About Thomson Petersons Thomson Petersons (www.petersons.com) is a leading provider of education information and advice, with books and online resources focusing on education search, test preparation, and financial aid. Its Web site offers searchable databases and interactive tools for contacting educational institutions, online practice tests and instruction, and planning tools for securing financial aid. Thomson Petersons serves 110 million education consumers annually.

Petersons.com/publishing Check out our Web site at www.petersons.com/publishing to see if there is any new information regarding the test and any revisions or corrections to the content of this book. Weve made sure the information in this book is accurate and up-to-date; however, the test format or content may have changed since the time of publication.

For more information, contact Thomson Petersons, 2000 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648; 800-338-3282; or find us on the World Wide Web at www.petersons.com/about. 2004 Thomson Petersons, a part of The Thomson Corporation Thomson Learning is a trademark used herein under license. Chapter 5: GRE Word List is excerpted from The Insiders Guide to the GRE CAT. 2nd Edition, by Karl Weber. Petersons, 2002. Editor: Mandie Rosenberg; Production Editor: Megan Hellerman; Manufacturing Manager: Ray Golaszewski; Composition Manager: Gary Rozmierski; Cover and Interior Design: Allison Sullivan; CD Producer: Carol Aickley; CD Quality Assurance: Jeff Pagano. Contributing Writer: Keith Cox ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced or used in any form or by any meansgraphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution, or information storage and retrieval systemswithout the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission to use material from this text or product, submit a request online at www.thomsonrights.com Any additional questions about permissions can be submitted by e-mail to thomsonrights@thomson.com ISBN 0-7689-1432-9 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 06 05 04

First Edition

Contents123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 ABOUT THIS TOOL KIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Your Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Structure of the GRE CAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Does This CAT Have Claws? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The Unique Petersons ApproachAdaptive 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 Preparation for an Adaptive Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 TO USE THIS BOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOW 4 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART I: UNDERSTANDING THE GRE 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 1: Everything You Need to Know about 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the GRE CAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 2: Section Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART II: DIAGNOSING STRENGTHS AND 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 WEAKNESSES 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 3: Diagnostic: Dipping Your Big Toe in 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the GRE Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART III: SECTION REVIEW 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 4: Quantitative Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 5: Verbal Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 6: Analytical Writing Review. . . . . . . . . . 227 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART IV: THREE PRACTICE GREs 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 7: Preface to Practice Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . 256 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Practice Test 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Answers and Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Practice Test 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Answers and Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012iii

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Practice Test 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Answers and Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 8: Closing Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART V: APPENDIX 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 About the CAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012ivwww.petersons.com

About This Tool Kit123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Your Tools 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Petersons Ultimate GRE Tool Kit provides the complete package you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 need to score your personal best on the GRE and get into your top-choice 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 program. Unlike any book previously published, this tool kit contains 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 many features that used to be available only to those who purchased 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 expensive test-prep classes. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1e-Tutoring 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Use the CD to go on line to register for one-on-one math help from a live 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 expert whenever you need it. Tutoring is offered using an on-line 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 whiteboard shared by you and the tutor, which allows you to communi- 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 cate with one another in real time. However, if you prefer, you can submit 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 your math question in writing instead and receive a written answer within 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 24 hours. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The free tutoring offered with this product is limited to 30 minutes, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 although you may purchase more time if you need it. A written response to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 a submitted question counts as 20 minutes. The tutoring service is 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 available for six months from the date you register on line. Note: The 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 e-tutoring service offered to purchasers of this 2005 edition will expire on 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 January 1, 2006. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for most of the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 year. During the summer the service is available from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Eastern Standard Time. Due to low demand, the service is not available 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 during several holiday periods, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Labor Day, and Memorial Day. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Remember, to register for this service, you will need the CD that 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 accompanies this book. You will also need to refer to this book to provide 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the access code when prompted. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012v

