"Compound" and "exacerbate" — both mean to make worse, fitting "only served to". Sentence equivalence always has two correct synonyms.
GRE Scoring & Practice — The 260–340 Scale Explained
Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning are each scored 130–170 in one-point increments, so the combined score usually quoted runs 260–340. Analytical Writing is scored separately, 0–6 in half-point steps. A "good" score depends on your field and target departments.
This page explains the scale and gives you a study plan to reach your target.
The GRE score structure
| Measure | Score range |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 |
| Combined (V+Q) | 260–340 |
| Analytical Writing | 0–6 |
What score makes you competitive?
A combined 320+ is competitive for strong programmes and 325+ for the most selective, but this is field-dependent: quantitative programmes (engineering, economics, data science) weigh the Quant score heavily, while humanities weigh Verbal.
Always compare against the average GRE scores your target departments publish, and remember that Analytical Writing matters more for writing-heavy fields.
A study plan
- Take one full practice test to find whether Verbal or Quant needs the most work.
- Weight your study toward the weaker measure and the one your field cares about.
- Drill vocabulary (Verbal) and fundamentals (Quant) daily; write timed Issue essays weekly.
- Finish with official ETS PowerPrep tests to get used to the on-screen tools and adaptive format.
Sample question (original, in the GRE format)
An original example in the official style — not a real test item.
Frequently asked questions
The combined Verbal + Quantitative maximum is 340 (170 each), with Analytical Writing scored separately up to 6.0.
Verbal (130–170) and Quantitative (130–170) are added for the 260–340 total; Analytical Writing (0–6) is reported separately, not added in.
Commonly two to three months of focused study, weighted toward your weaker measure. Start with a diagnostic test to set your plan.
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