Table of Contents
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the most popular entrance exams for business schools around the world. It is designed to test the analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills of an applicant. One of the most important sections of the GMAT exam is the Verbal section, which assesses a candidate's reading and comprehension abilities through Reading Comprehension (RC) passages. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to tackle Reading Comprehension questions in the GMAT Verbal section.
GMAT Verbal Section: An Overview
The GMAT Verbal section evaluates the candidate's ability to read and comprehend written material, to reason and evaluate arguments, and to correct written material to convey meaning effectively. The Verbal section consists of 36 questions that are to be answered in 65 minutes, which means that the candidate has an average of 1.8 minutes to answer each question. The Verbal section is divided into three types of questions -Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, and Critical Reasoning.
It is important to note that the GMAT Verbal section is not just about testing the candidate's knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The Reading Comprehension questions require the candidate to understand and analyze complex passages from various fields such as social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The Sentence Correction questions test the candidate's ability to identify and correct grammatical errors, while also maintaining the intended meaning of the sentence. The Critical Reasoning questions assess the candidate's ability to evaluate arguments and draw logical conclusions based on the given information.
Understanding Reading Comprehension Questions in GMAT
Reading Comprehension questions in the GMAT Verbal section require the candidate to read a passage, understand its meaning, and answer the questions based on the passage's content. Each Reading Comprehension passage consists of a paragraph or two and has three to four questions associated with it. The passages in the GMAT Verbal section are taken from various topics such as science, humanities, and social sciences.
Why Reading Comprehension Questions Matter in GMAT?
Reading Comprehension questions in the GMAT Verbal section assess the candidate's ability to understand complex written material, interpret it, and respond to a series of questions based on the passage. The questions focus on the candidate's ability to understand main ideas, details, and inferences in the passage. Scoring well in the Reading Comprehension section has a significant impact on the overall Verbal score, which, in turn, affects the candidate's final GMAT score and business school admission prospects.
Moreover, the Reading Comprehension section is not just about testing the candidate's ability to comprehend written material. It also evaluates their critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and their capacity to draw conclusions from the given information. These skills are essential for success in business school and in the corporate world.
Additionally, the Reading Comprehension section is a reflection of the candidate's overall language proficiency. It tests their ability to understand and analyze written material in English, which is the language of instruction in most business schools. Therefore, a high score in the Reading Comprehension section not only demonstrates the candidate's ability to comprehend complex texts but also their proficiency in the English language.
Top Tips to Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills for GMAT
If you want to improve your Reading Comprehension skills for the GMAT Verbal section, here are some tips that can help:
The Importance of Active Reading for GMAT Verbal Section
Active reading is the process of reading a passage with full concentration and understanding its meaning. In the GMAT Verbal section, active reading is critical for effective comprehension and answering of Reading Comprehension questions. Active reading involves focusing on the structure and tone of the passage, identifying the key points, and taking notes on important aspects of the passage.
Learn to Identify the Types of Reading Comprehension Questions in GMAT
Identifying the different types of Reading Comprehension questions in the GMAT Verbal section is critical for answering the questions effectively. The three primary types of questions in Reading Comprehension passages are:
Strategies to Tackle the Main Idea Questions in GMAT Reading Comprehension
Tackling Main Idea questions in the GMAT Verbal section can be challenging if the candidate does not have a clear understanding of the passage's central idea. Here are some strategies that can help:
How to Decode the Inference Questions in GMAT Verbal Section
Inference questions in the GMAT Verbal section require the candidate to draw conclusions based on the passage's content. Here are some strategies to decode Inference questions:
Techniques to Master the Detail-Oriented Questions in GMAT Reading Comprehension
Detail-oriented questions in the GMAT Verbal section require the candidate to find specific information in the passage and support their answer with evidence. Here are some techniques to master Detail-Oriented questions:
How to Effectively Manage Your Time During GMAT Verbal Section
Managing time in the GMAT Verbal section is crucial to attempt all questions effectively. Here are some strategies to manage time effectively:
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Attempting Reading Comprehension Questions in GMAT
Avoiding common mistakes can help improve the GMAT Verbal score. Here are some mistakes to avoid while attempting Reading Comprehension questions:
Practice Resources and Helpful Tools for Solving Reading Comprehension Questions in GMAT
There are numerous resources available online and offline to improve Reading Comprehension skills and attempt questions effectively. Here are some resources:
Expert Advice: What Successful Test-Takers Do Differently for Reading Comprehension in GMAT
Successful test-takers follow specific strategies to improve their Reading Comprehension skills and attempt questions effectively. Here are some tips:
In conclusion, understanding the Reading Comprehension questions in the GMAT Verbal section, identifying the types of questions, tackling them using specific strategies, and practicing regularly are critical to scoring well in the Verbal section. By following the tips and strategies mentioned in this article, candidates can improve their Reading Comprehension skills and attempt the questions effectively.