About This Tool Kit

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Essay Scoring 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The CD that accompanies this book allows you to write 2 practice test 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 essays on line and receive a score for each of them, which approximates 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 your performance on the essays in the actual GRE. In addition to a score, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 you will also receive constructive feedback on your essays, including tips 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 to improve your score. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 With this tool kit, you get scoring for 2 practice test essaysone analysis 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 of an issue and one analysis of an argument. If you wish, for a fee, you may 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 obtain scoring information and feedback for additional practice essays 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 you write on line. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Note: Your practice test essays will be scored by a computer, but on the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 actual GRE test, the essays are scored by a combination of a computer 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 program and a human reader. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 To register for the essay-scoring service you need the CD that accompanies 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 this book. In addition, you will need to refer to this book to provide the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 access code when prompted. Note: The scoring of 2 essays is offered free 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 to purchasers of the 2005 edition and this offer will expire on December 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 31, 2005. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Computer-Adaptive Tests on CD 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The actual GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT)the test questions you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 see depend on your performance on previous questions. On the CD-ROM, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 which accompanies this book, you receive 3 practice GMAT CATs that 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 carefully reproduce the experience you can expect on test day. The 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 additional 3 practice tests in the book can be used for further practice. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 vi 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

www.petersons.com

About This Tool Kit

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 STRUCTURE OF THE GRE CAT 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Test Section Number of Questions Time Allotted 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Computer-Based General Test 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Analytical Writing 2 writing tasks 75-minute section 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Present Your Perspective 45 minutes 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 on an Issue 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Analyze an Argument 30 minutes 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Verbal 30 questions 30-minute section 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Quantitative 28 questions 45-minute section 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Paper-Based General Test 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Analytical Writing 2 writing tasks 75-minute section 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Present Your Perspective 45 minutes 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 on an Issue 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Analyze an Argument 30 minutes 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Verbal 30 questions 30-minute section 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Quantitative 28 questions 45-minute section 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 vii 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

Introduction123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Does This CAT Have Claws? 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Unless youve been living as a hermit in a hut for the past twenty years, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 chances are good you have already taken at least one standardized test in 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 your lifetime. And we bet the list of tests you might have taken reads like a 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 bowl of alphabet soup: SAT, ACT, ITBS, TAAS, MAT, and the PSAT/ 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 NMSQT, to name just a few. Standardized tests such as these have become 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 a fixture of Americas educational system, and like them or not, they are 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 not going away anytime soon. Students encounter them at every stage of 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 their educationlike toll booths on the academic highway. Students in 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 grade school get the ITBS or a similar exam. Teenagers hoping to enter 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 college must pass through the SAT or ACT Assessment toll booth. For 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 those brave folks who wish to enter graduate school, the exit is labeled 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 GRE (Graduate Record Examination). 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 If you have taken the SAT, you will already be somewhat familiar with the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 GRE. Both tests are administered by the same company. Each test is a 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 timed, multiple-choice exam that schools use as a factor when making 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 enrollment decisions. Like the SAT, the GRE has a Quantitative (math) 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 section and a Verbal section, and many of the questions in these SAT and 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 GRE sections are similar in style. For example, there are analogy, sentence 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 completions, and reading comprehension problems in the Verbal section of 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 both tests. Many of the math topics covered on the SATgeometry, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 algebra, understanding charts and graphsmake an encore appearance on 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the GRE. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 While these similarities exist, dont be fooled into thinking the GRE is 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 simply another SAT. The GRE is more like the SATs weird older brother. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Although you can see some family resemblance, some big differences are 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 pretty obvious as well. For example, both tests have analogy and sentence 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 completions problems, but GRE questions are typically much harder, since 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 they employ a more advanced vocabulary. This is because the GRE 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 problems assume a college-level vocabulary, while the SAT questions are 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 set at a lower, high school level. This is just one reason why the GRE can be 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890121

