GMAT Verbal Reasoning

Did you know the GMAT Verbal Reasoning is not just a test of your knowledge but also your strategy?

It’s scored on a 60-90 scale, and here’s the fun part: it’s computer-adaptive! That means the test will adjust based on your performance as you answer each question. Once you answer them correctly, it will start throwing difficult questions your way. But be careful! Not answering questions can quickly lower your score.

Therefore, mastering the art of pacing and concentration is the key to success in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, which has 23 questions and needs to be finished in 45 minutes. This part uses a mix of critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills through a combination of reading passages and argument evaluation tasks.

Don’t forget that the Total GMAT score is now made up of scores from all three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. Scores for each part range from 60 to 90. All sections are equally weighted toward the GMAT total Exam  Score – 205–805.  So it’s important to balance your focus across the board.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning

If you are planning to clear your GMAT verbal questions but are struggling with critical reasoning, time management, complex reading passages, grammar rules, language barriers, overthinking answers, vocabulary comprehension, and more, you are not alone.

Get ready to master the GMAT Verbal Reasoning! This guide breaks down the different sections, scoring patterns, question types, prep strategies, and sample questions to help you succeed. Let’s get started!

Different Sections on Verbal Reasoning

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning (VR) section includes 23 questions with a completion duration of 45 minutes. In GMAT verbal questions, each query involves reading a passage or paragraph followed by a multiple-choice question with five answer options.

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning segment assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand sentence structure, synthesize information, and recognize relationships between concepts.

This section contains two segments: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension tests your ability to understand the main ideas and supporting ideas, make inferences, and follow logical structures within the text. To stand out in GMAT verbal questions, actively engage with the text, ask questions, form hypotheses, and connect ideas.

• Reading Comprehension Example:

Historians often refer to the period between the late 1800s and the early 1900s as the “Age of Imperialism.” During this time, powerful European nations expanded their empires by taking control of other countries and territories. This expansion was driven by a pursuit of resources and power, as well as a belief in the superiority of European culture.

Which of the following statements best captures the central theme of the passage?

1. The “Age of Imperialism” was marked by European nations expanding their territories through conquest.
2. The expansion of European empires in the late 1800s and early 1900s was motivated by the pursuit of resources, power, and a belief in the superiority of European culture.
3. The term “Age of Imperialism” is used by historians to describe the period between the late 1800s and early 1900s.
4. European countries believed their culture was superior to the cultures of the regions they colonized.

Solution: The correct answer is B. While each statement reflects a true aspect of the passage, only answer choice B comprehensively summarizes the main idea by addressing all the key points.

• Manya Pro Tip:

1. Read the passage thoroughly: Start by reading the entire passage to get an overall sense of its content.
2. Focus on general understanding: Try to grasp the passage’s key themes and ideas rather than getting bogged down in details.
3. Identify the main point or purpose: Always determine what the author is trying to convey or argue.
4. Look for structural keywords: Consider words that indicate contrasts, conclusions, or transitions.
5. Note important information locations: Keep track of where key points are mentioned for easy reference later.
6. Refer back to the passage: Always return to the text to confirm details when answering questions.
7. Avoid word matching: Don’t rely on identical words between the question and Passage; focus on meaning.
8. Practice by reading quality publications: Regularly improve your comprehension by reading well-written articles or essays.

Charting key components such as keywords and main arguments can help you retain important information and improve your GMAT verbal preparation. Stay focused, make connections, and rise to the challenge!

Critical Reasoning

Critical Reasoning questions generally consist of a short reading passage (usually fewer than 100 words) followed by multiple-choice questions. These questions assess your ability to make, evaluate, and critique arguments.

The GMAT Critical Reasoning questions can be grouped into three main categories: Argument Construction, Argument Evaluation, and Formulating and Evaluating a Plan. Each of these groups has different kinds of questions, which are listed below:

1. Critical Reasoning Example:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aimed to prevent discrimination and unfair termination of differently-abled workers. However, since its introduction, unemployment among differently-abled individuals has risen.

Which of the following best explains this paradox?

1. Some differently-abled individuals chose not to work.
2. Many companies, to avoid potential discrimination issues, hired fewer differently-abled people.
3. Knowing the law was coming, companies terminated differently-abled employees beforehand.
4. No law was passed guaranteeing jobs for the differently-abled.
5. Unemployment among non-disabled individuals has remained high.

