Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams | Updated On - Jan 24, 2023
GMAT Verbal Reasoning section examines how well the candidates analyze and comprehend the verbal passages to evaluate and articulate arguments and reasoning in English constructively. There are 36 GMAT Verbal Reasoning questions to be answered in 65 minutes. The three main question types of verbal reasoning are - Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction. GMAT Verbal Reasoning is the most difficult section in the exam for its analytical approaches. Very few can score above 44 in GMAT verbal section. Few skills that are measured in GMAT Verbal Reasoning are as follows
To understand critical sentences
To understand coherence and logic running through the passages
To deduce a conclusion from the in-between lines in the passages
GMAT verbal topics include reading comprehension passages that are usually 350-400 words long. Reading Comprehension passages in GMAT Verbal Reasoning are taken from journals or business magazines. The reading Comprehension section can be alarming sometimes, but the candidates have to read the passage and answer the questions. Generally, ⅓ rd of the Verbal Reasoning section is devoted to Reading Comprehension questions. Due to the split screen presentation of GMAT Reading Comprehension questions, the passage will be there on the left side of the screen and the questions will be on the right side. Candidates can see only one question at a time. There is no back option to go back to the previous question once the "next" button is clicked.
Unfamiliar and challenging passages are designed to measure the analytical skills of the candidates. One should answer the reading comprehension questions on what is explained in the passage itself.
Read the Reading Comprehension questions properly before moving to the detailed analysis of the passage. Skimming the passage will help to have an overview of the questions as well as the passage.
Always focus on fact, idea, or argumentative thread lying in between the lines of the passage.
One must distinguish between the main idea and the supporting idea of the comprehension passage.
Similar kinds of answer options might cause confusion. Always refer to the comprehension passage for proper clarification.
One should focus on the information stated in the reading comprehension passages rather than outside knowledge.
GMAT Verbal Critical reasoning questions assess the business skills of the candidate. Most of the candidates appearing for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning have never discovered the argumentative analysis and logic that lies behind the successful business model. Mostly the candidates encounter 3 types of critical reasoning questions in GMAT Verbal Reasoning-
One must address the argument that lies in the GMAT verbal critical reasoning questions and choose the correct answer, exposing the flaw or developing the flaw with the help of the underlying argument.
One must critically analyze the reasoning behind the given argument
For GMAT verbal critical reasoning questions one must come to a constructive conclusion on the basis of the given argument
Critical reasoning questions for GMAT Verbal Reasoning are always based on statements of factual information. One must substantiate the argument with the reasoning provided through the statements. Personal judgments are strictly prohibited when the reasoning is based on factual truth.
For GMAT logical reasoning questions, the conclusion might be on any part of the passage. To find the conclusion, a critical analysis of the given statements is required to find the appropriate clues.
While reading GMAT critical reasoning passages, one might expect a specific kind of question to find out the flaw in the argument. The answer options might be different from expectation, therefore, one must read the question beforehand.
The GMAT logical reasoning answer choices can be confusing for their similarity. To avoid confusion, the options must be read carefully.
Sentence correction questions do not examine the critical grammatical skills of the candidates rather check how often the latter makes good use of grammar to understand the fragmentation of the business structure.
The answer choices must include no errors in grammar, structure, diction and meaning.
GMAT sentence correction tips include candidates to pay attention to detail. Single answer choices can contain multiple errors.
Going through all the GMAT verbal reasoning questions answer choices and comparing them to notice errors helps in solving the sentence correction questions.
GMAT Verbal Reasoning can be aced by practicing from a timed practice paper as it will provide ideas about the time-management. Along with good practice material, a dedicated mindset for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning can help get a better score.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.