DmitryFarber wrote:
Gordon, the way to avoid trouble with an initial split is to eliminate only those answers that you know are wrong. Don't say "Well, I like the sound of this better than that, so I'll make the cut." For instance, perhaps you like "developed a tendency" better than "developed the reindeer's tendency," but can you be sure that that's enough to make B-E wrong? Not at all.
Start with splits that have a clear right answer (subject-verb or pronoun agreement, for instance), and save "I like this better" or "That sounds awkward" for when you are out of any better criteria for making your choice.
I often compare this process to shopping for a car. There's no right answer there, of course, but there can be better and worse places to start. If I say, "Hmm, I've never had an orange car before. I'll try that," I will immediately reduce my options substantially. But is color really what's most important to me? I might cut out some of my best options! Start with what's most important (I want a car with a working engine!) and then get to the more trivial decisions.
Hello Dmitry, thanks for your help! I am looking for an expert post like this, and wow I get it!
Thanks for confirming the way to eliminate an answer. In my previous gmat, i only got a 29 in verbal because I used this method when I was in a hurry. I don't expect to score that low as most of my mocks were 720+. I am a bit worried using this method for my retake. Now I understand probably I was lack of practice and was too used to read the whole sentences again. After reading your comments, I am now confident on practising this method. Thanks again!
Gordon