GMAT Verbal Reasoning: Overview, Syllabus & Important Topics

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section is one of the main lead characters when it comes to your overall score. How? By testing your ability to understand and analyse written content, and evaluate arguments. Whether you’re scrutinising a complex passage or assessing the logical flow of an argument, your performance in this section can significantly impact your chances of admission to top business schools.

Today, we will magnify components of the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, offering you detailed insights, expert strategies, and tips to help you achieve your best possible score. From understanding the different question types to developing effective strategies, this blog aims to equip you with everything you need to master the verbal portion of the GMAT.

Key Highlights:

• The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section focuses on complex texts and argument analysis
• It consists of 2 key question categories: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
• You have 45 minutes to answer 23 questions, with an average of about 1-2 minutes per question.
• Effective strategies such as practising active reading and logical deduction are necessary. 
• Scoring in the Verbal Reasoning section is important to your overall GMAT score.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning Question Types 

The Verbal Reasoning section consists of two primary question categories, each testing different skills:

Reading Comprehension (RC)

These questions test your ability to understand and analyse written passages. You’ll be asked to interpret main ideas, extract details, infer meanings, and understand the author's tone and perspective. The passages can vary in length and subject, but they typically require you to focus on key information and context.

Critical Reasoning (CR)

Critical Reasoning questions assess your ability to evaluate and analyse arguments. You’ll need to identify assumptions, assess the strength of the argument, and determine how to strengthen or weaken the given argument. These questions may also require you to identify logical faults or conclusions drawn from insufficient evidence.

What is Tested on the GMAT Verbal reasoning? 

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section tests several key skills that are essential for success in business school and in life. Here's a more detailed breakdown of what’s tested:

1. Reading Comprehension (RC)

Your ability to understand and analyse complex passages is key in this category. You'll need to grasp the main idea, recognise the author's arguments, and evaluate the evidence provided. Here’s what RC entails:

• Main Idea: What is the primary purpose of the passage?
• Details: Which of the following statements is supported by the passage?
• Inferences: What can be inferred based on the information provided?
• Tone and Attitude: What is the author’s attitude towards the topic?

Example:
Despite increasing awareness about climate change, many governments have yet to take meaningful action. The gap between scientific understanding and political will is striking.

Question: What can be inferred from the passage?

A) Governments are addressing climate change effectively.
B) There is a gap between science and politics in addressing climate change.
C) Climate change is not a serious problem.
D) Scientific understanding is irrelevant to political decisions.

Correct Answer: B

2. Critical Reasoning (CR)

Your ability to evaluate arguments critically. This includes assessing the logic of the argument, identifying assumptions, and understanding how evidence is used to support conclusions. You may also be asked to strengthen or weaken an argument or identify flaws in the reasoning. The question types in CR are:

• Assumptions: What assumption underlies the argument?
• Strengthening: Which of the following statements strengthens the argument?
• Weakening: Which of the following statements weakens the argument?
• Conclusion: What is the conclusion drawn in the argument?

Example:
A recent study found that people who drink coffee regularly are less likely to suffer from heart disease. Therefore, drinking coffee reduces the risk of heart disease.

Question: What is the assumption in this argument?

A) Drinking coffee has other health benefits.
B) The study accounted for other lifestyle factors.
C) People who drink coffee are always healthier.
D) The study was conducted on a large sample.

Correct Answer: B

How is GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section's Score Calculated? 

Your score on the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section is determined by the number of correct answers you give, adjusted for the difficulty of the questions you answer. The scoring scale ranges from 60 to 90. The percentile rank indicates how your score compares with that of other test-takers. Below is a table to give you an idea of how your score might relate to your percentile rank:

Strategies to ace the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

Acing the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section requires a well-rounded approach that combines mastering the question types with developing effective strategies for time management and critical thinking. Here are some in-depth strategies to help you achieve a top score:

1. Strengthen Your Reading Comprehension Skills

Reading Comprehension (RC) questions assess your ability to understand and analyse complex texts. To excel in this area, focus on reading actively. Start by skimming the passage to get an overview of its content and main argument. This will make it easier to answer related questions. The key to success is identifying the main idea, which is usually summarised in the introduction and conclusion. Practice summarising the passage in your own words to help solidify your understanding of the content.

2. Master Critical Reasoning Skills

Critical Reasoning (CR) questions test your ability to evaluate and analyse arguments logically. A strong strategy here involves breaking down the argument into its components: the conclusion, the evidence, and any assumptions. Being able to identify assumptions, those unstated ideas that support the conclusion, is crucial for answering many CR questions. By asking yourself, “What must be true for this argument to hold?” you can better understand where the argument may be flawed or incomplete.

