Best GMAT Prep

Preparing for GMAT is not difficult. First, it is crucial to understand each section of the exam and what those sections are testing. And then create a GMAT preparation strategy. We will walk you through those GMAT sections, provide sample questions, and how to tackle these sections.

Analytical Writing

Analytical Writing is a section in which you are tested for your analytical abilities to read a given argument and come up with your analysis of that argument. You will be presented with one argument, and you have 30 minutes to perform that analysis and type up your analysis. The scoring range is 0-6. Your analysis should include your thoughts on what the argument lacks, loopholes in that argument, how to improve that argument, or provide an alternative way of that argument. You will be given one argument, and you have 30 minutes to write your critique. Your response should be well-organized; you should justify the points in your analysis with well-written support. Your critical-thinking abilities and communicating that analysis is tested and scored.

Source: ExamFocus.com

Source: MBA.com

How to prepare for Analytical Reasoning?

The best way to prepare for the Analytical Writing section is by understanding the intent of the Analytical section. And how this section is scored. The Analytical Writing section is not intended to test your opinion on the topic or which side you might want to take on the provided argument. But the intent is to check your analyzing skills and how you communicate your analysis. It is important to note that whichever side of the argument you are on, you should frame your answer to support that side only and not flip-flop in your analysis. We recommend that you follow the below steps

1. You should first read the provided argument thoroughly
2. Clearly understand the argument
3. Write down the strengths and weaknesses in the argument
4. Create a structure of your answer following this format :

Introduction

State each critique point and a case supporting your critique (like why, how, etc.)

See if you can poke a hole in the presented argument by highlighting what points the argument is missing and what can add value to the given argument

Provide your analysis of what would have strengthened the provided argument.

Conclusion

5. And finally, proofread your answer for the following

Grammatical mistakes

Typos

Effective organization of your answer

Check direct/indirect communication

Finally, make sure that your answer is following the format mentioned above

It is essential to practice a lot. Follow the above method dozens of times before your exam day, and you will score a perfect 6.0 in the Analytical Writing section.

Integrated Reasoning

Integrated Reasoning is a section that tests your ability to read and understand all the provided data and solve a problem using that data. The data can be provided in the form of graphics, tables, graphs, numbers, or text. You will have to answer 12 questions within 30 minutes. The scoring range is 0-8. There are 4 types of questions that you will face.

1. Multi-source Reasoning
2. Table Analysis
3. Graphics Interpretation
4. Two-part analysis

How to prepare for Integrated Reasoning?

The goal of the Integrated Reasoning section is to see how well you can integrate all the provided data and interpret that data to solve problems. Your ability to see relationships between different data points will be tested.

• You need to read carefully and digest all the presented data.
• The data might be using different units of measurement, and you need to keep an eye for it and quickly convert all the data to be in the same units.
• When the data is presented in a table form, you can use the sorting functionality on the top, and it might save some time for you.
• You should practice reading graphs. Keep an eye for the accompanying text.
• Look if there is any relationship between various data points and see if there is any trend.
• You can use an on-screen calculator.
• Look for the labels used on the graphs.
• Always remember to look for individual numbers and percentages.
• And finally, just like other sections, remember to practice a lot before the exam.

Quantitative Reasoning

In the Quantitative Reasoning section, you will be tested for your ability to solve problems mathematically, interpret data and use your quantitative skills. This section needs some math knowledge especially in the areas of algebra, geometry and basic arithmetic. The math is not that difficult, and it is not the emphasis of the section. But the real test is how you use the provided data, use your quantitative skills to solve a given problem. There are 31 questions in this section, and you have 62 minutes for this section. There are two main types of questions –

1. Problem Solving
2. Data Sufficiency

How to prepare for Quantitative Reasoning?

The quantitative Reasoning section can look daunting for a lot of people, especially for people that don’t have a math background. But it is important to note that this section will be scored based on your quantitative ability. But if you are good at high school level math, it will help save time on the exam day. Note that calculators are not available during the exam. So, it is essential to brush up your math knowledge long before the exam and keep practicing the math questions. We recommend spending some time reading, understanding, and practicing algebra, geometry, and graphical calculations. We also recommend that you develop a process for solving each problem. Many people create their method of going through a quantitative problem. Here is one procedure that can be useful

Read – the provided data.

Understand – Is there anything you can see more than what is stated from each piece of data?

Normalize – Convert all data into same types of units (e.g., all time can be in seconds instead of some variables using hours or all lengths can be in meters instead of a mix of units)

Standardize – Convert all language and data into one type. For example – if there is any mention of time taken in language, like “Person B took half of what Person A took,” convert that into an equation. B = A/2

Imagine – look at the provided visuals and data. Imagine how the visual would look like for that data or how the visual would look like in data form. This way, you get a perspective of what fits where.

Solve – Attempt to solve the problem.

Other tips-

• Use the elimination method to eliminate possibilities and narrow down the correct answer.
• Establish dependencies within the provided data.
• Evaluate each statement separately.
• Calculators are not allowed. So, it is essential to practice basic math to save time in the exam.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to read, understand, evaluate arguments, and communicate effectively using proper English. It is essential to note that the verbal section is not looking to test your knowledge on a given topic, sentence, or your subject matter expertise on issues. But this section only tests your ability to grasp the meaning of the given text and your ability to fix the sentences. You have 65 minutes for this section. The section contains 36 questions, and these questions are split into the following areas.

• Reading Comprehension – You will be presented with a passage, and you will be given questions about the passage. You will be asked to summarize the passage, describe the tone of the author, or you will be asked to draw inferences based on the provided text. The subject of the passage varies from social issues, humanities, business-related topics, etc.

• Critical Reasoning –In this type of question, you will be given an argument or set of statements. And questions are intended to test your ability to make/evaluate arguments, present your case, or assess a presented situation.

• Sentence Correction – These type of questions tests your language skills. There are two types of questions within this. A) Correcting sentences for grammar and structure. B) Modifying sentences for better and concise communication, along with grammar and structure.

How to prepare for Verbal Reasoning?

One of the best ways to tackle this section is to read and understand the meaning of the provided text thoroughly. There is a difference between merely reading and understanding. When you spend time understanding the provided text, you can easily infer other things from that text, and this is where the focus of the section is. After this step, it is all your language skills that will let you rephrase a given sentence for concise communication or a better structure. Language skills can be improved by reading a lot of formal writing – newspapers, technical journals, etc. It is important to note that your vocabulary is not a test, but it is your grasping power. It is being tested.

You should expect that some of the sentences will be very long and complicated. Breaking down these sentences into smaller parts will help you understand it quickly. You will need a practice that process of breaking down before the exam.

Finally, just like other tests or other sections, you will need to practice a lot for the verbal reasoning section. Read a lot of material that has elaborate descriptions and learn how to spend less time on shorter sentences and use that saved time on long and complicated sentences.