• Step 1: Analyze the Argument

The ADA was meant to help differently-abled workers, yet unemployment among them has increased. The explanation must reconcile this contradiction while acknowledging the Act’s intentions.

• Step 2: Elimination

1. Option A is out, as it doesn’t explain why differently-abled people chose not to work.
2. Option C is eliminated because it implies the Act is about preventing terminations, which isn’t stated in the argument.
3. Option D doesn’t explain the increase in unemployment.
4. Option E is irrelevant to the differently-abled.

Answer: Option B is correct because it explains that companies, fearing future complications from the Act, reduced their hiring of differently-abled individuals.

Manya Pro Tip

1. Identify argument components: Pay attention to the argument’s premise, end, and any claims made.
2. Practice without timing pressure: Start practicing without a timer to improve your critical thinking skills.
3. First, read the whole passage: You should read the text carefully before reviewing the question.
4. Don’t think the conclusion is at the end: The conclusion is only sometimes at the end of the case. It can be anywhere.
5. Don’t pre-think the answer: Instead of trying to guess the answer ahead of time, let the reasoning lead you.
6. Focus on meaning instead of word matching: Focusing on matching words from the story to the answer choices can lead you astray.
7. Get rid of wrong answers: To reduce your choices, start by eliminating answers you know are wrong.
8. Trust your thinking over your gut feelings. Make your choice based on clear thinking instead of your gut feelings.

While the texts present facts and conclude them, the goal is to critically analyze the argument and evaluate the evidence that strengthens or weakens it. Excelling in GMAT verbal questions requires sharpening these analytical skills, which are beneficial for effective GMAT verbal preparation.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning Scoring Pattern

Have you ever wondered how the GMAT Verbal Reasoning score can shape your future in business school? This section is more than just a part of your overall score.

Ideally, your GMAT verbal preparation must aim for a total score between 205 and 805. As discussed earlier, the section is scored on a 60–90 scale. The algorithm adjusts the difficulty of questions as you progress.

If you do not finish all the questions in a section, your score will be penalized based on how many you leave unanswered. To get the best possible GMAT score, manage your time and answer all the questions within the given time.

Alongside your cumulative score, you will also receive a percentile ranking, which is super insightful! For instance, if you score 80 in Verbal Reasoning, you might be in the 90%, but the same score in Quantitative Reasoning could place you only in the 50%. This shows how GMAT verbal questions can be a significant differentiator since many test-takers tend to score higher in Quant.

If you are targeting specific programs, knowing the score ranges and percentiles of accepted students can be helpful while answering the GMAT verbal questions.

This table shows the scoring details for the GMAT exam.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning Prep Strategies

This section challenges your ability to analyze, evaluate, and reason effectively.  To help you succeed, below are some GMAT verbal preparation strategies that can boost your score:

• Approaching Your Preparation

When tackling the GMAT verbal preparation, it’s essential to understand the revised structure of the exam.

The total score is derived from three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights; each scored between 60 and 90, with equal weight contributing to your overall score.

The content areas and test constructs have been refined to emphasize data literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the scoring algorithm has been updated to better reflect your performance, and the new Question Review & Edit feature will likely influence testing behavior. By grasping these changes, you can effectively tailor your preparation strategy for success.

• Focusing Your Studies

For your GMAT verbal preparation, expect two question types: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Start with a practice test to identify your strengths and areas needing improvement. Reading Comprehension is often the easiest way to enhance your score. Additionally, mastering grammar rules can lead to quick wins — do not underrate this even if you are a native English speaker.

• Timing is Everything

You have 45 minutes for 23 questions, so timing is crucial. Aim to complete Reading Comprehension quickly to give yourself more time for the other question types. Remember, the adaptive nature of the GMAT means your score is affected by how well you do in every question, so stay focused and manage your time wisely.

• Practice Makes Perfect

Regular practice is necessary for success in GMAT verbal preparation. The more you familiarize yourself with GMAT verbal questions, the better your performance will be. Consider a course or tutor for personalized guidance. Building your endurance is also essential since the GMAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Efficient practice will help you save time and improve accuracy, ensuring you finish strong!

Question types in the Verbal Reasoning Section

The GMAT verbal questions include two primary question types: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Here’s what to expect from each:

• Reading Comprehension

These questions feature a passage (sometimes in areas like business, social sciences, or science) followed by multiple-choice questions. Identify the main idea, differentiate between implied and stated information, make inferences to conclude, and recognize the tone. The difficulty lies in understanding complex texts and answering questions based on subtle details.

