GMAT Sections

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that is commonly used for admissions into graduate business programs, such as MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs. It is designed to assess a candidate’s readiness and potential for success in business school. The GMAT is divided into several sections, each of which measures different aspects of a candidate’s abilities. In this explanation, we will delve into the details of each section of the GMAT:

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA):

Duration: 30 minutes

Tasks: This section consists of one essay prompt that assesses your ability to analyse an argument. You must critically evaluate and analyze the provided argument and present a well-structured, coherent essay. 

The AWA section is not scored on the same scale as the other sections but rather on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. It assesses your ability to construct logical and persuasive arguments, your writing skills, and your ability to express ideas clearly and concisely. 

Integrated Reasoning (IR):

Duration: 30 minutes

Tasks: The IR section consists of 12 questions, and it measures your ability to analyze and synthesize information from various sources, including charts, graphs, tables, and written material. 

IR questions are categorized into four types:

• Graphics Interpretation: Analyzing information presented in graphical form. 
• Table Analysis: Extracting and interpreting data from tables. 
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Synthesizing information from multiple sources. 
• Two-Part Analysis: Solving complex problems using multiple pieces of data. 

Your score on the IR section ranges from 1 to 8 and is considered separately from the other sections of the test. 

Quantitative Reasoning:

Duration: 62 minutes

Questions: This section includes 31 multiple-choice questions that assess your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information. 

The Quantitative Reasoning section is divided into two parts, each lasting 31 minutes and containing approximately 15 questions. These questions cover a wide range of math topics, including algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and data analysis. Your performance in this section is scored on a scale of 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating stronger quantitative skills. 

Verbal Reasoning:

Duration: 65 minutes

Questions: The Verbal Reasoning section contains 36 multiple-choice questions that assess your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written sentences. 

The Verbal Reasoning section is divided into three parts, each lasting around 21-22 minutes and containing approximately 12 questions. The questions are divided into three types:

• Reading Comprehension: Assessing your ability to comprehend, interpret, and analyze written passages. 
• Critical Reasoning: Evaluating and making arguments, identifying assumptions, and drawing conclusions. 
• Sentence Correction: Identifying and correcting errors in sentence structure and grammar.

Your performance in the Verbal Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating better verbal skills. 

Scoring and Total GMAT Score:

Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes (not including breaks and optional tutorial)

Total Score: The total GMAT score is based on your performance in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections and is reported on a scale of 200 to 800, with 10-point increments. 

Your score in the Quantitative and Verbal sections is combined to calculate your total GMAT score. The AWA and IR sections are scored separately and do not affect the total score. The total score is what most business schools use as a primary indicator of your aptitude and readiness for their programs. 

Section Order:

You have the flexibility to choose the order in which you complete the sections of the GMAT. There are three options:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative, Verbal: This is the default order. 
• Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning (IR), Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This option may be suitable for those who prefer to start with the Verbal section. 
• Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning (IR), Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This order may be chosen if you want to begin with the Quantitative section. 

Preparation and Timing:

GMAT preparation is crucial for success. Candidates often spend several months preparing, using study guides, practice tests, and preparatory courses. 

Time management is essential, as you need to complete the test within the allotted time. 

You can take optional breaks during the exam, but the overall testing time remains the same.

In summary, the GMAT is a standardized test designed to evaluate a candidate’s readiness for graduate business programs. It consists of four main sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Each section assesses different skills, and the total GMAT score is based on the Quantitative and Verbal sections, ranging from 200 to 800. The AWA and IR sections are scored separately. Proper preparation and time management are crucial for success on the GMAT, and candidates have the flexibility to choose the order in which they complete the sections. Admissions committees use GMAT scores, along with other application materials, to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for their business programs.