Why Time Management is crucial for GRE Success
Introduction:
Time management skills play a critical role in a candidate's success in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). With a limited amount of time available to complete each section of the test, effective time management is essential not only for answering all the questions but also for achieving high scores. This essay discusses the importance of time management during the GRE test and provides strategies to effectively manage time in each section.
The Importance of Time Management in the Analytical Writing section:
The Analytical Writing section of the GRE consists of two tasks, \"Analyze an Issue\" and \"Analyze an Argument.\" Each task has a predefined time limit of 30 minutes. Effective time management in this section is crucial as it is essential to plan the essay, brainstorm ideas, structure arguments, and proofread within the given time frame. Poor time management may lead to incomplete analysis and rushed presentation of ideas, resulting in lower scores.
Strategies for effective time management in the Analytical Writing section:
1. Plan the essay: Before starting to write, spend a few minutes planning the structure and content of the essay. Decide on the main points, supporting evidence, and the overall flow of the argument. This will save time and help maintain a logical structure throughout.
2. Use templates/templates: Familiarize yourself with commonly used templates for the Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument tasks. These templates provide a framework for organizing thoughts and arguments and can be a time-saver during the exam.
3. Time allotment: Allocate specific time for each phase of essay writing - introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Stay disciplined and stick to the time allocation for each section to ensure a comprehensive, well-structured essay.
4. Maintain focus: During the writing process, it's important to stay focused and avoid distractions. Minimize time spent on editing or rephrasing sentences and focus on presenting coherent arguments.
The Importance of Time Management in the Verbal Reasoning section:
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE assesses the candidate's abilities in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning. It consists of two subsections, each containing 20 questions, to be completed in 30 minutes. Effective time management is vital in this section to maximize accuracy while ensuring all questions are attempted.
Strategies for effective time management in the Verbal Reasoning section:
1. Skim passages: Instead of reading every passage in detail, skim through them to get a general understanding. Identify the main idea, key arguments, and supporting evidence to save time while answering questions.
2. Answer easy questions first: Start with the questions that appear less challenging or those that can be answered quickly. This will ensure that easier points are earned early and more time is available for difficult questions.
3. Time allocation for each question: Limit the time spent per question and strictly adhere to the allocated time frame. If a question is taking too long, make an educated guess and move on to the next one. Time management is crucial in preventing spending excessive time on one question at the expense of others.
The Importance of Time Management in the Quantitative Reasoning section:
The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses the candidate's abilities in mathematical concepts and problem-solving. It consists of two subsections, each containing 20 questions, to be completed in 35 minutes. Managing time effectively is important to answer all questions accurately while maintaining a steady pace.
Strategies for effective time management in the Quantitative Reasoning section:
1. Understand question types: Familiarize yourself with different question types commonly seen in the Quantitative Reasoning section. This will help you anticipate the approach required for each question, saving time during the exam.
2. Use approximation techniques: For calculation-intensive questions, use approximation techniques to quickly estimate the answer and select the closest option. This saves time and reduces the risk of making errors.
3. Prioritize easy questions: Start with the questions that appear easier or require less calculation. This ensures that the maximum number of points is earned in the least amount of time.
4. Practice time-bound exercises: Regularly practice solving quantitative questions under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy. This will build confidence and familiarity with time pressure.
Conclusion:
In the competitive GRE exam, time management is a crucial factor that can determine a candidate's success. Effective time management contributes to better organization, improved performance, and higher scores. By planning essays, using templates, and allocating time properly, test-takers can ensure they make the most of the limited time available in each section. Adhering to time management strategies while skimming passages, answering easier questions first, and estimating answers for quantitative questions will further enhance performance. Therefore, developing strong time management skills is essential for achieving success in the GRE.