• Critical Reasoning

These questions focus on evaluating the strength of an argument. After reading a brief passage that outlines an argument or set of facts, choose the answer that either strengthens, weakens, or evaluates the argument. The trick is to think with logic and critically analyze the structure of the reasoning.

• Sentence Correction

GMAT Sentence Correction questions assess whether you can prioritize essential details and make decisions based on key grammar concepts rather than getting stuck on minor issues. Instead of memorizing random rules or idioms, focus on high-quality practice questions that help you refine your strategy and grammar skills.

Effective GMAT verbal preparation involves mastering these question types and focusing on logic, comprehension, and analysis to succeed.

Sample GMAT Focus Verbal Questions

To help you get a sense of what to expect on the GMAT verbal questions, here are some sample questions.

• Reading Comprehension

The increase in renewable energy usage has been driven by both environmental concerns and advancements in technology. However, challenges such as cost and infrastructure development remain significant barriers to widespread adoption.

What is the primary purpose of the passage?

1. To highlight the advantages of renewable energy.
2. To discuss the obstacles preventing the growth of renewable energy.
3. To analyze the environmental impact of renewable energy.
4. To describe technological advancements in renewable energy.
5. To argue against the use of renewable energy.

Answer:

The correct answer is to discuss the obstacles preventing the growth of renewable energy.

Explanation:

The text quickly discusses the pros of renewable energy, which are driven by environmental concerns and technological advances, but it focuses on the cons, which are cost and lack of infrastructure, that keep it from being widely used. The main point of the chapter is to provide insight into the problems that are stopping green energy from growing even more, which makes choice 2 the best one.

• Critical Reasoning

Some studies suggest that people who exercise regularly have better cognitive function. Therefore, regular exercise improves brain performance.

Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument?

1. Some individuals with regular exercise routines show no improvement in cognitive function.
2. Cognitive function is influenced by multiple factors, including diet and sleep quality.
3. The studies used in the statement focus only on young adults.
4. Regular exercise is associated with improved physical health.
5. Many people who don’t exercise regularly still show high cognitive function.

Answer:

The correct answer is that cognitive function is influenced by multiple factors, including diet and sleep quality.

Explanation:

According to the argument, regular exercise directly improves brain function. This is based on studies that show people who exercise regularly have better cognitive function. To make this case less intense, we need to offer a different reason for the better brain function, indicating that exercise may not be the only cause. Option 2 (Cognitive function is influenced by multiple factors, including diet and sleep quality) weakens the argument because it introduces the possibility that other factors, like diet and sleep, could be responsible for the cognitive improvement observed in the studies. This challenges the idea that exercise alone is improving brain performance.

• Sentence Correction Question

The results of the survey was surprising, as it showed that most people preferred online shopping over in-store purchases.

Question:

Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

1. The result of the survey were surprising, as it showed that most people preferred online shopping over in-store purchases.
2. The results of the survey were surprising, as they showed that most people preferred online shopping over in-store purchases.
3. The results of the survey was surprising, as they showed that most people preferred online shopping over in-store purchases.
4. The results of the survey were surprising, as it shows that most people preferred online shopping over in-store purchases.
5. The result of the survey was surprising, as it shows that most people preferred online shopping over in-store purchases.

Answer:

The correct answer is that the results of the survey were surprising, as they showed that most people preferred online shopping over in-store purchases.

Explanation:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject “results” is plural, so the verb should be “were” (not “was”).
2. Pronoun Agreement: Since “results” is plural, the pronoun referring to it should be “they” (not “it”).
3. Tense Consistency: The past tense “showed” correctly matches the past tense “were surprising.”

Such kinds of questions test your ability to understand the main idea and the author’s intent—core elements of the GMAT verbal preparation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section is essential to getting your ideal score. By understanding question types, developing effective strategies, and honing your GMAT Verbal Reasoning skills, you can improve your performance. Remember, continuous practice is the key to excellent GMAT Verbal Reasoning preparation.

If you are seeking expert advice to improve your GMAT score or prepare for other competitive exams, Manya — The Princeton Review is here to guide you.  We are a premier service provider delivering a comprehensive range of educational services, including test preparation, admissions consulting, and language and communication training. Our customized programs and resources are designed to enhance your preparation and help you succeed. Contact us today and take the first step toward achieving your academic goals!