The Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) is a crucial step for individuals aspiring to pursue a graduate business education. A thorough understanding of each section is paramount to excel in this standardized test. Today, we will highlight the critical elements associated with one of the prominent sections called Verbal Reasoning. It is strategically designed to assess skills vital for graduate-level business program success.

Whether you opt for a GMAT online coaching or offline coaching, you first need to comprehend the essence of the test. Let us get started!

GMAT Test Format

Before delving into the specifics, have a quick glance at the test format for a better comprehension ability.

Sections No. of Questions         Section Duration
Verbal Reasoning 23 45 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning 21 45 minutes
Data Insights 20 45 minutes

As you can see, the time is equally bifurcated in the test, meaning you are required to give all sections equal weightage in test preparation for GMAT. Now, let us move ahead to learn more about the Verbal Reasoning part.

What to Expect in the Verbal Reasoning Section?

The questions in the Verbal Reasoning Section are primarily of two types: Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking. This part comprehensively evaluates the test taker’s proficiency in written English and critical thinking abilities.

  • Critical Reasoning

This section evaluates the test taker’s ability to analyze and evaluate the arguments. Questions present a short argument, and one must identify the assumptions, draw conclusions, and assess the logic presented. Like Verbal Reasoning, this section also commenced with a passage. However, this passage is more like a written argument; based on the content, you will be presented with multiple-choice questions.

In this sub-section, you are required to,

  • Look for the points that either weaken or strengthen the argument.
  • Understand the argument structure and find a conclusion.
  • Identify evidence that supports the conclusion.
  • Identify assumptions based on the evidence.
  • Reading Comprehension

    This part assesses the ability to understand and analyze complex passages. Test-takers encounter multiple-choice questions about passages covering various topics, requiring comprehension, interpretation, and inference skills.

In this sub-section, you are required to,

  • Summarize the passage in your own words.
  • Separating the ideas implied by the author from those with general perception.
  • Analyze the sentence structure.
  • Identify the tone of the topic.

Answering Strategies to Keep in Mind

Mastering effective answering strategies is crucial for success in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section. Here are some strategies tailored to each of the main question types:

  • Critical Reasoning Questions

    • Read Actively: Engage with the argument actively. Identify the conclusion, premises, and assumptions. This ensures a solid understanding of the logic presented.
    • Understand the Main Issue: You need to understand the subject of the content you are presented with. Later, re-read the same sentence for better clarity.
    • Eliminate Incorrect Choices: Discard answer choices that introduce new information, distort the argument, or do not follow logically. Narrow down the options to improve your chances of selecting the right one.

  • Reading Comprehension Questions

  • Questions First: For detail-oriented questions, read the question before delving into the passage. This guides your reading and helps you locate relevant information more efficiently.
  • Understand the Context: You must grasp the context of the question to make the right choices. If you fail to comprehend the content’s essence, there is a possibility of choosing an answer which is not correct, even if it seems to align with the passage’s information.
  • Be Time-Conscious: Reading passages takes time; therefore, it is recommended to allocate time wisely. Complex passages may require a stretch, so manage your time effectively to ensure you attempt all the questions.

Finally, you need to remember that practice is the key. So, incorporate mock and practice tests to get a diverse and additional understanding of the Verbal Reasoning Section. You can also consult an abroad education consultant for professional coaching to ensure better scoring and an in-depth knowledge of all the test sections.

We wish you all the best with your preparation plans!