How Can I improve my Verbal section in GMAT?

Question

My target score is between 590 - 630.
Most of the time, I am getting 43 - 47 for math section and 17 - 20 for verbal. I am just getting tired. I do not know how to improve my verbal. By the way, I have used OG 11th, private tutor, Manhattan SC GMAT Book and GMATPrep. Please note that in Verbal section, MOST of the time, I stuck between two answer choices. In other words, I can eliminate some of the wrong choices right away.

nevergiveup · Answer

We are on the same boat. I want to know this too.

mrsmarthi · Answer

I guess for most the non Native speaking English people, getting thru verbal is next to difficulty. BTW, I am also included in your boat.

Here is what I am planning to do atleast w.r.t SC. In the beginning I started reading MGMAT SC. Probably I even read couple of chapters twice / thrice. And I know which statement is correct and which is wrong. Hey....do you think I understood the points inside out that I was able to quote whether a statement is right or wrong. Then you are mistaken. The reason is that, if we read any simple English sentences, we automatically can remember what we read. But this is not at all the approach that we need to follow.

MGMAT is definitely a bible for SC. But it will be a bible ONLY when we understand the inner meaning of each sentence that is mentioned. Just reading it like a novel will be of no use. It is like reading any other novel. So here is what I have done. I overcame the notion that I have read the book. I started again from Page 1. After reading each topic, I was trying to understand every line of it. Am I interpreting the way the book is saying. I know the book has n numer of jargon words like Conjunction, additive phrases, antecedent, linking verbs etc........if you don't know what they are, then you can never under the inner meaning of the matter presented. So even if I don't understand a single word, I started googling and trying to understand what the grammar word is, make a notes on it and then come back to the matter in the book and analyze. This is how I am practicing. I hope it will work out.Since it is still in the beginning, it is taking time. (To complete one chapter in MGMAT it is taking me atleast 6 - 8 hrs). But I am hoping this give me positive result in the end. If you like this idea, then try following it and see the result.

marshpa · Answer

I agree with you mrsmarthi.. this is really nice approach..may be I would also try for same..

nink · Answer

For most GMAT test takers, many tend to score lower on the verbal section than the quant section. This is true whether you are a native english speaker or an international student.

I understand that you've tried multiple times already and tried various methods with little success. However, this is not the time to give up.

What you need right now is an Action Plan:

1) Use a Diagnostic software and identify your weakness in verbal section. MGMAT CAT exam does this. It tells you the type of questions you are weak, and also the score level. (i.e. - 500 to 600, or 600 to 700) If I remember correctly, you get about 6 CAT exams free with any MGMAT guide purchase.

2) Once the weaknesses are identified, MGMAT guides have specific problems and page numbers by question type in their guides. Practice these questions on OG.

3) Forget the time management issues for now. Do these problems and compare your answer/reasoning for choosing your answer vs the OG answer/explanation. MAKE SURE THESE TWO MATCH! Otherwise, you are wasting your time.

4) If your verbal score is low to begin with, then forget about thinking, "If I do difficult problems only, then my score will go up."
This is not true. CAT exams won't even show you difficult questions unless you get the easier level questions correct consistently.

5) Maintain an error log so you can revisit the incorrectly answered questions later.

6) Don't take another CAT exams until you repeat the above steps multiple times.There is no point in practicing with CAT exams, unless you account for your weaknesses.

ugimba · Answer

ninkorn,
Excellent points. Thanks.

bigfernhead · Answer

Great point on the mgmat test. I'm going to give it a try as well.

The only problem I'll see is that the question pool may not be representative of the actual gmat.

If I can't get a good score on my next verbal test, I'm calling it quits!

nink · Answer

MGMAT test scores are pretty close to the actual GMAT for many people.

Also, the key here isn't whether MGMAT questions are like GMAT. You guys need to figure out THE TYPE OF QUESTIONS that you guys need to concentrate on.

Most of your studies/practice should be done using OG questions mentioned in the back of each MGMAT guide.

Ibodullo · Answer

Thank you ninkorn, you have a good point about MGMAT SC guide.

bigfernhead, dude, never give up. Just try harder and you will get there.

bigfernhead · Answer

I'm trying! :-D

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	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.
	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

How Can I improve my Verbal section in GMAT?

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