ENGLISH SECTION

The verbal section consists of 41 multiple-choice questions, which must be answered within 75 minutes. There are three types of questions: sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension. The verbal section is scored from 0 to 60 points.

Sentence Correction questions are designed to measure a test taker's proficiency in three areas: correct expression, effective expression, and proper diction. Correct expression refers to the grammar and structure of the sentence. Effective Expression refers to the clarity and concision used to express the idea. Proper Diction refers to the suitability and accuracy of the chosen words in reference to the dictionary meaning of the words and the context in which the words are presented.

Critical Reasoning

This tests logical thinking. Critical thinking items present an argument that the test taker is asked to analyze. Questions may ask test takers to draw a conclusion, to identify assumptions, or to recognize strengths or weaknesses in the argument. It presents brief statements or arguments and asks to evaluate the form or content of the statement or argument. Questions of this type ask the examinee to analyze and evaluate the reasoning in short paragraphs or passages. For some questions, all of the answer choices may conceivably be answers to the question asked. The examinee should select the best answer to the question, that is, an answer that does not require making assumptions that violate common sense standards by being implausible, redundant, irrelevant, or inconsistent. 

Reading Comprehension

This tests the ability to read critically. Reading comprehension questions relate to a passage that is provided for the examinee to read. The passage can be about almost anything, and the questions about it test how well the examinee understands the passage and the information in it. As the name implies, it tests the ability of the examinee to understand the substance and logical structure of a written selection. The GMAT uses reading passages of approximately 200 to 350 words, covering topics from social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, and business. Each passage has three or more questions based on its content. The questions ask about the main point of the passage, about what the author specifically states, about what can be logically inferred from the passage, and about the author's attitude. 

GMAT sentence correction questions are designed to test your ability to identify written English that is grammatically correct. Each question will begin with sentences, parts of which have been underlined. You will then be presented with 5 different answer choices presenting alternative ways of stating the underlined portion of the text. One answer choice will repeat the text without any changes (meaning that the sentence is clear in meaning and grammatically correct as written). The other choices will re-write the text, sometimes in subtle ways.

The correct answer will have all of the following 4 characteristics:

Note that we did not state that the correct answer is always the most concise one. While this often is the case, it does not always hold true. You may find that you need to resist the temptation to always select the shortest answer choice.

QUANTITATIVE SECTION

The quantitative section consists of 37 multiple-choice questions, which must be answered within 75 minutes. There are two types of questions: problem solving, data sufficiency. The quantitative section just like verbal section is scored from 0 to 60 points.

Problem-Solving and Data-Sufficiency questions are intermingled throughout the section. Both types of questions require knowledge of:

Problem-Solving Questions

Problem-Solving questions are designed to test:

Data-Sufficiency Questions

Data-Sufficiency questions are designed to measure your ability to:

Data-Sufficiency questions are accompanied by some initial information and two statements, labeled (1) and (2). You must decide whether the statements given offer enough data to enable you to answer the question. You must choose one of the following answers:

ANALYTICAL WRITING SECTION

The GMAT verbal section includes two scored typewritten essays that will check a student's analytical and writing skills. A time limit of half an hour is allotted for each essay. The essays do not come with the main 75 minute verbal section but at the very start of the test. Unlike the other two sections, the essays' marks are not flashed immediately after the exam but are sent later, after the essays are reviewed by the test-makers. The two types of topics will be as follows:

Analysis of an Argument

The analysis of an argument will consist of a brief argument that would generally reflect an author's point of view. The test-taker will be required to present an essay that would depict his viewpoint as to how logically persuasive the document is. He would be required to critique the argument from various perspectives and to analyze the argument's line of reasoning and examples used. A perfect essay will also consist of the test taker's "two cents" on what could help to strengthen the argument's conclusion.

Analysis of an Issue

The analysis of an issue will present the test-taker with a few sentences discussing a general issue. The test-taker will have to present his or her point of view with convincing examples that will analyze the issue from multiple angles. The reasoning and argument should be generally taken from the test-taker's own experience and knowledge.