Introduction

2

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 seen as an older brother, since it is geared toward an older, college- 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 educated audience. The GREs weirdness comes from its unusual format. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The SAT remains a pencil-and-paper test, meaning students across the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 country are still using chewed-up number 2 pencils to fiercely darken ovals 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 on a score sheet. In contrast, the GRE is now primarily a Computer 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Adaptive Test (CAT), so all questions appear onscreen and are answered 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 by using a mouse to click on an answer choice. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 There are still some places, mostly outside of the United States, that offer 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 pencil-and-paper versions of the GRE. For more information about these 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 exams, and about registering for the GRE in general, turn to the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Appendix. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The GRE CAT is more than just a pencil-and-paper test transposed onto a 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 computer screen, and unless you have taken the GRE previously, it is 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 unlikely you have ever experienced an exam like it. For one thing, the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 method used to score the GRE CAT is radically different from most tests. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Most exams start with easy questions, and then gradually progress to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 medium and harder problems. People taking this type of test might get the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 easiest problem wrong but still manage to answer the toughest problem 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 correctly. In the end, the number of right answers is added up (regardless 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 of which question was answered right or wrong), and a score is eventually 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 determined. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 On the GRE CAT, things are a bit different. How well (or not well) you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 answer each question determines the next question. In each section of the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 test, you start off with a question that has a medium difficulty rating. If 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 you get it right, the computer says, Okay, Brainiac, you handled that one, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 now try this tougher problem. If you get the next problem right, you get 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 a harder question, and if you get that one correct, an even tougher 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 question comes next. Depending on how you answer each question, the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 computer adapts the next question to make it either harder or easier than 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the next one. The way the computer adapts your GRE experience will be 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 different from what other GRE test-takers experience, so even though 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 youre all taking the same GRE CAT, youre not seeing the same problems 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 as everyone else. In the same way, if you get the first question wrong, youll 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 get an easier one. And if you get the easier questions wrong, youll see an 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 easier question. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 One consequence of the computer adaptive format is that getting a high 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 score means handling only medium and hard questions. The more difficult 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 your questions are, the higher your score potential, and vice versa. And 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 there are no easy questions at the start of a section to help you get your feet 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

X-Ref

www.petersons.com

Introduction

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 wet. The first question will be somewhat difficult, and it may well be the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 easiest problem you see on that section. In terms of your score, seeing only 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 medium and tough questions tells you that you are getting problems right, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 which is good news. However, having to answer one challenging question 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 after another makes the testing experience a really nerve-wracking, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 unpleasant affair, kind of like visiting a dentist who holds a personal 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 grudge against your gums. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The Unique Petersons ApproachAdaptive 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Preparation for an Adaptive Test 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Test preparation is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Each person has 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 different strengths and weaknesses, different quirks and anxieties. We 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 designed Petersons Ultimate GRE Tool Kit with those differences in 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 mind. We provide a two-tiered approach that lets you decide how best to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 organize your program of study to suit your needs. The first tier is the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 general instruction in this book, and it provides skills and strategies you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 will need to handle medium-level questions on each section. You then have 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 an opportunity to Take It to the Next Level, and learn skills and strategies 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 for the hardest questions on the GRE. No other GRE test-preparation 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 book does this. Its the next best thing to having a personal tutor. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

3

How to Use This Book123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 How do you know where to begin? We give you a roadmap. After you read 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapters 1 and 2 required reading for all GRE CAT takers, no matter 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 whattake the diagnostic pretest in Chapter 3. Use the scoring discussion 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 provided on pages 3233 to assess your current GRE CAT testing level. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 You can then either follow the suggested course of study we provide, or 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 design your own. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Your personalized Petersons GRE course of study will help you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 accomplish four things: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 1. You will become thoroughly familiar with the computer adaptive 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 test format. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2. You will be comfortable with all question types you will 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 encounter on the three sections of the test. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 3. You will brush up on any weak subject areas. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 4. You will learn and practice specific test-taking strategies to help 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 you achieve your target score. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 If you give yourself enough time to work through your personalized course 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 of study at a measured pace, you will accomplish all of these things. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Combining relevant factual knowledge with a sound strategic approach is 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the best way to score well on any standardized test, not just the GRE. This 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 book will provide you with the facts and strategies you need to succeed on 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the GRE. The first step is to learn about the computer adaptive format, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 covered in the next chapter. So, lets get started. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890124

PART

I

Understanding the GREEverything You Need to Know about the GRE CAT 6 Section Strategies19

