DominateTestPrep
I've found that when students struggle with Sentence Correction, it's often because they've tried to learn too many rules. More isn't always better, especially when it comes to English grammar on the GMAT. There are really just six major grammar topics tested on GMAT SC, and each of those topics only has 2-3 core rules that appear most often in GMAT sentences. Take pronouns, for example. Whenever you see a pronoun in the underlined portion of the sentence, you should filter it through a 3-question checklist: Is the pronoun in the correct number (singular or plural)? Is it in the right case (subject, object, or possessive)? And, does it unambiguously refer to another noun or pronoun? If you have a repeatable methodology like that for each of the "Big 6" grammar categories, I think it will simplify your approach and help you get more right answers. Oh, and sometimes even when you feel like you have a solid grasp on the rules themselves, it can be challenging to isolate which points of grammar are actually being tested, especially in longer sentences. The Bracketing Technique can help you with that.
Thanks for sharing your insights on Sentence Correction. I couldn't agree more that sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to English grammar on the GMAT. I mean, who needs to memorize a gazillion rules, right?
I love your 3-question checklist for pronouns. It's simple, and effective, and it reminds me of a Buzzfeed quiz - "Is your pronoun in the correct number? Choose A, B, or C and find out!"
And yes, the Bracketing Technique is a real lifesaver when it comes to longer sentences. I like to imagine I'm building a little grammatical fort around the underlined portion of the sentence, keeping all the important bits nice and cozy inside.
Thanks again for the great advice. Who knew grammar could be so much fun and so important for
graduates