They still included a set of questions that don't bear on the score when I took it (but they didn't say which it is). They used this to test out new questions.

Not all institutions require these tests any more. I think the State of California a few years ago threw some or all of them out. Maybe it was UCLA. I just checked out UC Davis and found the following information. It looks likes some departments still use it:

The GRE is required by some institutions and/or departments for admission to master's or Ph.D. level programs and to many vet schools. The GRE General and Subject tests are designed to assess academic knowledge and skills relevant to graduate study. GRE scores are only one factor in evaluating the applicant's potential for graduate study.

UC Gateways has made free Graduate Record Examination Preparation Tests available online. Visit their website for further information at
http://www.ucgateways.org/gre/.

This information comes from the ETS site:
Since October 1, 2002, the General Test has been composed of verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections. The verbal and quantitative sections have not changed. The analytical writing section is identical to the stand-alone Writing Assessment that was introduced in October 1999. The analytical section is no longer a part of the General Test.

These changes to the General Test were made in order to (1) help admissions committees assess higher level critical thinking and analytical writing skills of applicants, and (2) provide a performance assessment that measures a test taker's ability to make and critique arguments, which is central to the work done by graduate students in most fields.

Here's a bit more.

SRS