The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a crucial exam for individuals seeking to pursue a graduate management degree, such as an MBA. Scoring well on the GMAT is essential to increase one's chances of getting accepted into a top-tier business school. A score of 60 out of 80 on the verbal section of the GMAT is a decent score, but it may not be enough to get into the most competitive programs. In this article, we will discuss strategies and techniques to help boost your GMAT verbal score from 60 to 80.
Understanding the GMAT Verbal Section
The GMAT verbal section is designed to test a candidate’s ability to read, comprehend, and analyze written material, as well as their ability to reason and evaluate arguments. The section consists of 36 questions, which are divided into three types: Reading Comprehension (RC), Critical Reasoning (CR), and Sentence Correction (SC). To boost your score, it is essential to understand the format and content of each question type.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Reading Comprehension questions account for approximately 30% of the verbal section. These questions require candidates to read a passage and answer questions based on the content. To improve your RC score, focus on active reading, where you engage with the material and identify the main idea, supporting details, and the author’s tone. Practice skimming and scanning techniques to quickly identify the key points in a passage. Additionally, learn to recognize the different types of RC questions, such as main idea, detail, inference, and tone questions.
| Question Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Idea | Identify the primary purpose or main idea of the passage |
| Detail | Recall specific details or facts mentioned in the passage |
| Inference | Make an educated guess based on the information provided in the passage |
| Tone | Identify the author's attitude or tone towards the subject matter |
Critical Reasoning Strategies
Critical Reasoning questions account for approximately 30% of the verbal section. These questions require candidates to analyze and evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and recognize flaws in reasoning. To improve your CR score, focus on identifying the question type, such as assumption, flaw, or inference questions. Practice breaking down arguments into their component parts, including the claim, premise, and assumption. Learn to recognize common flaw types, such as ad hominem, straw man, and false dichotomy.
- Assumption questions: Identify the underlying assumption in an argument
- Flaw questions: Recognize the flaw in an argument, such as a logical fallacy
- Inference questions: Make an educated guess based on the information provided in the argument
Sentence Correction Strategies
Sentence Correction questions account for approximately 40% of the verbal section. These questions require candidates to identify grammatical errors, improve sentence clarity, and recognize idiomatic expressions. To improve your SC score, focus on grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement, pronoun reference, and modifier placement. Practice identifying error types, such as verb tense, pronoun, and modifier errors. Learn to recognize idiomatic expressions and commonly confused words.
| Error Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Subject-verb agreement | The team, along with its members, are responsible for the project |
| Pronoun reference | The company will hire whoever is available to work on the project |
| Modifier placement | Having studied all night, the exam was easy |
What is the best way to prepare for the GMAT verbal section?
+The best way to prepare for the GMAT verbal section is to practice consistently, using a combination of official study materials, online resources, and practice tests. Focus on developing your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills, and learn to manage your time effectively during the exam.
How can I improve my GMAT verbal score from 60 to 80?
+To improve your GMAT verbal score from 60 to 80, focus on developing your skills in reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. Practice consistently, using a combination of official study materials and online resources. Learn to identify and address your weaknesses, and develop a study plan that targets your specific needs.
In conclusion, boosting your GMAT verbal score from 60 to 80 requires a combination of consistent practice, effective study strategies, and a deep understanding of the exam format and content. By focusing on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction, and practicing with a variety of materials, you can improve your score and increase your chances of getting accepted into a top-tier business school.
