How to Prepare for GMAT Verbal: Score High on GMAT Verbal

Want to master the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) verbal preparation? Well, who doesn't? 

An impressive score in the GMAT exam can help you stand out during the selection process and increase your chances of making it to your dream B-school. However, of all the sections, verbal reasoning can be the most challenging for some aspirants. Only with the right approach and dedication can this section be mastered. 

So, what can you do to score high in GMAT verbal reasoning?

Scroll down and explore the important facets of the exam, to begin with the preparation for the GMAT verbal section. 

GMAT Verbal Syllabus 2024

Those looking to pursue their MBA education abroad need to score well on all sections of the GMAT.

Attention to detail and planning in advance is the key to preparing for the GMAT verbal section. 

The verbal reasoning section of the GMAT focus edition involves the following components: 

Time limit	Number of questions	Range of score	Types of questions
45 minutes	23	60–90	Reading comprehension and critical reasoning

Source: mba.com

Notably, the process of how to prepare for GMAT verbal begins by understanding the crux of each question category:

1. Reading Comprehension: 

These questions require you to read and grasp the meaning of the given content or passage.

Syllabus:

• Main idea identification
• Supporting details
• Inferences
• Author’s tone and purpose
• Logical structure
• Application of information

2. Critical Reasoning: 

In these questions, you need to analyze and put into proper context the arguments in the given query.

Syllabus:

• Argument structure
• Identifying assumptions
• Strengthening and weakening arguments
• Drawing conclusions and inferences
• Identifying flaws in arguments
• Evaluating arguments

After knowing these details, you can systematically plan how to prepare for the GMAT verbal section. 

Best Preparation Strategy for GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

By addressing a few essential pointers, you can prepare in advance to score high in the GMAT verbal reasoning sections.

Let us understand how to prepare for the GMAT verbal and the study process for each sub-section of the GMAT exam verbal reasoning section.

Reading Comprehension

Do you want to understand the primary intention of the reading comprehension questions? Well, take a look at the following points:

Aspect	Description
Purpose	The questions assess your ability to understand the main message in the content.
Skills Needed	Strong reading skills and vocabulary.
Question Length	250 to 300 words.
Main Areas Covered	Economics, Natural science, Finance and business, Social science, and Humanities.
Preparation Tips	Consistently solve questions, and understand the passage's main idea, application, function, and tone.
Strategy	Solving several mock tests and previous year's reading comprehension passages is a good strategy. Read more to develop your analytical skills.

Critical Reasoning

In most cases, critical reasoning questions require the sound practice of reasoning. As part of this question type, you will need to analyze, construct, and evaluate an argument on the given passage.

Aspect	Description
Purpose	Analyze, construct, and evaluate arguments.
Question Length	Less than 100 words.
Question Format	Choose one of the five options that justifies the argument.
Preparation Tips	Practice sample questions on all topics, focus on weak areas and develop reasoning skills.
Strategy	Consistently practice and evaluate your performance to score high.

Best Preparation Strategy for GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

By addressing a few essential pointers, you can prepare in advance to score high in the GMAT verbal reasoning segment.

Let us understand the study process for each sub-section of the GMAT exam verbal reasoning section.

Reading Comprehension

Do you want to understand the primary intention of the reading comprehension questions? Well, take a look at the following points:

• The questions assess your ability to understand the main message in the content. To sharpen your comprehension, it is essential to exhibit strong reading skills and vocabulary.

On a general level, these questions are 250 to 300 words long. Here are some of the main areas that the passages cover:

• Economics
• Natural science
• Finance and business
• Social science
• Humanities

So, to know how to prepare for the GMAT verbal section, you require a high level of consistency in solving these questions. Understand the passage's main idea, application, function, and tone. 

Solving several mock tests and previous year's reading comprehension passages is a good strategy. So, to tackle these questions, read more to develop your analytical skills.

Critical Reasoning

In most cases, critical reasoning questions require the sound practice of reasoning. As part of this question type, you will need to analyze, construct, and evaluate an argument on the given passage.

