How to increase speed in Data Insights section

Question

I am not able to finish Data Insights section on time in my mocks. Although accuracy is okay, I am left with 5-6 questions at the end. Can someone guide how to increase the speed in DI section.
Thanks

GMATinsight · Answer

There are only two way ahead of you now 1) Improve the speed : which is possible only if you do thorough exercise and push yourself to solve the questions faster without hurting the accuracy 2) Devise a time management strategy : You can devise a good time management strategy to figure out how to minimize the penalty if you have the speed as you have and you can't do much about speed. My suggestion would be to work on both. While the first has solution to it as mentioned in point, the second one is tricky and requires more data about - Your accuracy in respective type of questoin i.e. in DS (math based) in DS (non-math based, in TPA, MSR, Graphs and Tables) - What types of questions consume more than average time So if you can share the data, the we can take this discussion further. --- GMATinsight | www.GMATinsight.com | www.AdmitSure.com We Provide : GMAT Focus Online tutoring | Offline classes in Delhi | Quant on-Demand Course | Admission Counselling Access 1100+ FREE TOPICWISE Videos on: www.Youtube.com/GMATinsight ( SUBSCRIBE )

vivishere · Answer

I am able to complete DS Questions on time. I am taking time mostly on Two Part Analysis and MSR questions, where much theory and data is involved. I am taking 8-9 mins for one MSR set. Can you guide how to approach MSR question efficiently with less time and maintaining accuracy?

tuktukauto · Answer

Ideally, you have ~135 seconds to solve a DI question on the GMAT, but for more difficult questions, you may assume a time of ~120 seconds. Now, while practicing at least, you should try to not violate these limits so that you can ensure you have enough time to cover all questions. 
Eventually, it's all a matter of having accuracy and speed, otherwise, everyone can solve these questions if they are given ample time. Ideally, the less time taken for easier questions will average out against the more time taken for high-difficulty questions, but at least for your own preparation, try maintaining/increasing the accuracy while not taking more than the accepted time limits.

tanishqgirotra · Answer

hi guys,
I am able to attempt at most 13 questions in the data insights section, out of which 9-10 are correct and thats really dropping my score. Please help as in how to solve the data insights questions in time. Urgent help please!! Do I leave some question, skip the very difficult ones, with most information or what please suggest... struggling a lot!

IVYCRACKERS.COM · Answer

Hi vivishere! Are you working on time-based practice sessions? If not, start doing it. You can try solving 20 DI questions in 45 mins everyday and then review them. Once you are done with the first set, take a break and solve another set of 20 questions. Along with this, build you own time management technique for each section. Sharing a sample time management technique.

DI Strategy  - Spend 12 mins on Q1 to Q5 (i.e. when you have 35 mins left, you should be at Q5), spend 10 mins on Q6 to Q10 (when you have 25 mins left, you should be at Q10), spend 10 mins on Q11 to Q15 (when you have 15 mins left, you should be at Q15), spend 13 mins on Q16 to Q20.
 Quant Strategy  - Spend 11 mins on Q1 to Q5, 10 mins on Q6 to Q10 (you can take 1-2 risks), 10 mins on Q11 to Q15 (you can take 1-2 risks), 14 mins on Q16 to Q21. This also means that (since GMAT clock runs backwards) when you have 36 mins left, you should be at Q5 (considering you need 2 mins to answer that question), when you have 26-27 mins you should be at Q10, when you have 15-16 mins you should be at Q15 (since you will need 1-2 mins to answer that question).
 Verbal Strategy -  Q1 to Q7: spend 14 mins (when 33 mins are left, you should be at Q7), Q8 to Q14: spend 11 mins (when 22 mins are left, you should be at Q14), Q15 to Q23: spend balance 20 mins.

For detailed insights, please read the blog  "Beat the GMAT Clock: In-Depth GMAT Timing Strategies for High Achievers"

IVYCRACKERS.COM · Answer

Hi Tanishq! Hi Are you working on time-based practice sessions? If not, start doing it. You can try solving 20 DI questions in 45 mins everyday and then review them. Once you are done with the first set, take a break and solve another set of 20 questions. Along with this, build you own time management technique for each section.  DONOT  leave any question. You can choose to make educated guesses in few questions (but not in streaks for sure). ALong with this, you must keep sufficient time for last few questions.

Sharing a sample time management technique.

DI Strategy - Spend 12 mins on Q1 to Q5 (i.e. when you have 35 mins left, you should be at Q5), spend 10 mins on Q6 to Q10 (when you have 25 mins left, you should be at Q10), spend 10 mins on Q11 to Q15 (when you have 15 mins left, you should be at Q15), spend 13 mins on Q16 to Q20.
Quant Strategy - Spend 11 mins on Q1 to Q5, 10 mins on Q6 to Q10 (you can take 1-2 risks), 10 mins on Q11 to Q15 (you can take 1-2 risks), 14 mins on Q16 to Q21. This also means that (since GMAT clock runs backwards) when you have 36 mins left, you should be at Q5 (considering you need 2 mins to answer that question), when you have 26-27 mins you should be at Q10, when you have 15-16 mins you should be at Q15 (since you will need 1-2 mins to answer that question).
Verbal Strategy - Q1 to Q7: spend 14 mins (when 33 mins are left, you should be at Q7), Q8 to Q14: spend 11 mins (when 22 mins are left, you should be at Q14), Q15 to Q23: spend balance 20 mins.

For detailed insights, please read the blog  "Beat the GMAT Clock: In-Depth GMAT Timing Strategies for High Achievers"

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi tanishqgirotra,

You could mark some questions for review, but it's possible that you won't have enough time to go back and change your answers. Do you think you could work on getting a little faster at a particular question type, like DS?

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi vivishere,

Struggling to complete the GMAT Data Insights section within the time limit is a common challenge. One thing I have noticed is that when a student struggles with DI timing, they have not quite completed their quant and verbal prep. Not doing so can really hurt how quickly you can attack DI questions because many of those questions are made up of quant and verbal concepts. Would you say you are in that boat?

In addition, one way to improve each individual DI question type is to engage in topical practice. Doing so lets you pinpoint your weak areas in JUST ONE question type. For example, when practicing TPA questions, perhaps you see a pattern that you struggle with 3-part ratios or weighted averages. If you can find those micro weaknesses, you can fix them in real-time and thus improve your speed and timing in DI questons.

Lastly, prioritize quick decision-making; if a question seems too time-consuming, it’s better to make an educated guess and move on rather than get stuck. Developing this type of decision-making mindset will help you better navigate the section.

Feel free to reach out with any additional questons.

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