and the ability to interpret complex ideas and arguments presented in written form. The section emphasizes understanding vocabulary in context, drawing logical inferences, and analyzing the structure and purpose of passages.
Analytical Writing Assessment
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GRE tests a test-taker’s ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas effectively through writing. It consists of one task: Analyze an Argument, where the test-taker is asked to evaluate the logic and reasoning behind a given argument, not to express personal opinions. In this task, you are expected to assess the argument’s structure, identify assumptions, examine evidence, and suggest ways to strengthen or weaken the reasoning. Clear organization, coherent progression of ideas, and command of standard written English are essential.
AWA Analysis
The AWA is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Each essay is independently evaluated by both a human rater and an automated scoring engine. If the scores differ significantly, a second human evaluator is brought in. The AWA measures your ability to analyze arguments, articulate insights clearly, and write in a well-structured, grammatically correct manner, skills that are vital for graduate-level academic work.
GRE Subject Tests
GRE Subject Test - Physics
- 100 MCQ questions
- Classical Mechanics (20%)
- Electromagnetism (18%)
- Optics & Waves (9%)
- Thermodynamics (10%)
- Quantum Mechanics (12%)
- Others (31%)
GRE Subject Test - Biology
- 190 MCQ questions
- Five options in each question
- Three sections with equal marks
- Cellular Biology (33%)
- Organism Biology (33%)
- Ecology & Evolution (33%)
- Report provides section scores
GRE Subject Test - Chemistry
- 120 MCQ questions
- Four major domains are covered
- Analytical Chemistry (15%)
- Inorganic Chemistry (25%)
- Physical Chemistry (30%)
- Organic Chemistry (30%)
- No sectional scores is reported
GRE Subject Test - Mathematics
- 66 MCQ questions
- Five options in each questions
- Calculus (50%)
- Algebra (25%)
- Real Analysis (10%)
- Discrete Mathematics (15%)
- No sectional score is reported
GRE Subject Test - Psychology
- 205 MCQ questions
- Biological (20%)
- Cognitive (18%)
- Social (15%)
- Developmental (12%)
- Clinical (15%)
- History (20%)
GRE Subject Test - English Literature
- 230 MCQ questions
- Poetry & Drama
- Novel & Short Stories
- Essays & Biographies
- Criticism
- Literature Theory
- History of the language
How to Prepare for the GRE Exam?
Select the Right Study Materials
A well-structured GRE course outline begins with choosing the right study materials. If you’re taking the GRE for the first time, start with beginner-friendly resources that focus on building your foundational skills. The GRE Official Guide by ETS is the best starting point—it includes real questions from previous exams. After completing it, continue with the ETS Verbal Reasoning Guide and ETS Quantitative Reasoning Guide for more targeted practice in each section.
Plan Your Test Date Around Your Preparation
A good GRE course outline also includes a realistic timeline. Don’t rush into booking your test date. First, assess how much preparation time you’ll need. Most students require around four months for thorough preparation, including time to take and review practice tests. Choose your exam date based on your readiness to maximize your performance.
Begin with a Diagnostic Test and Regular Mock Exams
No GRE course outline is complete without an initial diagnostic test. Visit ETS.org to take a free diagnostic test, which will help you understand the exam structure and identify your current skill level. Throughout your preparation, aim to complete at least 6–8 full-length mock exams. These are essential for tracking progress, identifying weak areas, and getting comfortable with the exam format.
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