3. Perfect Your Timing

Time management is critical for success on the GMAT. With roughly 1 minute and 48 seconds per question, it’s important to stay focused and avoid spending too much time on any single question. To improve your time management skills, set time limits for each question type. For instance, you might allocate more time for a difficult Reading Comprehension passage but aim to keep moving through Critical Reasoning questions more quickly. If you’re unsure about a question, it’s better to make an educated guess and move on. 

4. Develop a Deep Understanding of the Test’s Logic

The GMAT is designed to test not only your knowledge but also your reasoning abilities. Before answering each question, ensure that you clearly understand what it is asking. Whether it’s looking for a conclusion, an assumption, or a strength of the argument, identifying the goal of the question will guide you to the correct answer. Pay close attention to the specific wording in the questions. Words like “always”, “never”, or “most” can make a significant difference in how you should approach the question.

5. Review and Reflect on Mistakes

When preparing for the GMAT, always take the time to review incorrect answers. Reflecting on why you missed a question will help you identify gaps in your reasoning and understanding. Make sure to compare your thought process with the explanation of the correct answer, as this will give you a clearer understanding of the correct approach. The more you review, the better you will become at recognising patterns and avoiding similar mistakes in the future.

5 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

Candidates who have taken the GMAT share some of the mistakes most test takers have made while attending the test. Make an effort to tackle these errors and avoid them: 

1. Not reading the questions in RC

Always read the question of the RC section before diving into the passage. Doing so, you will avoid re-reading the passage multiple times. You will also have a brief idea about the pointers you need to pay attention to. 

2. ‘Eliminating answers’ is not the way to go

Avoid confusing yourself with the almost-right answer choices. Eliminating each answer choice to find the correct answer will only make you lose time and further confuse you. 

3. Underestimating GMAT Verbal Reasoning

Prepare yourself well. Don’t underestimate the Verbal section just because it is a language test. 

4. Refusing to guess/Missing out on questions

GMAT has a high penalty for unanswered questions. The best way to get a high score in GMAT is by correctly answering the questions you know. And guessing the answers for the ones you don’t. 

5. Missing out on making pointers

Not making quick side notes is a huge mistake. Don’t do it!

To achieve a high score in the Verbal Reasoning section you must engage in the play-way method of learning. Engaging in activities that teach you while you enjoy your learning process is the key to bag this section. Brushing up on your basic grammar, expanding your vocabulary, engaging in practice tests etc are some of the must do things to champion the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section.

Recommended Books for GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

The right study materials can make a huge difference in your preparation for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section. Here’s a list of recommended books that provide in-depth coverage of all question types and strategies:

1. The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review

This is the official guide from the makers of the GMAT, offering the real deal. It includes detailed explanations for each answer, which will help you understand why certain answers are correct and others aren’t. This guide gives you a realistic sense of what to expect on test day and is invaluable for understanding the structure and level of difficulty of the questions.

2. Manhattan Prep GMAT Verbal Strategy Guide

The Manhattan Prep GMAT Verbal Strategy Guide provides a comprehensive approach to mastering the Verbal Reasoning section. It breaks down Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning into manageable sections, offering effective strategies for each question type. The guide is well-structured, making it easy to follow and useful for both beginners and those looking to fine-tune their skills.

3. GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible by David M. Killoran

If Critical Reasoning is an area you find particularly challenging, the GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible is an excellent resource. This book teaches you how to identify and break down arguments, spot flaws, and solve questions effectively. The book includes detailed strategies for strengthening and weakening arguments, which are essential for answering many GMAT Critical Reasoning questions.

4. Powerscore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible

The Powerscore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible offers a structured and thorough method for tackling Critical Reasoning questions. It provides a deep dive into each question type and offers proven strategies to approach them. It’s particularly useful for honing your logical thinking and evaluation skills, which are key to mastering CR questions.

5. GMAT Reading Comprehension Bible

This book focuses solely on Reading Comprehension and provides practical strategies for tackling long passages. It teaches you how to identify key themes and manage your time effectively while reading. The Reading Comprehension Bible is ideal for test-takers who want to improve their ability to understand complex texts quickly and efficiently.

6. The GMAT Verbal Prep Book by Magoosh

The Magoosh GMAT Verbal Prep book is another excellent resource that combines both strategy and practice. It provides clear explanations for each question type and helps you learn to recognise patterns in the questions. The book also includes practice questions, which are crucial for reinforcing the strategies you’ll use on test day.

From the Desk of Yocket

Being a pro in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section requires a smart and stable approach and an innate understanding of the test’s structure. By strengthening skills in Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning, you can improve your accuracy and time management.

Yocket Prep offers access to study plans and expert guidance to help you excel in your GMAT preparation. With focused resources and strategies, you are fully prepared to attempt the verbal reasoning section with ease.