{"id":25225,"date":"2014-08-12T15:18:34","date_gmt":"2014-08-12T22:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2014\/08\/anatomy-of-a-gmat-practice-test-math-verbal-exam\/"},"modified":"2014-08-12T15:18:34","modified_gmt":"2014-08-12T22:18:34","slug":"anatomy-of-a-gmat-practice-test-math-verbal-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/anatomy-of-a-gmat-practice-test-math-verbal-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"Anatomy of a GMAT Practice Test: Math + Verbal = Exam"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\"Anatomy<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n

\n\t\t\"GMAT<\/p>\n

The first time you see a GMAT should actually be a GMAT practice test<\/a>, not the real thing. \u00a0For many people, it can be a bit of a shock; they aren\u2019t used to the kinds of math and verbal questions we see on the GMAT exam, and haven\u2019t had the benefit of working with practice questions in tough categories like critical reasoning. \u00a0So before you look at a GMAT practice test, it might help to get a little sample of what you might see there-- think of it as checking out a menu online before heading to the restaurant: you\u2019re just glancing at the options so you have an idea of what to expect.<\/p>\n

First of all, the GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, which can freak people out from the get-go. \u00a0Don\u2019t freak out; it just means you approach the verbal and math sections (as well as the new section type we\u2019ll discuss in a minute) with different strategies than you might use on a straight English or algebra exam. \u00a0Do not fear the adaptation-- it is (hopefully) not Skynet, we promise.<\/p>\n

CAT: A Sample of How the GMAT is Unique<\/span><\/h3>\n

The GMAT computer adaptive test (CAT) is more than just a computerized version of a paper-and-pencil test. On the GMAT, the CAT actually adapts to your performance as you\u2019re taking the test. Understanding how the CAT works and approaching practice questions with a few strategies specific to this particular format<\/a> will absolutely help you get in fighting form.<\/p>\n

When you begin the GMAT exam, the computer assumes you have an average score and gives you a question of medium difficulty. Within each section (so math and verbal are adapted separately), as you get answers correct, the computer provides more difficult questions. On the other hand, as you answer incorrectly, the computer serves up easier questions. Your exam score is determined by an algorithm that calculates your ability level based not just on what you got right or wrong; but also on the difficulty level of the questions you answered.<\/p>\n

Because each answer directly affects the next question, the CAT does not allow you to go back to questions you\u2019ve already answered. On the GMAT CAT, you see only one question at a time. You won\u2019t see the next question until you\u2019ve provided an answer to the one in front of you. Once you\u2019ve confirmed your answer, that\u2019s it. \u00a0Again, that will affect your prep<\/a> and how you approach both a GMAT practice test and the real exam-- and there are different strategies you will learn for the verbal and quantitative sections.<\/p>\n

GMAT Exam Breakdown: 4 Sections<\/span><\/h3>\n

The test consists of three sections and is scored on a range between 200 and 800.<\/p>\n

\"GMAT<\/p>\n

The GMAT Quantitative Section<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Basics<\/h4>\n