The computer-based GRE General Test is composed of Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is always first. In addition, one unidentified unscored section may be included and can appear in any position in the test after the Analytical Writing section. Questions in the unscored section are being tested for possible use in future tests, and answers will not count toward your scores. An identified research section that is not scored may also be included, and if so, it is always at the end of the test.

The Verbal and Quantitative sections, including the unidentified unscored section, may appear in any order. Treat each section presented during your test as if it counts.

Total testing time is three hours, not including the research section. The directions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in the section and the time allowed for the section.

1. For the "Issue" task, two essay topics are presented and you choose one. The "Argument" task does not present a choice of topics; instead, a single topic is presented.

2. An unidentified unscored section may be included and may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. It is not counted as part of your score.

3. An identified research section that is not scored may be included, and it is always at the end of the test.