PART I

Chapter

1123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Once upon a time, people who wanted to take the GRE (Graduate Record 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Examination) and go to graduate school had to take a paper-and-pencil 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 test much like the SAT they had to take to get into college. They had to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 show up at a test center early on a Saturday morning with dozens of other 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 prospective grad students, all with their number 2 pencils sharpened, ready 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 to fill in a lot of answer sheet bubbles and spend pretty much the entire 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 morning slogging through the test. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 That was before the CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) came along and 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 changed everything. . . . 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 No more number 2 pencils, no more answer bubbles; the GRE world 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 changed. Like anything new, of course, the GRE CAT takes some getting 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 used to. Most students have taken countless paper-and-pencil tests, but 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 few have taken a high-stakes standardized test in a computerized format. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 In this chapter, well help you get a grip on the world of computer adaptive 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 testing. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Why the GRE CAT Rocks! 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 No one likes taking a big test and having to wait, and wait, and wait for 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the results. The time between finishing the test and getting your score fills 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 you with conflicting emotions. You might be confident one moment and 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 filled with despair the next. The doubt and uncertainty wont go away 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 until you finally get your scores in the mail, so the issue goes unresolved for 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 about a month. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 With the GRE CAT, waiting for your score is a thing of the past. Once you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 finish your test, you have the option to cancel your score. If you decide not 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 to cancel, your Quantitative and Verbal scores appear on the screen. Voila! 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 A wait of six weeks reduced to the time it takes to click one button. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890126

Everything You Need to Know about the GRE CAT

Chapter 1: Everything You Need to Know about the GRE CAT

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 You dont receive your Analytical writing score immediately, since the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 two essays must be graded by professional readers. You should get your 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Analytical results back in about three to four weeks. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 This immediacy is the prime advantage of the GRE CAT. It lets you know 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 where you stand in terms of the application process and allows you to plan 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 accordingly. Most schools release information about the average GRE 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 scores of their incoming graduate students, and some also include an idea 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 about the range of scores by releasing factoids like, Over 90% of the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 incoming class of psychiatry students scored more than 600 on the GRE. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 If you wanted to go to that school, and you just received a combined 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Quantitative and Verbal score of 750, then you know your GRE score is 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 good enough to get into that program. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 If your GRE scores are not as high as you wanted, the immediate feedback 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 gives you a chance to shift to Plan B right then and there. You might decide 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 to take the exam again, although you wont be able to do so for at least one 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 calendar month. (You can take the GRE up to five times in a single year.) If 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 you were only considering extremely competitive schools, you might 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 decide to broaden your search and look at some schools with more 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 inclusive admissions standards. When your Analytical scores arrive, you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 will also receive a form you can use to report your scores to additional 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 schools. (You can download this from the GRE Web site.) Knowing your 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 scores right away gives you a chance to react to them right away. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The second big advantage to the GRE CAT is that you can schedule it for 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 a convenient time. Other big standardized tests, like the business school 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 exam (GMAT) and the law school entrance exam (LSAT), are given at 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 fixed times on fixed dates at fixed locations. If any one of these three 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 factors poses a problem for you, tough luck. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 This rigidity is not a problem for the GRE CAT. Most test centers are open 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 during regular business hours, and all you have to do is call one up and 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 decide on a time that works well for you. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Before you schedule your actual GRE CAT, make sure you complete your 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 personalized course of study with this book and take all the practice exams 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 we provide. At that point, schedule an exam for two weeks in the future. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Use the two-week interval to take practice CAT exams and write practice 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 esays using the CD-ROM included. Your skills will stay fresh and you will 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 be accustomed to taking the test on a computer. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

Tip

Note

7

Part I: Understanding the GRE

8

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 In addition to the flexible schedule and immediacy of the test results, you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 can also send your scores to schools automatically by filling out the proper 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 computer form before the test. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Why the GRE CAT Doesnt Rock 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 No matter what the standardized test is, one fundamental truth always 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 holds true: The more familiar you are with the test format, the better your 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 score will be. Familiarity with the test design allows you to focus more 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 attention on the questions themselves and expend less mental effort just 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 figuring out the test itself. This axiom holds true whether you are taking 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the MCAT (medical school exam) or a third grade math and reading exam. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Now, answer this question: How many computer adaptive tests have you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 taken in your lifetime? 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Most people would answer none or one or two to the above question, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 but the real answer is, not enough to be comfortable with them. The 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 adaptive format is unusual, and this can work against your score. Most 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 people are already a little nervous about taking the GRE, and the added 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 stress of having to tap dance with the three-legged wonder that is the GRE 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 CAT only makes matters worse. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 In addition to being stranger than a paper-and-pencil test, the GRE CAT is 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 riskier. Heres why: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Typical Test GRE CAT What It Means 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Earlier questions are Minor mistakes at Every question 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the beginning have weighted more counts the same 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 greater negative than later ones. toward your score. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 impact. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Limits your options Must answer each You can skip a 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 regarding a tough question presented. question that you 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 problem you dont You cant proceed dont understand. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 to the next question understandyou 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 must guess. until you have sub2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 mitted an answer to 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the current one. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Once the question is Adaptive format Can go back and 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 eliminates the abilanswered and vericheck work for 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 fied, its out of your ity to go back and careless errors. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 catch any mistakes. hands. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

