FAQ - GRE ,TOEFL and IELTS

GRE

1. What is GRE Test in a nutshell?

GRE Test is a standardized exam one has to take to get an admission into many of Graduate schools in United States and other English speaking Countries. The GRE Test is a 4 hour computerized exam. The maximum score on the GRE Test, which is a combination of the Quantitative and Verbal sections, is 340.

2. Who takes GRE?

The GRE is usually taken by students interested in pursuing their Masters (mostly non-management) programs in countries like US, Canada. These days there are a few management programs that also accept the GRE score as evaluation criteria. 

 

3. Who accepts GRE scores?

The GRE General Test is accepted at more than 3,200 graduate and business schools as well as departments and divisions within these schools. 

 

4. Does business schools accept GRE Scores?

Top business schools started accepting GRE scores in 2006, led by Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Today more than 600 business schools world-wide, including Harvard Business School, the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business and the University of California's Davis Graduate School of Management, accept GRE scores in addition to the GMAT. It is small but growing. 

 

5. What is SCORESELECT feature newly introduced for GRE?

The ScoreSelect option allows GRE test takers to decide which test scores to send to the institutions they designate, so they can send the scores they feel reflect their personal best. This new feature incorporated for GRE is surely a boon for the students taking multiple tests. 

 

6. What format does GRE Test work on?

The GRE Test works on Multi stage format. The Test format based on Multi Stage will present the questions according to each individual’s ability level based on the performance of the individual. The questions which are chosen are from a pool of test questions categorized by content and difficulty. The GRE Test, based on MST will adapt on the section level and not on the question level. In Simple words, the computer will select the difficulty level of next section (instead of the question) based on how the test taker performed on the previous section. Unlike the GRE Test prior to August 2011, the GRE test taker will be able to skip a question or go back to change it later by using a new ‘mark and review’ feature. Understanding the Multi stage format and how the GRE test score is determined will be the Key part in preparing for the GRE Test. 

 

7. What is the Scoring pattern for GRE Test?

The GRE Test consists of three sections   a Verbal Section, a Quantitative Section and an Analytical Writing Sections. The Quantitative Section is scored for 170 and Verbal Section is scored for 170, thus making the total score for the Revised GRE Test as 340. The Analytical Writing Section is scored independently on a scale of 0 to 6, with 6 being the highest and 0 being the least.

8. What is the format of the GRE Test?

GRE Test consists of three sections via Verbal Section, Quantitative Section and Analytical Writing section. Two writing tasks via Issue task (Allotted time: 30 Minutes) and Argument task (Allotted time: 30 Minutes) make up the Analytical Writing section. The Verbal Reasoning is made up of two sections each containing approximately 20 questions with time allotted to each question being 30 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning is also made up of two sections each containing approximately 20 questions and each section running 35 minutes. An Unscored section (either Verbal or Quantitative) may be included and this section may appear anytime after the Completion of Analytical Writing section. An identified research section that is not scored may be included and this will always be at the end of the test.

9. When should a Test Taker ideally take the GRE?

The GRE Test can be taken all round the year in testing Centers all across Country. There is one restriction on taking the GRE test that a test taker is not allowed to take the test more than once in any calendar month, even if the same test taker has taken the test and cancelled the scores. The Prime Criterion on when to take the test would be depending on the Application deadline of the Graduate School the test taker is interested in. It’s better to take the GRE Test in October if the test taker is applying in Fall. It is recommended that you consult the Admission Offices of the Prospective Graduate Schools asking their schedules.

10. How can a Test taker register for the GRE Test?

GRE Test can be registered in the following ways:

1. Online Registration
2. Phone Registration
3. Mail Registration
4. Fax Registration
    
   

11. How much does it cost to take the GRE?

The Cost of the GRE General test is $160 for individuals taking the test in United States, US Territories and Puerto Rico.

The Cost of the GRE General Test is $190 for the individuals taking the test in all other locations 

 

12. What if a Test taker messes up the GRE Test?

If a Test taker does not perform well in the GRE Test, he/she can cancel the scores immediately after finishing the test but before they can see their scores. Once the Scores are reported, they cannot be cancelled. If the Scores are cancelled, they cannot be reinstated; Test taker will not be eligible for a refund.

13. How many times can a Test taker take the GRE?

GRE test can be taken no more than once in any calendar month. If a test taker takes the GRE Test multiple times, he/she may run a risk as some graduate schools may average the test taker’s scores. It is recommended to get in touch with admission offices of Graduate schools the test taker is applying and to find out their policy and then plan out a correct strategy. If Test taker repeats the test, scores from the latest test date and the two most recent test administrations in the last five years will be reported to the institutions test taker designate as recipients.

14. Which GRE scores get reported to Universities if an applicant has taken GRE twice?

It doesn't matter how many time a test taker takes the GRE Test, all the scores will be reported to the Graduate school and all the scores will appear in the GRE Score sheet. Every University will have its own Admission policy. Few Universities may consider the best scores for each section from different test scores and few Universities might take average of all the scores reported.

15. How important is the GRE Test Score for admissions?

GRE Test Score is of Prime importance in order to get admission into a University. In addition to the GRE Test score, Universities will also look at the Test taker transcripts, prior work experience, recommendations, and the essays in the application. While the GRE is not the only criterion used for admissions, it can play a big role on whether or not Test taker is accepted to the Graduate school of their choice. Every University follows their own admission requirements and this varies among various Universities. Most graduate programs require scores for the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test or both.

16.  How many years is the GRE Test score valid?

Validation of GRE Score varies from one University to other. Typically GRE Score will be valid for 5 years.

