In the last post we discussed how to start preparing for gmat, but after posting regarding start up stage, i am getting questions like -
-what exactly gmat is?
-what are different sections of gmat?
So we decided to make a post containing all the info, to facilitate readers by providing all info at one place.
SO HERE WE START:-
GMAT is a test of general skills and knowledge on the basis of verbal, mathematical and writting skills but is more focused to test your ability and adaptability under max pressure. But getting in to detail -
-WHAT GMAT STANDS FOR?
GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST is what GMAT stands for.
-WHAT'S THE FORMATTING AND TIMING?
GMAT format can be divided in to three main sections-
1) Analytical Writting Assessment
2) Quantitative Section
3) Verbal Section
AND AS FAR AS TIMING IS CONCERNED, HAVE A LOOK AT THIS TABLE:
Now the question arises what are these 3 catergories all about?
1) Analytical Writting Assessment(AWA):- AWA of the GMAT is designed as a direct measure of your ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas properly. The AWA consists of two writing tasks—Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument, based on general interest related on various subjects.
-Analysis of an Issue
For the Analysis of an Issue section, you will need to analyze the issue presented and explain your point of view on the subject. There is no correct answer. Instead, you should consider various perspectives. Use relevant reasons or examples drawn from your experience, observations, or reading to develop your own position on the issue.
The Analysis of an Issue is focused to test your ability to explore the complexities of an issue or opinion and, if appropriate, to take a position that is informed by your understanding.
-Analysis of an Argument
For the Analysis of an Argument section, you will need to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument. You are not being asked to present your own views on the subject.
So you shall always consider the following when developing your essay:
-What questionable assumptions underlie the thinking behind the argument?
-What alternative explanations or counter-examples might weaken the conclusion?
-What sort of evidence could help strengthen or refute the argument?(whatever is your supporting point)
The Analysis of an Argument targets to test your ability to formulate an appropriate and constructive critique of a specific conclusion based on a specific line of thinking.
2) Quantitative Section:- This section of the GMAT measures the ability of quantitative reasoning, solving quantitative problems, and interpreting graphic/tabular/diagramatic data. Two types of multiple-choice questions usually asked under this section are -
Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency.
Problem-Solving and Data-Sufficiency questions are intermingled throughout the section. Both types of questions require knowledge of:
-advanced arithmetic,
-elementary algebra
-commonly known concepts of geometry.
though Problem-Solving Questions are particularly designed to test:
-basic mathematical skills,understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively and solve quantitative problems.
ON THE OTHER HAND, Data-Sufficiency Questions are focused to measure your ability to:
-analyze a quantitative problem,
-recognize which information is relevant,
-determine at what point there is sufficient information to solve a problem.
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:
(a)Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) is not sufficient.
(b)Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) is not sufficient.
(c)BOTH TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER suffcient ALONE.
(d)EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
(e)Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.
3) Verbal Section:-The Verbal section of the GMAT measures your ability to read and comprehend written material, reason and evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English.
Three types of multiple-choice questions are used in the Verbal section of the GMAT exam -Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction.
-Reading Comprehension Questions are up to 350 words long on topics,generally, from the social sciences, physical or biological sciences, and business-related areas like: marketing, economics, human resource management.
And because this section of the GMAT exam includes passages from several different content areas,you may have no specific knowledge of the material.
Reading Comprehension passages are accompanied by interpretive, applied, and inferential questions.All questions are to be answered on the basis of what is stated or implied in the reading passage. Which are asked to measure your
-ability to understand, analyze, and apply information
-Understanding words and statements in reading passages(ability to comprehend terms used in the passage and your understanding of the English language).
-Critical Reasoning Questions are designed to test the reasoning skills involved in making arguments, evaluating arguments, and formulating or evaluating a plan of action. Questions are based on materials from a variety of sources. No familiarity with the specific subject matter is needed.
This section measures your ability to reason effectively in three areas:
-Argument construction: Questions of this type may ask you to recognize the basic structure of an argument, properly drawn conclusions, underlying assumptions, well-supported explanatory hypotheses, or parallels between structurally similar arguments.
-Argument evaluation: Questions of this type may ask you to analyze a given argument, recognize factors that would strengthen or weaken an argument, reasoning errors committed in making an argument, or aspects of the methods by which an argument proceeds.
-Formulating and evaluating a plan of action: Questions of this type may ask you to recognize the relative appropriateness, effectiveness, or efficiency of different plans of action; factors that would strengthen or weaken a proposed plan of action; or assumptions underlying a proposed plan of action.
-Sentence Correction Questions ask you which of the five choices best expresses an idea or relationship. The questions will require you to be familiar with the stylistic conventions and grammatical rules of standard written English. You must also demonstrate your ability to improve incorrect or ineffective expressions.
This section tests two broad aspects of language proficiency:
-Correct expression: A correct sentence is grammatically and structurally sound and conforms to all the rules of standard written English. A correct sentence will not have dangling, misplaced, or improperly formed modifiers, unidiomatic or inconsistent expressions, or faults in parallel construction.
-Effective expression: An effective sentence expresses an idea or relationship clearly and concisely, as well as grammatically. This does not mean that the choice with the fewest and simplest words is necessarily the best answer but only means that there are no superfluous words or needlessly complicated expressions in the best choice. In evaluating the diction of a sentence, you must be able to recognize whether the words are well chosen, accurate, and suitable for the context.
REGARDS
-GAURAV AND KUNAL
