Query on Verbal Strategy going into the test

Question

Experts, 
I have close to 3 weeks for my GMAT appointment. Quants are my strength, and i consistenly hover around 48+. 
I started with a dismal verbal score (diagnostic test), close to 25. I just completed my SC preps and am currently doing RC and CR from OG 13 everyday. 
My CR diagnostic test score was 12 of 17. My SC hit rate under OG 13 currently is close to 80%+. 
I am relying on extensive practice to sail me through RC passages in GMAT.

I definitely want to spend my last 7-10 days doing tests, practicing, general revisions and building up stamina for the big day. 
What would you recommend w.r.t. verbal strategy that i can follow for the next 1-2 weeks, so that i can hit a 700 at GMAT.

thanks in advance, N

AtlanticGMAT · Answer

Hi N,

Great job so far on your Quant! For Verbal I would keep doing what you are doing, but, in addition, if you haven't used them already, I would start taking the 9 GMAT Paper Tests (only verbal). Do all of the sections in succession and add all time (give yourself an extra 5 minutes because there is a lot of time pressure on these tests). These are great practice and good indicators of where you are on your Verbal. I would say that the hardest of the hardest SC's from the real GMAT are a bit more difficult than the paper tests (and any practice material) but everything else is pretty close.

Also, analyze your weaknesses. If there are question types (this is most clear in SC) that you are consistently having trouble with seek out explanations and content to strengthen that area. Consider why you are getting tricked. Try to find a new perspective on these question types.

Let me know if you have any questions or need further advice on the subject. Happy studies!

HG.

PS: If you are lacking practice material or would like some tough verbal take a look at GRE RC and LSAT CR. With the LSAT, skip parallel reasoning and parallel flaw type questions. Also, if a question is heavy on formal logic you can go ahead and skip as well. I wouldn't make this material your main focus but you can weave it in to provide some challenge.

neerajeai · Answer

Thanks HG for your prompt response. I found it very useful.
Well, how do you see my 12/17 in CR from diagnostic OG 13. Is it good enough for a 700 + GMAT score or needs improvement. All the answers which i did wrong were of type- AE (Argument Explanation).
Thanks again!

AtlanticGMAT · Answer

Hi,

Provided that you get 48+ on Quant, are 80% on SC, and do well on RC then yes that CR should be OK for 700+. Have you taken GMATprep yet? You may want to do that in order to get a data point.

HG.

neerajeai · Answer

Thanks Again!
I will be taking *just* verbal from GMATPrep tommorow and post you my results for review.

neerajeai · Answer

HG, i took the verbal test today and scored a lowly 30.
Main observations:
1. 75 mins seemed agonizing long to focus on *seemingly* boring content. I was loosing focus very often.
2. I had to race through last 10-12 Q, as i had barely 5 mins to finish them. Needless to say, i got most of them wrong.

I understand that i need to build stamina going into the test (BTW i am 32 already with 10 yrs work ex), start enjoying the verbal content and come up with a strategy to attack CR and RC (my weaknesses).

I am planning to extend my prep by another month and a half to cover all fundamentals, come up with strategies for each question type, and practice more in a timed fashion to build the stamina going into the test. Mostly i need to start enjoying verbal content.

Your comments?

thanks in advance, N

AtlanticGMAT · Answer

Some quick questions:

1. What was the breakdown, total correct in verbal?

2. What was the breakdown for each category (SC, CR, RC)?

3. Before you started rushing because you ran out of time did your performance deteriorate as you progressed through the section?

4. Were you aware that you were not performing well, was the 30 expected or a surprise?

HG.

neerajeai · Answer

Thanks HG. Please find answers to some of the questions you asked:

1. What was the breakdown, total correct in verbal? - 23/41 (18 incorrect)

2. What was the breakdown for each category (SC, CR, RC)? (SC- 9 wrong, CR- 4 wrong, RC - 5 wrong. Please note that of the 9 wrong in SC, 4-5 are from the last 10 questions which i rushed and answered)

3. Before you started rushing because you ran out of time did your performance deteriorate as you progressed through the section? The errors are evened out throughout the period and not specific to a particular time zone. However, i got 90% questions wrong for the last 10, which i rushed and answered.

4. Were you aware that you were not performing well, was the 30 expected or a surprise? - I expected atleast 35, however i knew that i am not doing on RCs. I was not anticipating to fair this bad at SC.

comments?

thanks,
N

AtlanticGMAT · Answer

Hi,

There are a few things to think about. First of all: your timing.  Your option to skip a question is a powerful option and a critical option.  Especially when you have specific strengths (SC) which you should exploit. The order of questions is unpredictable so it is important that you not get caught up in battles early on while trying to solve questions that you will probably get wrong because you risk being rushed on questions deeper in to the test which given the appropriate amount of time you could solve. This is a simple idea that is difficult to implement. You need to practice moving on more quickly when you are stuck.

RC and CR passages are not written to charm you. However, there is interesting stuff there if you put yourself in the proper mindset to absorb it.  Enjoy the game and you will play it better.
 
You have a lot of space to move up in verbal. Use that space. To score better you only need to  prioritize questions and stay engaged in the material.  If you happen to learn a few more things you will improve even more.
 
For staying engaged , one thing that I have found helpful is  disengage every once in a while  (especially helpful after the first 10 or so questions). Stretch your legs, roll your neck, close your eyes for a second: re-focus. It is extremely fatiguing to remain on the balls of your feet the entire section. One last thing: I prefer turning off the clock and the question number until the end of the section. I find those two things to be very fatiguing.

HG.

Query on Verbal Strategy going into the test

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