TOEFL

1. What is TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) evaluates the potential success of an individual to use and understand Standard American English at a college level. It is required for non-native applicants at many English-speaking colleges and universities. TOEFL score is mandatory along with the GRE score to be admitted for any US universities. (Students applying for Australian Universities should need to take IELTS)

2.Motive of TOEFL

The TOEFL is designed to help schools, colleges, and universities accurately measure your ESL (English as a second language) skills in terms of four categories:

a. Reading

b. Listening

c. Speaking

d. Writing

3.What are the Test Modules in TOEFL?

TOEFL test consists of four distinct modules, each determining the essential language proficiency that is used in the atmosphere of the academic. (Each carries 30 marks)

Reading

This module determines the proficiency of understanding intellectual reading issues. The Reading module consists of 3-5 comprehensive passages (long passages and questions asked about them). They are chosen from the academic topics, which are found in undergraduate university textbooks.

Listening

This module determines the proficiency of understanding the English since it is used in the colleges and universities. Listening module consists of 6 comprehensive passages, two passages will be the conversations of the students and the other four will be academic lectures or discussions. Students have to understand the conversations and answer for the passage questions.

Speaking

This module determines the proficiency of speaking in English. Speaking module consists of 6 tasks, two independent tasks and four integrated tasks. In the independent tasks, students have to answer opinion questions concerning to the academic life. In two of the integrated tasks, students have to read a passage, listen to a passage and speak about how the ideas in the two passages are related. In the other two integrated tasks, students have to listen to long passages, review them and speak about the information in the passages.

Writing

This module determines the proficiency of writing that is pertinent for colleges and universities assignments. This module consists of two tasks, one independent task where students have to read an academic passage, listen to an academic passage and write their reviews about the two passages. Another is the integrated task where students have to write an own essay.

4. What is the TOEFL Test Structure? 

IELTS 

1.What is IELTS in a nutshell?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an entrance requirement by British, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian universities for secondary, vocational and training programs. (IELTS) tests the complete range of English language skills, which students will commonly encounter when studying or training in English. Tests are administered at accredited Test Centers throughout the world - there are currently more than 300 Centers, in over 120 countries. American academic institutions are increasingly accepting IELTS for admissions purposes.

2.Who conducts IELTS?

IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. 

 

3.Who can take IELTS?

Students applying to study in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US. Medical professionals planning to work or follow further study in the UK, Australia or the US.

4.What are the types of IELTS offered?

i.  General IELTS

ii. Academic IELTS 

 

5.What is the test pattern of the General IELTS?

General IELTS

IELTS tests the candidates in areas of Listening, Writing, Reading and speaking.

IELTS Listening: This is a test of listening comprehension which assess the general language proficiency. The test is in four sections. The first two sections are concerned with social needs, while the last two are concerned with situations more closely related to educational or training contexts.This has 4 sections, 40 questions and time is 30 mins.

IELTS Speaking: The Speaking module is a structured interview with an emphasis on general speaking skills. It assesses whether candidates have the necessary knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with native speakers of English.

It has 3 sections

Section 1 – Candidate will be asked for personal information, like at first meeting

Section 2 – Candidate has to deliver monologue of 1-2 minutes on given subject

Section 3 – Candidate has to answer more advanced questions to expand on Section 2

The time duration is 11-14 mins

IELTS Reading: The texts of the General Training Reading module draw on social and training contexts or deal with general interest topics.

It consists of three passages or sections with forty questions. Question types include multiple choice, sentence or summary completion, identifying data for short-answer questions, identifying writers’ views/attitudes. The time duration is 60 mins.

IELTS Writing: The General Training Writing module requires candidates to write personal semi-formal or formal letters, or to write on a given topic as part of a simulated class assignment. There are 2 tasks. In task 1 candidate have to respond to a problem with a letter of around 150 words. In task 2, candidates are provided with problem/argument and they have to provide general factual information, present a solution, justify an opinion, and evaluate ideas and evidence.

Total time given is 60 min

So the overall test duration is 2 hrs 45 minutes

6.What is the test pattern of the Academic IELTS?

Academic IELTS offers same 4 sections. Speaking and listening sections are same as General IELTS. Reading and Writing section differs.

IELTS Reading: The Academic Reading module consists of texts of general interest dealing with issues which are appropriate for, and accessible to, candidates entering postgraduate or undergraduate courses. It consists of 3 passages, with 40 questions and time duration is 60 mins.

IELTS Writing: This consists of 2 tasks. In task 1, candidates are asked to look at a diagram, table or data and to present the information in their own words. In Task 2, all candidates are presented with argument or problem and asked to provide general factual information, present a solution, justify an opinion, and evaluate ideas and evidence. Time duration is 60 min.

So the overall test duration is 2 hrs 45 mins

7.Which IELTS is suitable for me ?

Academic is suitable for candidates planning to undertake higher education study. General Training is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training or work experience, or for immigration purposes.

8.Additional details about IELTS.

You have to complete the Listening, Reading & Writing Sections in one day. You may take the Speaking Section seven days before or after the other three sections (at the discretion of the test center).

 

9.How IELTS is scored?

IELTS test gives assessment in the form of band scores. This score ranges from 0(non-user) to 9(expert user). The minimum score accepted for a course ranges from 5.0 to 7.5, depending upon courses and institutes you are applying to. The most common requirement is a band score of 6 to 6.5.

10. What are the scoring categories in IELTS?

The Scoring categories of IELTS are as given below:

9 Expert User
8 Very Good User
7 Good User
6 Competent User
5 Modest User
4 Limited User
3 Extremely Limited User
2 Intermittent User
1 Non User 

11.  How long is the IELTS score valid?

The IELTS score is valid for 2 years.

12.  How many times can I take test?

IELTS can be taken as many times as you want till you are satisfied with your score but not before 3 months of the first test date.

13.  What is the cost of the IELTS test?

Cost of IELTS comes around 8000 INR for Indian Students and 185$ for US students.