Verbal Reasoning on the GMAT: Key Strategies for Success

Understanding the Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section consists of three main question types:

• Reading Comprehension: These questions test your ability to understand, analyze, and apply information and concepts presented in written passages.
• Critical Reasoning: These questions assess your ability to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and draw logical conclusions.
• Sentence Correction: These questions focus on your ability to identify and correct errors in grammar, usage, and sentence structure.

You will have 65 minutes to answer 36 questions in the Verbal Reasoning section, so time management and strategic answering are crucial to success.

Strategy 1: Master the Art of Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension questions can be particularly challenging due to the complexity and density of the passages. Here’s how to approach them effectively:

• Skim First, Then Read: Begin by skimming the passage to get a general sense of the topic and structure. This will help you identify where key information is located, making it easier to refer back to the passage when answering questions.
• Focus on the Main Idea: Pay attention to the main idea of each paragraph and the overall passage. Understanding the author’s purpose and the passage’s primary argument will help you answer general questions quickly.
• Identify Keywords: Look for keywords that indicate the author’s opinion, contrast, or emphasis (e.g., however, therefore, in contrast). These words often signal important points that are likely to be questioned.
• Practice Active Reading: Engage with the text by summarizing key points in your own words as you read. This will help reinforce your understanding and retention of the material.

Strategy 2: Sharpen Your Critical Reasoning Skills

Critical Reasoning questions require you to dissect arguments and evaluate the logic behind them. To excel in this area:

• Understand the Argument’s Structure: Identify the conclusion, evidence, and assumptions within the argument. Knowing how these elements interact will help you identify flaws and answer questions about the argument’s validity.
• Identify Assumptions: Many Critical Reasoning questions hinge on identifying assumptions—the unstated premises that the argument depends on. Practice recognizing these assumptions, as questions often ask you to weaken or strengthen the argument based on them.
• Use the Process of Elimination: Some answer choices may seem plausible but are irrelevant to the argument. Eliminate choices that introduce new information or distract from the core argument, and focus on the ones that directly relate to the conclusion.
• Practice with Real GMAT Questions: The logic and structure of GMAT Critical Reasoning questions are unique. Practicing with official GMAT questions will help you get familiar with the way these questions are framed and improve your ability to think critically under time constraints.

Strategy 3: Excel in Sentence Correction

Sentence Correction questions assess your knowledge of grammar, style, and effective communication. To do well in this area:

• Learn GMAT-Specific Grammar Rules: Familiarize yourself with the key grammar rules tested on the GMAT, such as subject-verb agreement, parallelism, modifiers, and pronoun clarity. Knowing these rules will help you quickly spot errors in the sentences.
• Focus on Meaning and Clarity: Beyond just correcting grammatical errors, ensure that the sentence clearly and effectively conveys its intended meaning. The correct answer should be both grammatically correct and logically sound.
• Use a Process of Elimination: Start by eliminating options that have obvious grammatical errors. Then, compare the remaining choices to find the one that best preserves the original meaning of the sentence without introducing ambiguity or awkwardness.
• Practice Under Timed Conditions: Sentence Correction questions can often be answered more quickly than Reading Comprehension or Critical Reasoning questions. Practice answering these questions under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.

Strategy 4: Time Management and Strategic Guessing

Time management is crucial in the Verbal Reasoning section. Here’s how to manage your time effectively:

• Pace Yourself: Aim to spend about 1.5 to 2 minutes on each question. If you find yourself spending too much time on a particular question, make an educated guess and move on.
• Flag and Skip: If a question is particularly challenging, flag it and move on. If time permits, return to it after you’ve answered the easier questions.
• Strategic Guessing: If you’re unsure of an answer, use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices and make an educated guess. Remember, there’s no penalty for wrong answers, so it’s better to guess than to leave a question unanswered.

Strategy 5: Build a Strong Foundation of Vocabulary and Grammar

A strong foundation in vocabulary and grammar will greatly enhance your ability to tackle Verbal Reasoning questions:

• Expand Your Vocabulary: While the GMAT doesn’t test obscure vocabulary directly, a strong vocabulary will help you understand Reading Comprehension passages and identify nuances in Sentence Correction questions.
• Review Basic Grammar Rules: Brush up on essential grammar rules, particularly those commonly tested on the GMAT. Understanding these rules will make it easier to spot errors and improve your Sentence Correction accuracy.
• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with GMAT Verbal Reasoning questions will help you internalize the rules and strategies needed for success. Use a variety of resources, including practice tests, question banks, and study guides, to build your skills.