What is the GRE test? The GRE test (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized exam used for graduate and business school admissions. In 2025, it features a shortened format of 1 hour and 58 minutes, testing your skills in Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. You may notice a content gap online, where most online resources still use the old 3-hour format. This blog and Peterson’s GRE Prep provide GRE test sample questions specifically for the new, streamlined version.
What is on the GRE? The Section Breakdown
Content:
- Analytical Writing: 1 Essay – Analyze an Issue – 30 minutes.
- Verbal Reasoning: 27 Questions total across two sections: 18min + 23 min = 41 minutes total.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 27 Questions total across two sections: 21 min + 26 min = 47 minutes total.
Is the GRE section-adaptive? Yes, your performance on the first section determines the difficulty of the GRE test second section.
GRE Exam Sample Questions: Quantitative Reasoning
Context: In the QR section, there are five types of math questions: Quantitative Comparison, Multiple-choice (Single-select), Multiple-choice (Multiple-select), Numeric Entry, and Data Interpretation Sets.
For the question below of sample GRE questions, you’ll find a multiple-choice, multiple-selection question, and you’ll check all answers that apply:
Question:
If x2(x – 5)2 = 36 and x3 > 0, which of the following could be the value of x?:
A. -6
B. -1
C. 1
D. 2
E. 3
F. 6
Answer: The correct answers are D, E, and F.
Explanation:
GRE Sample Questions: Verbal Reasoning
Context: The Verbal Reasoning section prioritizes logic and context over rote memorization. You’ll encounter questions on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence in the format of multiple-choice (single-select), multiple-choice (multiple-select), select-in-passage questions, text completion questions, and sentence equivalence questions. Below is one of the Peterson’s GRE practice questions for Verbal Reasoning:
Question:
Some dedicated vegetarians regard eating meat to be downright ____________.
A. acceptable
B. laudable
C. palliative
D. pernicious
E. dauntless
Answer: The correct answer is D.
Explanation: Someone extremely dedicated to never eating animals might have very strong and negative opinions regarding the eating of meat, so the most logical answer is pernicious, since it means injurious, destructive, or immoral. Choices A and B are essentially the opposite since acceptable means “worthy of being accepted” and laudable means “worthy of being celebrated.” The other responses do not fit the context.
GRE Online Practice Test & Study Resources
Static questions like this aren’t enough for GRE preparation; for the best score chance, practice the timing of the GRE test and get acquainted with GRE model questions for the Analytical Writing section!
Where can I find more GRE practice questions? The best way to prepare is to combine specific GRE exam sample questions with a full-length, timed GRE online practice test to build stamina for the 1-hour and 58-minute exam.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the GRE
Q: How many questions are on the new, shorter GRE?
A: There are 55 total questions (27 Verbal, 27 Quant, 1 Writing).
Q: Can I skip questions and come back?
A: Yes, the GRE test allows you to mark and review questions within the same section. This means you can preview and review a section, mark questions within a section to return to later, and change and edit answers within a section.
Q: Where can I get more GRE model questions?
A: Peterson’s offers a comprehensive database of sample GRE questions and full-length exams.
Go On and Ace This Test!
We’re confident in your abilities. Remember to study up and crush the GRE!
