The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used by business schools worldwide as a criterion for admission into various graduate management programs. The GMAT assesses a candidate’s abilities in critical thinking, analytical writing, problem-solving, data analysis, and verbal and quantitative reasoning. These sections include Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR).
Test Format
The AWA section evaluates a test-taker’s ability to critically analyze arguments and express ideas effectively in written form. It consists of one essay task where candidates are presented with an argument and are required to critique it, analyze the reason behind the argument, and present their perspective on the given topic.
Timing: Candidates have 30 minutes to complete the AWA section.
Skills Assessed: Analytical thinking, logical reasoning, ability to critique arguments, organizing ideas coherently, and expressing ideas effectively in writing.
The IR section evaluates a test-taker’s ability to interpret and analyze complex data presented in various formats, such as tables, graphs, and charts. It assesses skills in multi-step reasoning, combining information from different sources, and solving problems using quantitative and verbal reasoning.
Question Types: IR includes four main question types:
Multi-Source Reasoning: Analyzing information from multiple sources, such as tables, graphs, and text
Table Analysis: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in tables
Graphics Interpretation: Interpreting information presented graphically, such as scatterplots and line charts.
Two-Part Analysis: Solving two-part problems and selecting multiple correct responses.
Timing: Candidates have 30 minutes to complete 12 questions in the IR section.
Skills Assessed: Data interpretation, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Critical Thinking
The Quantitative Reasoning section is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to analyze data, solve quantitative problems, interpret mathematical information, and apply mathematical concepts in a business context.
QR section consists of 31 questions and includes various question types, such as:
Problem Solving: These questions present mathematical problems covering various topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and basic statistics. Candidates are required to solve the problems and select the correct answer from multiple-choice options.
Data Sufficiency: In Data Sufficiency questions, candidates are presented with a problem and two statements labeled (1) and (2). Candidates need to determine whether the information provided in these statements is sufficient to answer the problem. The answer choices for Data Sufficiency questions are standardized:
(A) Statement (1) alone is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
(B) Statement (2) alone is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
(C) Both statements together are sufficient, but neither statement alone is sufficient.
(D) Each statement alone is sufficient
Timing: Candidates have a total of 62 minutes to complete the QR section.
The QR section covers a wide range of mathematical concepts, including:
Arithmetic: Operations involving integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios.
Algebra: Solving equations, inequalities, and algebraic expressions.
Geometry: Properties of shapes, angles, lines, triangles, circles, and three-dimensional figures.
Data Analysis: Interpretation of data presented in tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams.
The Verbal Reasoning section is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze written material, reason logically, and evaluate arguments effectively.
Question Types:
Reading Comprehension: These questions present passages covering various topics including business, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Candidates are required to read the passages carefully and answer questions based on their understanding of the content.
Critical Reasoning: In Critical Reasoning questions, candidates are presented with a short argument, and they must analyze the argument, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and answer questions related to the argument’s structure, assumptions, and implications.
Sentence Correction: Sentence Correction questions present sentences with underlined portions, and candidates must identify errors in grammar, syntax, and punctuation, as well as select the best alternative to improve the sentence.
The Verbal Reasoning section consists of 36 questions and candidates have a total of 65 minutes to complete the section.
