Preparing for the Quantitative Section of the GMAT?

Answer 1

What is the GMAT Verbal Section?

The GMAT Verbal section is designed to test your reading comprehension, analytical skills, and mastery of the English language. The test assesses these skills by using three types of questions: Reading comprehension questions, critical reasoning questions, and sentence correction questions. The verbal section of the GMAT is normally taken on a computer, and the questions get progressively harder as you provide the correct answers. The first five questions answered are extremely important. They provide the baseline for further questions.

What Types of Questions Will You See in the Verbal Section?

The three types of questions will come at random during the test. You must be prepared to answer them all to score well.

Reading Comprehension Questions

Reading comprehension questions will involve a 350-word passage followed by several questions pertaining to the passage. The subject matter will consist of a variety of political and social issues, but prior experience and knowledge of the subject material is irrelevant. The questions cover what can be interpreted, applied or inferred from the passage.

Critical Reasoning Questions

These questions will test your ability to evaluate, formulate and make arguments using your critical reasoning skills. These questions can involve written information as well as charts and graphs about the subject matter.

Sentence Correction Questions

These questions will assess your ability to choose the correct means of expression and the most effective means of expression. A sample passage will be given, and you must determine if the passage can be improved or if it is correct. An advanced knowledge of grammar and effective communication is required to score well on these questions.

How to Prepare For the Verbal Section of the GMAT

The best way to prepare for the Verbal Section of the GMAT is to take multiple practice tests. This will allow you to identify and correct any areas of weakness you might have. The most crucial aspect of scoring well on this portion of the test is to approach it with the correct mindset. Approach this section with a critical mind. You should look for what is wrong with an answer rather than what is right.

The subject matter of the example passages can be confusing, but it is irrelevant. What is relevant is how the information is conveyed. Does the phrasing confuse or clarify? When answering questions on this type of test always try to get to the heart of the matter. Read the question first before reading the passage. This will allow you to ignore extra information and not be caught up in fancy language. Most of the time, the simplest means of conveying an answer if the correct one.