Lesson 1.4: Pacing, Guessing, and the Calculator

Introduction

In this lesson, students, we will explore crucial strategies regarding pacing, guessing, and the on-screen calculator for the GRE General Test. Understanding how to manage your time effectively, the benefits of guessing, and when it's advantageous to use the calculator will lay a strong foundation for maximizing your score. By the end of this lesson, you will be equipped with practical skills to approach the GRE with confidence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Compute effective per-question time budgets for the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
• Understand why there is no penalty for wrong answers and how that affects your guessing strategy.
• Identify when using the on-screen calculator can save time and when it can waste it.
• Develop a workable per-question pace for each section of the GRE.
• Apply a “never leave blank” guessing rule and a flag-and-return approach.

Pacing on the GRE

Section Structure

The GRE consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section has specific timings that you need to adhere to in order to complete the test successfully.

1. Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections, 30 minutes each.
2. Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections, 35 minutes each.
3. Analytical Writing: 1 section, 60 minutes (2 tasks).

Understanding how much time you have for each question can help you allocate your efforts efficiently.

Time Budgets

For the Verbal section, you need to manage your time across 40 questions in total over two sections, which translates to:

$$ \text{Time per question (Verbal)} = \frac{30 \text{ minutes} \times 2 \text{ sections}}{40 \text{ questions}} = 1.5 \text{ minutes per question} $$

For the Quant section with 40 questions across two sections, the time per question is:

$$ \text{Time per question (Quant)} = \frac{35 \text{ minutes} \times 2 \text{ sections}}{40 \text{ questions}} = 1.75 \text{ minutes per question} $$

Example: Pacing Strategy

Suppose you are in the Verbal section and you've completed 10 questions in 15 minutes. You have 30 total minutes. Here's how you calculate your pacing:

1. Remaining Questions: 30 - 10 = 20 questions
2. Remaining Time: 30 - 15 = 15 minutes
3. New Time Budget: $$ \frac{15 \text{ minutes}}{20 \text{ questions}} = 0.75 \text{ minutes per question} = 45 \text{ seconds}. $$

Common Misconceptions about Pacing

A common misconception is that you should spend an equal amount of time on each question regardless of difficulty. This is not an effective strategy. Some questions will take longer, and others may be more straightforward. Knowing how to pace yourself means being adaptable based on the difficulty level of each question.

Guessing Strategy

No Penalty for Wrong Answers

One of the most important features of the GRE is that there is no penalty for incorrect answers. This means that you should answer every question, even if you need to guess. The rationale behind this is straightforward: guessing could potentially earn you an additional point, while leaving the question blank guarantees a zero.

Effective Guessing Techniques

1. Elimination: Attempt to eliminate as many wrong choices as possible before guessing. This increases the odds of selecting the correct answer from the remaining choices.
2. Educated Guessing: Even if you are unsure of the answer, use your knowledge on related topics to make a well-informed guess.
3. Flagging Questions: If you encounter a question that you find particularly challenging, flag it for review and move on. Return to it later if time permits.

Example: Applying the Guessing Strategy

Assume you are uncertain about a question and find two possible answers out of four that might be correct. You should:

1. Eliminate the two clearly wrong answers.
2. Choose between the two remaining options through educated guessing or instinct.
3. If stuck for too long, move on, but ensure that you come back if you have time available.

The On-Screen Calculator

When to Use the Calculator

The GRE provides a basic on-screen calculator for the Quantitative section.

• Saves Time: Use the calculator for complex calculations that are difficult to perform mentally, especially those involving decimals and fractions.
• Wastes Time: Avoid using it for simple arithmetic, as the time spent moving your mouse and clicking might slow you down unnecessarily.

Example: Using the Calculator

Suppose you need to solve the problem: What is $ 17.25 \times 4.5 $? Doing this in your head might be cumbersome. Using the calculator can save you time:

1. Simply type in $ 17.25 \times 4.5 $ and obtain the result quickly.

On the contrary, for a simple addition of $ 100 + 50 $, it is quicker to calculate mentally rather than relying on the calculator.

Common Misconceptions about Calculator Use

Many test-takers believe that they should use the calculator for every question in the Quantitative section. However, it is crucial to discern when its use is practical. Excessive reliance on the calculator can hinder calculating speed and efficiency.

Conclusion

In summary, students, mastering pacing, developing effective guessing strategies, and understanding when to use the on-screen calculator are all essential components of GRE preparation. By applying these strategies, you can ensure that you are using your test time most effectively, maximizing your chances of achieving a high score.

Study Notes

• Maintain a time budget: 1.5 minutes per question for Verbal and 1.75 minutes per question for Quant.
• Answer every question — there is no penalty for wrong answers.
• Use elimination and educated guessing for questions you find challenging.
• Flag and return to difficult questions if time permits.
• Use the calculator for complex calculations, but avoid it for simple arithmetic to save time.