verbal

Question

Hi,

How should I deal with the verbal section if I am not an English native speaker? Some words are unknown to me. Therefore it gets even harder to find the right solution.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi PAXON.

Currently, the makers of the GMAT seek to make it fair for all test-takers, including those who are not native English speakers. So, the emphasis in the verbal questions is on reasoning, and the verbal questions don't typically use many words that are not at least somewhat commonly used.

Thus, while you may from time to time run into words you're not familiar with in GMAT verbal passages and questions, in general, you should be able to perform at a high level on GMAT verbal.

One move that you can make to address any vocabulary-related issues you may be experiencing is to look up any unfamiliar words you run into as you prepare since certain words do show up repeatedly in GMAT verbal questions.

Meanwhile, in many cases, you can figure out what a word in a question means by considering the context in which it appears.

Also, it is often the case that you can ignore a word you don't know and still understand enough of a passage or question to arrive at a correct answer.

Finally, most important thing you can do to master GMAT verbal is prepare effectively by learning concepts and strategies and practicing in effective ways. So, I think you'll find the following posts useful since they discuss in depth various key aspects of how to prepare for GMAT verbal effectively.

How to Score High on GMAT Verbal

Three Key Practice Tips for Mastering GMAT Verbal

Archit3110 · Answer

start with official guides and manhattan books , alongside start reading books and novels to improve vocabulary , this should help .... alongside practice questions and understand why and where you went wrong do not eliminate answer options just like that understand the reason behind its elimination..

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi PAXON,

You have asked a number of questions spread over 5 different posts, so if you have not seen my response to one of your other messages, I've re-posted it here. In regards to what you are asking about in this post, it's worth noting that you do not need to understand every word in each prompt to score at a high level in the Verbal section of the GMAT, there are certain subjects that you will need to understand (for example, standard English grammar/idiom rules for SC and logical structures - for RC and CR).

Many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so if you are going to limit your studies to just 2 months, then there might be a limit to how much you will be able to improve in that time.

In addition, there are a variety of different study materials that you might choose to use. Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can access 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have that Score, you should report back here (or you can feel free to PM me directly) and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) Are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Regularly reading articles from places such as the Economist can be helpful. Using a dictionary to find out the meanings of words you repeatedly come across could also be a net positive. If you come across a word that you do not know the meaning of, see whether the rest of the sentence or the context of the surrounding sentences can give you some insight.

He was so  . He was always on time. ---> Here, for example, that WORD may mean something like PUNCTUAL. You may need to take such a thing with a grain of salt, however, since it is something one would be assuming.

BLTN · Answer

Dear PAXON,
if you are good at self-studying then reading the Manhattan guides is preferable option. In other case, you can take the online course. There are abundance of platforms that provide quant and verbal course, and reviews most of them are presented here. I would suggest to take TTP course because its well organized study plan and unique approach already have helped me to ameliorate my Quant score. I have not consummated the Verbal module yet, but what do I say is that its curriculum not only covers all general topics but also provides step by step guide to cement the acquired knowledge.

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi  PAXON

Let me share my two cents as a non-native speaker of English. To master Verbal, the biggest hurdle non-native speakers face is following a methodical approach to solve questions. We need special emphasis on understanding the meaning of the arguments and passages. Most books won't help you learn that as they mostly focus on teaching the concepts. I would recommend that you check out online courses specially the ones that focus on teaching a methodical approach. Another benefit is that they mostly teach through videos which helps you to retain stuff better. Feel free to get in touch if you've any follow-up questions.

Meanwhile, you can check out how Hardik, a non native speaker, scored a GMAT 760 with a V44 while working full time and get some success tips from his journey:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an6pE6IlOV0

	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

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