Kidlin's Law: How to use this supposed law to solve questions better

Question

Ah, the GMAT—a funhouse of tricky questions wrapped in layers of confusing wording and abstract scenarios. But what if I told you there’s a tool that could make your GMAT experience a little easier?  
 
 Enter Kidlin’s Law:   “A problem well stated is a problem half solved”   (at least Charles Kettering's adaptation of it). Simple, right? But applying this principle on the GMAT can be helpful for breezing through tough questions without breaking a sweat.  
 
 Over the past 13+ years in the business world, I have successfully applied various adaptations of this law to remain grounded and focused on problem-solving, particularly in communications, PR, and advertising. As I now research behavioral psychology to understand why people buy, this law continues to be invaluable. I’ve also guided my students in effectively incorporating it into their GMAT prep work.  
 
 The GMAT isn't just testing how well you can solve math problems or spot errors in sentences; it’s testing how clearly you understand what’s being asked. Kidlin’s Law tells us that the first and most important step to solving a problem is to ensure we’ve properly defined it. Many GMAT questions are designed to overwhelm you with unnecessary information, hoping you’ll jump straight into solving before fully grasping what’s really at play.  
 
  Application:   
  Let’s say you’re staring down a long, wordy problem. It’s throwing in variables, percentages, and perhaps some awkward phrasing designed to confuse you. Here’s how Kidlin’s Law can come to the rescue:  
 
    Restate the Problem in Simple Terms:  GMAT questions often try to distract you with convoluted language. Your first move? Restate the problem in your own words. What’s the question really asking? Once you’ve defined the core issue, the solution starts to become clear.   
    Extract the Key Information:  Many GMAT questions include extra data you don’t actually need. Kidlin’s Law helps you stay laser-focused on the details that matter. Don’t get lost in the weeds—identify the key numbers, relationships, or conditions required to solve the problem.   
    Visualize the Problem:  Sometimes, turning a complicated problem into a simple diagram or equation can clarify what’s going on. If the problem involves geometry, draw it. If it’s about ratios or rates, set up a quick table or chart. By simplifying the problem visually, you’re halfway to the solution.
    
 It’s not just math that benefits from a well-stated problem. On the verbal side, Kidlin’s Law can save you when dealing with long, twisty passages or convoluted sentence correction prompts. 
 
 For Critical Reasoning:  Before you dive into the answer choices, rephrase the argument or flaw in your own words. Understand exactly what the question is asking you to analyze, and you’ll have a much easier time finding the right answer. 
  For Reading Comprehension:  GMAT reading passages can feel dense and tedious, but Kidlin’s Law reminds us to focus on the main idea. Skim through the fluff and zero in on the argument or purpose of the passage. Once you understand that, the questions become easier to tackle. 
  For Sentence Correction (EA Specific):  Don’t get lost in the grammar rules—focus first on what the sentence is really trying to communicate. A clear understanding of the intended meaning will help you spot awkward phrasing or grammatical errors much faster. 
 
The GMAT is a timed test, and spending too long on any one question is a recipe for stress. Kidlin’s Law not only helps you understand each problem more clearly, but it also saves you precious minutes. By properly defining the problem up front, you won’t waste time second-guessing yourself or solving for things that don’t matter. 
 
When you apply Kidlin’s Law on the GMAT, you’re not just solving problems—you’re solving them more efficiently. A well-stated problem really is half the battle, and the clearer you are about what’s being asked, the quicker you’ll get to the solution. 
 
Next time you’re faced with a tricky GMAT question, just remember: break it down, simplify, and let Kidlin’s Law guide you through to the finish line. 
 
 PS: Kidlin's Law, much like Murphy's Law, is a "supposed" principle that reflects a common understanding of how things often unfold in practice

Shu GMAT Tutor  
 
 (AI assisted with content refinement)

GmatTest2026 · Answer

Thank you so much for sharing the techniques of Kidlin’s Law to how to look upon every problem on the real test.
It's helpful!

Thank you,
Pooja

bb · Answer

Thank you for sharing. I feel a number of people will be conflicted about this approach because of the extra time it requires so would be good to see the difference perhaps have some questions/examples to practice with

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Kidlin's Law: How to use this supposed law to solve questions better

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