Looking to score 40+ in verbal

Question

Hi, 
In both the GMAT Prep Practice tests that I took, I was able to attempt only 32(in 1st test)-34(in 2nd test) questions and scored 33 & 34 respectively in verbal. I also noticed that out of these questions, I answered 9-10 questions wrongly i.e my accuracy rate was below 70%. I want to know: generally people who get verbal score of more that 40 on actual GMAT, are they able attempt all the 41 questions genuinely or they also skip some last questions or guess few in between to complete the test on time? Also what is there accuracy rate. My aim here is to get an idea about how my speed matches with other and how much accuracy I need, my aim is to get 40+ in verbal and hence want to form a strategy accordingly.

I would request people who have achieved v40+ in GMAT, people who score V40+ on other mock tests as well as instructors to please throw some light on the question above.

Archit143 · Answer

I havent scored V 40 yet, but yes from the debriefs that i have read through out these years, I have noticed that you should not make more than 5-7 mistakes in total. Now that can come from skipping questions or from mistakes. Moreover, it depends on the weighted avg of the questions ie how many 700 level question you get correct.

Consider kudos if my post helps!!!

Archit

Consider kudos if my post helps!!!

Archit

Vercules · Answer

Hi Shindesubodh and Archit, If you have just started or are in between your prep then 34 is a good score. It means your understanding of most of the basic concepts is good and may need to focus on some specific areas. As far as my test experience is concerned, I guessed on one question in the middle, just to keep pace of time during the test. I did the same for both verbal and quant. In the testing scenarios conducted in the above post a score of 42 was achieved after getting 6 questions incorrect; however, where you got the questions incorrect in more important than how many. Leaving any unanswered question at the end of the test will hurt one very badly so you should make every effort to complete the test in time. Guessing the last one or two questions will not be very detrimental for your score, but guessing the first two will surely hurt. This post will help you understand the scoring patterns on GMAT Verbal - topic146146.html#p1171779 From a level of 35+ to 40+ in verbal is all about increasing your efficiency and accuracy by practice and targeting your weak areas. I strengthened my SC so that I can solve the SC questions quickly and offset the extra time used in RC questions. Hope this helps, Vercules

geometric · Answer

In my opinion, for someone who has struggled to break 40+ in Verbal but understands the basics well enough to crack 30 every time, there is one incredibly straightforward path to success. Read 10+ full English WSJ articles a day for a couple of months and at the end of each article, map the structure of the article (MGMAT calls this making a "skeleton"). It's really that simple. You'll become familiar with the type of syntax, vocabulary, and style that the GMAT utilizes, and you'll also hone your critical reading skills.

I'd wish you good luck, but as I'm convinced that this is a foolproof strategy, then let me just wish you good willpower to follow through with this type of strategy.

I'd wish you good luck, but as I'm convinced that this is a foolproof strategy, then let me just wish you good willpower to follow through with this type of strategy.

GMATPill · Answer

If you're aiming at V40+, you're going to need to finish all the questions in time. A good test taker will be able to finish with just a minute or so of time. Pacing is tricky - but a lot of it comes with knowing what to read carefully and what not to ready carefully - so you know how to breeze through things slowly. We walk through some sample passages in slow motion so you know what exactly to read and what not to - all in an attempt to help you reduce your time per question. https://www.gmatpill.com/practicequestio ... tions.html

Archit143 · Answer

HI
Whats new there, that you are providing. Every test prep company provides that, what extra do you give? 
Archit

Matthias15 · Answer

Hi Shin - just to give you some good news, as you practice more questions and you become more familiar with the content your speed will improve. You should be really conscious as to what 'average time' you want to achieve for each question type. I don't think a 40+ verbal can afford to skip questions out of low time, as their accuracy has to be really high for a good score in Verbal and it's already hard enough to get enough right when attempting all questions.

I've scored a 40V and 37V in the official tests on verbal and it 'feels' like I answered every question correctly except maybe 1 or 2 in a test - I just get tricked by questions, compared to quant where I'm consciously skipping because I can't reach an answer on 2 minutes. I went up from 32Q and it was important to increase my speed to a point where I knew I wasn't pressed for time.

Time management strategies are really useful! I allow 15 minutes for the first 9 questions, and then 15 minutes for each of the 8 others. So I should have answered 9 by 'minute 60' of the 75mins for Verbal, 9+8 by minute '45', 9+8+8 by minute '30', etc. If I am ahead of time I will allow extra time to questions I'm unsure of, if I'm pressed in time I will not 'stray' on questions making sure they are right -or skip one if I'm really off the time, which will happen less and less as you practice

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Looking to score 40+ in verbal

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards