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GMAT Verbal Timing Strategy 2024

Learn effective GMAT Verbal Timing Strategy to manage your time better and boost your score. Discover tips and techniques to stay on track and answer every question with confidence.
authorImageShivani Kumari22 May, 2024
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GMAT Verbal Timing Strategy 2024

GMAT Verbal Timing Strategy: The GMAT Verbal section is an important part of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). It measures how well you understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written English. Having a good timing strategy for this section is essential to get a high score and handle the test's difficulty. By carefully planning your time for each type of question, you can work more efficiently, answer more accurately, and perform better overall on this key part of the exam.

Also Read: GMAT Syllabus 2024

What is the GMAT Verbal Section?

The GMAT Verbal section is a key part of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) that evaluates your skills in understanding written material, evaluating arguments, and correcting written English.
  • This section includes 36 questions to be answered in 65 minutes, divided into three types: Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension, each making up about one-third of the section. Effective timing strategies are influential for handling the different question types and lengths, ensuring you allocate your time efficiently and perform your best.
To maintain a steady and methodical pace throughout the Verbal section, avoid common pacing mistakes like spending too much time on the first 10 questions or skipping questions to catch up on time.
GMAT Verbal Section Highlights
Particular Details
Total Questions 36
Time Allotted 65 minutes
Question Types Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
Proportion of Each Question Type Roughly 1/3 of the section
Importance of Timing Essential for efficient time use and maximizing performance
Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid Spending too much time on the first 10 questions, skipping questions to catch up on time

GMAT Verbal Timing Strategy

GMAT Verbal Timing Strategy

Achieving a top score on the GMAT Verbal section requires not only strong command of the content but also effective time management. With only 65 minutes to answer 36 questions, pacing yourself is crucial to success.

Understanding the Verbal Section Structure

The GMAT Verbal section consists of three question types: Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Each type has its own unique characteristics and time requirements.
  • Sentence Correction questions are generally the quickest to answer, taking around 1.5 minutes on average.
  • Critical Reasoning questions can vary in length but typically require 2-3 minutes.
  • Reading Comprehension questions, including the passage reading time, can take 3-5 minutes per set.
Knowing the average time needed for each question type will help you allocate your time effectively.

Developing Strong Verbal Skills

Before focusing on timing, it's crucial to develop a solid foundation in Verbal skills. Practicing questions untimed allows you to analyze each answer choice carefully and master the underlying concepts. As your skills improve, gradually introduce timed practice to build speed while maintaining accuracy. Eliminate inefficient techniques and focus on the most effective strategies for each question type.

Pacing Strategies for Each Question Type

To maintain a steady pace throughout the Verbal section, apply the following strategies for each question type:

Sentence Correction

  • Aim to spend around 1.5 minutes per question.
  • Quickly identify the error and focus on the relevant part of the sentence.
  • Eliminate incorrect choices methodically and confidently select the best answer.

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Critical Reasoning

  • Allow 2-3 minutes per question, depending on the complexity.
  • Read the question stem carefully to understand the task at hand.
  • Analyze the argument structure and identify the conclusion, premises, and assumptions.
  • Evaluate each answer choice against the question requirements.

Reading Comprehension

  • Spend 3-5 minutes reading the passage and 2-3 minutes per question.
  • Read the passage carefully, focusing on the main ideas and key details.
  • Refer back to the passage when answering questions to avoid relying on memory.
  • Manage your time wisely, spending more time on questions that require in-depth analysis.

GMAT Score Calculator

Maintaining Pace and Avoiding Pitfalls

Throughout the Verbal section, keep the following tips in mind to maintain a steady pace and avoid common timing errors:
  • Don't get bogged down on any single question for more than 4 minutes.
  • If a question feels frustrating or time-consuming, mark it for review and move on.
  • Use the on-screen timer to monitor your progress and adjust your pace if needed.
  • Avoid spending extra time on the first 10 questions, as this can lead to running out of time at the end.
  • Don't sacrifice questions to catch up on time, as each question contributes equally to your score.

Practicing and Refining Your Timing Strategy

Consistent practice is key to mastering GMAT Verbal timing. During your practice sessions:
  • Use a clock or timer to simulate test conditions.
  • Track your time on each question and identify areas for improvement.
  • Analyze your performance and adjust your strategy as needed.
  • Take full-length practice tests to fine-tune your pacing and build endurance.
The GMAT Verbal section tests how well you can reason quickly. By building strong skills and practicing timing strategies, you'll be ready to handle this section confidently and reach your goal score.
  • Achieve your MBA target by clearing GMAT with commendable scores. Join PW GMAT Online Coaching to strategically prepare for GMAt under the guidance of India’s best faculties.
Also Read
GMAT Eligibility GMAT Admit Card GMAT Syllabus
GMAT Exam Date GMAT Preparation GMAT Result
GMAT Exam Centre GMAT Exam Day Guidelines GMAT Dress Code
GMAT Cut Off GMAT Colleges GMAT Registration
GMAT Exam Pattern

GMAT Verbal Timing Strategy FAQs<span style=

What is the GMAT verbal section?

The GMAT verbal section is part of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). It tests your ability to understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written English. You have 65 minutes to answer 36 questions.

Why is timing important in the GMAT verbal section?

Timing is crucial because you need to manage your 65 minutes effectively to answer all 36 questions. Good timing helps you avoid spending too much time on difficult questions and ensures you complete the section.

How should I allocate my time for each question type?

Aim to spend about 1.5 minutes on sentence correction questions, 2-3 minutes on critical reasoning questions, and 3-5 minutes on reading comprehension passages and questions.

What are some common timing mistakes to avoid?

Avoid spending too much time on the first 10 questions, getting stuck on difficult questions, and skipping questions to catch up. These mistakes can disrupt your pace and affect your overall performance.

How can I improve my timing for the GMAT verbal section?

Practice regularly with timed sessions, use pacing strategies for each question type, and take full-length practice tests to build your endurance and improve your timing.
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