The length of the passage in this sub-section is less than 100 words. You need to choose one of the five options that justifies the argument.

Before we wrap up, let’s examine the strategy to perform well in the GMAT verbal exam section. 

Practice sample questions on all topics asked in the verbal reasoning section. Examine your performance in the section and focus on sections that demand your attention. You must portray sufficient reasoning skills to provide relevant answers and score high. 

Read More: GMAT Exam

Tips to Maximize Scores in GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

Here are some of the valuable tips that can help you score high in the GMAT verbal section:

• Develop a comprehensive and structured study plan.
• Take frequent mock tests and perform a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.
• Focus on one sub-topic or question type at a time.
• Stay consistent with your preparation.
• Invest in online and offline resources such as GMAT verbal coaching.

Overall, these simple tips can prove beneficial for your GMAT verbal preparation.

Prepare for GMAT Verbal Reasoning- Resources and Books

If you’re wondering how to crack the GMAT verbal section, you need some suitable resources to carry out your preparation. To make your search easier, we have mentioned a list of eight GMAT preparation books that you can use.

• Kaplan GMAT Verbal Book
• PowerScore GMAT Verbal Guides
• Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guides
• Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course Set
• The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review
• Magoosh Verbal + AWA GMAT Online Course
• GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review by GMAC
• Power Score's GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible

Free GMAT Verbal Preparation Material

Getting ready for the GMAT verbal section doesn't have to be expensive. Plenty of free resources are available to help you practice and improve your skills. 

Here are some of the best GMAT verbal preparation materials to get you started on your journey to success:

1. Websites and Online Resources
   These Offer free verbal questions, discussions, study plans, articles, and videos on GMAT verbal preparation. Great for comprehensive practice and learning strategies. Some of these include GMAT Club and BeattheGMAT. 
2. Free Practice Tests and Questions
   These provide full-length practice tests, question banks, and detailed explanations to help you identify strengths and weaknesses in the verbal section. The Official GMAT Practice Tests are available online for free.
3. Free eBooks and PDFs
   Several downloadable sample chapters and practice questions focusing on verbal strategies and techniques are easily available online to help you with in-depth study. These include the The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review  (Free Sample).
4. Online Forums and Communities
   These are community-driven sites such as Reddit (r/GMAT) and GMAT Club Forum with discussions, study tips, shared resources, and support from fellow test-takers. Join study groups and get answers to your questions.

Do’s & Don'ts to Remember During GMAT Verbal Preparation

Here are some do's and don'ts to help you ace your GMAT preparation for the verbal section. 

Let's learn how to prepare for and crack the GMAT verbal section.

Do’s	Don'ts
Practice GMAT verbal questions for at least 1 hour daily.	Ignore your weak areas; address them immediately.
Use quality resources like official GMAT practice tests and guides.	Use unreliable or outdated study materials.
Focus on all components of the section, including reading comprehension and critical reasoning.	Skip practice tests or question reviews.
Time yourself while practicing (e.g., 2 minutes per question).	Spend too much time on a single question.
Review and understand your mistakes after every practice session.	Repeat the same mistakes without learning.
Take regular breaks (e.g., 5 minutes every hour) to avoid burnout.	Cram all your study sessions close to the test date.
Stay consistent with your study schedule (e.g., 5 days a week).	Be inconsistent or procrastinate.
Seek help from GMAT verbal coaching if needed.	Study in isolation without seeking help.
Stay positive and confident, even if initial scores are low.	Get discouraged by initial low scores.

If you're focusing on GMAT English preparation, these tips will guide you.

Read More About GMAT:
GMAT Results	GMAT Exam Preparation	How to Prepare for GMAT Exam	How to Prepare for GMAT at Home

Conclusion

Preparing for GMAT exam can be a cakewalk if you follow the above-listed preparation strategies and remain persistent in your endeavors. So, chalk out your customized study plan keeping in mind the days at hand, solve various mock tests, and refer to online and offline resources.

Stay upbeat, and you can ace the verbal reasoning segment to gain admission to top-notch MBA colleges.