The GMAT is a computer adaptive test that assesses an applicant’s potential by testing various parameters to determine their expertise in various areas by means of four sections in the new exam pattern:
Analytical Writing Assessment
Integrated Reasoning Section
Quantitative Section
Verbal Section
Candidates are given three and a half hours to complete these four sections. The total score out of 800 is only for the verbal and quantitative sections. The remaining two sections receive their independent scores.
Section 1: Analytical Writing Assessment
This section has a 30-minute essay which includes:
Analysis of an Argument
Here you’re expected to-
Examine and analyse the given argument
Figure out the reasoning behind an argument and write a critique of the same
Work out a methodical approach to present your answer
Consider various viewpoints
Support your answer with appropriate examples and explanation
Be sure of the right grammar usage while presenting your answer
The scores for this section are on a six point scale. Your essay is given two independent ratings and then an average is considered.
One of these scores is done by an automated essay-scoring engine. If the difference between both the ratings is more than one point, a third rating would be provided by an expert reader which would then be the final score.
Read these articles for more help on GMAT AWA essays:
– GMAT AWA essay tips
– GMAT AWA sample essays – Free online rating tool
Section 2: Integrated Reasoning (IR)
This new section of the GMAT was introduced in June 2012. It has 12 questions with thirty minutes to answer this section. This section has replaced one of the AWA essays. The score is on a scale of 1 to 8.
This section tests how well you can make use of your analytical skills to solve a complicated problem. You are provided with data in various forms.
Your skill depends on being able to handle the data, pick out the information that is relevant and then choose the right answer. In each question, you are expected to provide multiple answers from the choice provided. This section has four different question types:
Table Analysis: In this, you are provided with loads of information in a table format. The question asked expects you to pick answers from yes/no, true/false with multiple statements to answer under each question.
Graphics Interpretation: In this type, you are given a graph or a graphical image. You’re expected to interpret the graph and complete the statements given by choosing one of the options from the pull-down menu.
Multi-Source Reasoning: Here you have to gather information by clicking on the various tabs (2-3) provided. The data available may be presented either as text or in the form of charts, tables. The answers may be in the yes/no, true/false format or as multiple choice options.
Two-Part Analysis: You have a question and multiple choices provided. The answers in a table form have the two components occupying the first two columns and the answer options in the third column. Of all the options provided, you have to choose only one option under each component to complete one answer.
Read more about the GMAT integrated reasoning section.
Here are some examples for you to try:
– Sample Integrated Reasoning questions
– Download Free Integrated Reasoning E-book (PDF) from here.
Section 3: Quantitative Section
This is the third section of the GMAT. You have to attempt 31 questions with 62 minutes to complete this section. The questions are designed to put your math skills to test. They revolve around basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry. This section has multiple choice questions that fall in the following two categories:
Data sufficiency questions
This section is intended to test your ability to assess the given data systematically. You’d be given a question followed by two statements and five answer choices. These answer choices always remain the same.
So it’s a good idea to memorise them all including their order. Then use your logical and analytical skills combined with quantitative knowledge to check what data is required or sufficient to find the answer. Here it’s more about checking the data sufficiency as the name suggests rather than finding the answer.
Read more about data sufficiency questions:
– GMAT Quantitative Tips: Preparing for data sufficiency questions
– GMAT Maths Data Sufficiency Questions: Systems of Equations
Problem solving questions
This part is designed to test your quantitative skills and your ability to solve a problem using the various mathematical concepts.
The number of problem solving questions would be greater in number. Each of the above two category of questions would appear in random order throughout the entire section.
Read these articles on GMAT Maths topics:
– GMAT Quantitative Section Preparation: Math Overview
– How to crack GMAT exam questions in time
– GMAT Maths Sample Questions on Remainders
– How to handle GMAT Math questions on Combinations and Probability
– Sample GMAT Question: Probability + Combinations
– GMAT Maths Data Sufficiency Questions: Systems of Equations
– GMAT Preparation: How to master the Art of Guessing on GMAT Maths
Section 4: GMAT Verbal Section
In this last section of the GMAT, you’ll have 65 minutes to answer 36 multiple choice questions that fall in one of the following category:
Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction.
A. Reading Comprehension
In this section you are given a passage (approx. 350 words) on a topic and multiple choice questions based on the same.
You need not have an in-depth knowledge of the topic. Rather you should be able to
• Understand the underlying concept of the passage
• Grasp the key idea and the relationship between the various entities involved
Learn more about GMAT Reading Comprehension:
– GMAT Verbal reading vs everyday reading: Reading Comprehension tips
– GMAT Preparation: Reading Comprehension Tips for difficult passages
B. Critical Reasoning
There are around 14 critical reasoning questions in the GMAT verbal section. The passage is in the form of an argument with five answer choices. You should be able to
• Sort out the useful information from the irrelevant matter
• Identify the key points that influence, strengthen or weaken the given argument
You need to carefully go through the argument to logically analyse it, read through the options carefully to be able to decide which option would be the best possible answer.
Learn more about the structure of Critical Reasoning:
– How GMAT Critical Reasoning is structured
– GMAT Critical Reasoning (CR) Tips – Necessary vs Sufficient
– GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions: Identifying and Checking Assumptions
– GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions: Common Assumption Types
– GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions: Assumptions Sample
C. Sentence Correction
You are given a sentence having an underlined portion and five answer choices.
• If the sentence sounds correct as it is, option 1 is the answer
• You have to be familiar with the rules of English grammar and choose the answer which seems the best in compliance with standard written English.
• Once done, read it over again to check if the sentence construction looks correct and if the original meaning of the statement has been retained.
Learn more about the format of GMAT Sentence Correction questions:
– GMAT Sentence Correction (SC): Most Common Modification Errors
– GMAT Sentence Correction Preparation: Comparison and Parallelism
GMAT Syllabus
GMAT Quantitative / Maths Syllabus
Following are some of the topics you can expect in the quantitative section:
Maths Formulas List
Integers
Decimals
Fractions
Number properties
Order of operations
Percentage
Ratio and proportion
Profit and loss
Simple and compound interest
Speed, distance and time
Permutation & combination
Linear equations
Quadratic equations
Sets Theory
Statistics: Average, Median, Mode, Range, Standard deviation
Powers and roots
Probability
Pipes, cisterns, work, time
Lines and angles
Triangles
Polygon
Quadrilateral
Circles
Co-ordinate geometry
Volume and surface area
GMAT Verbal / Grammar Syllabus
Following are some of the topics you can expect in the GMAT verbal section. They generally revolve around basic grammar rules.
Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
Verb Tense
Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
Pronoun Agreement
Subject Verb Agreement
Modifiers
Parallelism
Posted from my mobile device
May 08
20 Jun 2019, 06:48