www.petersons.com

Chapter 1: Everything You Need to Know about the GRE CAT

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 If the GRE CAT were a pencil-and-paper test, you could begin with the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 easy questions and skip over any questions that were too tough for you on 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the first pass. On a second pass, you could review your work to catch any 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 careless mistakes, and devote time on those problems you skipped. This 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 sound strategy is no longer available to you, because of the adaptive nature 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 of the test. Instead, you are thrown into the middle of the fray, and how 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 well you answer the first half of the questions posed to you goes a long way 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 toward determining your score. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 This doesnt mean the adaptive nature will invariably lead to an unfairly 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 low score. You could be given an initial set of questions that plays right 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 into your hands, like a hard antonym that you just happen to know the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 definition of or a particular type of math problem youve always been 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 good at. If thats the case, the weighted nature of the GRE CAT works to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 your advantage. Either way, the GRE CAT is a riskier test because many of 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the fail-safes you have on other standardized testsgetting easy problems 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 first, being able to go back over the entire section and not just one 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 questionare not present on the GRE CAT. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 So, yes, you get your score back super early, but if youre not ready for the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 adaptive format, it might not be the kind of score you want to get back 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 super early. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Learning about the computer adaptive format will give you the opportu- 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 nity to eliminate many of the negative aspects of the CAT while keeping 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the good ones, so the rest of this chapter is devoted to just that. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Putting the Computer into the Computer 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Adaptive Test 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Take a moment and give an honest answer to the following question: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 How would you describe your comfort level with computers? 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 In other words, do you feel your trusty laptop is like an extension of your 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 body, or do you believe that computers are little more than mutant 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 typewriters determined to destroy the world? Take your time. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Whichever category you start out in, by the time you take the GRE CAT 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 you need to be completely comfortable navigating through a computer 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 test. If you start out already feeling good about computers, then it wont 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 take much time to get used to the commands used when taking the GRE 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 CAT. If youre closer to the mutant typewriter faction, then the amount 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 of time needed to acclimate yourself will probably be much longer. Even if 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 that is the case, it will be time well spent, since the day you need to take the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

9

Part I: Understanding the GRE

10

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 test should be exclusively about answering GRE questions correctly and 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 not about learning how to move through a computer adaptive test. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Before starting the GRE CAT, you go through a computer tutorial, which 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 goes over every facet of the onscreen instructions in excruciating detail. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 You could wait until test day and then spend 1545 minutes in the tutorial 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 familiarizing yourself with all the different instructions, but wouldnt you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 rather learn the instructions beforehand so you can skip the boring tutorial 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 and get right to the actual test? The goal on that day is to use all your 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 brainpower to take a GRE CAT, not waste time and mental energy 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 learning about how to take a GRE CAT. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Be sure you go over this tutorial before taking any tests on that disk. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Learning about the computer commands ahead of time is a valuable skill. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 A tutorial similar to the one youll see on test day is contained on the CD 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 that came with this book. Or, check out the Appendix on page 332, which 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 goes over all the major screen commands, what they look like, what each 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 command means, and when they will appear. Be sure you understand all 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the different commands before you take the actual GRE CAT. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Now that weve talked about the instructions youll see on the computer, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 lets talk about the computers themselves. You know those computers you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 see on every TV show, the ones with monstrous flat screens, dynamic 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 graphics, and blazing computing speed? Those are NOT the computers 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 you will use to take the GRE CAT. Instead, the computer you will probably 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 use resembles the kind you find in a public library. It will be a no-frills, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 functional PC with an average keyboard, average mouse, average screen, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 average everything, really. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Many people who work on computers for a long time make modifications 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 to their computers to maximize comfort. They might replace the regular 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 mouse with a wireless trackball version designed to reduce carpal tunnel 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 problems and place ultra-fine netting over their screen to reduce the glare. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 234