Test Structure of GMAT/ Pattern of GMAT
The Structure of GMAT
How
is GMAT conducted/delivered
The GMAT exam is delivered via computer in
individualized workstations. It is a Computer Adaptive Test. Being computer
adaptive (rather than computer based) allows the GMAT exam to determine a
test taker's true ability by selecting questions based on previous answers and
the test design.
Structure/Pattern
of GMAT
The GMAT consists of
four separately timed sections. Each of the first two sections consists of an
analytical writing task (please visit the New Generation GMAT section for
update on this GMAT section) while the remaining two sections (Quantitative and
Verbal) consist of multiple-choice questions delivered in a computer-adaptive
format. Questions in these
sections are dynamically selected as you take the test from a large pool of
potential questions ranging from a low to high level of difficulty. Each of
these two sections starts with a question of moderate difficulty. If you answer
the first question correctly, the computer will usually give you a harder
question. If you answer the first question incorrectly, your next question will
be easier. This process will continue until you complete the section, at which
point the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability level in
that subject area.
|
GMAT Test Section
|
Number
of Questions
|
Question Types
|
Timing
|
|
Analytical Writing Assessment
|
1
topic
|
Analysis of an Argument
|
30
minutes
|
|
Integrated Reasoning
|
12
questions
|
Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics
Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis
|
30
minutes
|
|
Quantitative
|
37
questions
|
Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving
|
75
minutes
|
|
Verbal
|
41
questions
|
Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning,
Sentence Correction
|
75
minutes
|
|
Total Time
|
|
|
3
hours, 30 minutes
|
Verbal Section
The verbal section is sharpened with 41 multiple choice questions. The time allotted to answer this section is 75 minutes i.e. less than two minutes to answer each question. The questions in this section fall under three categories - sentence correction, critical reasoning and reading comprehension. The total score for this section will amount to 0-60 points.
Sentence correction: Questions under this category are designed to check the candidate's proficiency in American English and also its different applications. Each question consists of a fully or partly underlined sentence and five different choices to pick an answer from. Usually, the first choice is exactly the same sentence/phrasegiven in the question. other four choices are framed with different phrases. The examinee can choose the first answer if the given sentence requires no correction. If the given sentence is wrong, the examinee can choose the best one from the given set of choices.
Critical reasoning: Questions are designed to test the critical as well as logical thinking ability of the candidates. The questions will be in the form of an argument and the candidate has to analyze it. These questions usually require the candidate to derive conclusions, find out strengths and weakness or to identify assumptions.
Comprehension test a candidate's critical reading abilities. The candidate will be provided with a passage to read and this will be followed by a series of questions based on the passage. Candidates have to read the passage carefully, understand it, and interpret it in the right way to answer given questions.
Quantitative Section
The quantitative section is constructed with 37 multiple choice questions that have to be answered within 75 minutes. The questions in this section fall under two categories - problem solving questions and data sufficiency questions. The score scale is 0-60.
Problem solving questions aremeant to test the quantitative reasoning aptitude of the candidate. The questions can be based on the basics of arithmetic, algebra and geometry. The correct answer will be given in the choices. Candidates have to solve the problems, obtain the answer and identify the correct answer. The questions can either be pure mathematical questions or represented as real life scenarios that demand mathematical solutions.
Data sufficiency questions are tailored to check the quantitative reasoning aptitude of the candidate, but with an unusual set of directions. The questions in this category consist of two related sentences that provide some information that will help derive the answer. Candidates must read both sentences carefully to learn which sentence provides clues that lead to the answer and pick up the right answer from the given choices. The choices here are not exact answers, but inferences about the sentences.
Analytical Writing Assessment Section
This section is tailored to test the writing skills of the candidate. The test consists of two essays - one to analyze an argument and the other to analyze an issue. Each essay should be completed within 30 minutes. The score scale for this section starts off at 0 and ends at 6.
The verbal section is sharpened with 41 multiple choice questions. The time allotted to answer this section is 75 minutes i.e. less than two minutes to answer each question. The questions in this section fall under three categories - sentence correction, critical reasoning and reading comprehension. The total score for this section will amount to 0-60 points.
Sentence correction: Questions under this category are designed to check the candidate's proficiency in American English and also its different applications. Each question consists of a fully or partly underlined sentence and five different choices to pick an answer from. Usually, the first choice is exactly the same sentence/phrasegiven in the question. other four choices are framed with different phrases. The examinee can choose the first answer if the given sentence requires no correction. If the given sentence is wrong, the examinee can choose the best one from the given set of choices.
Critical reasoning: Questions are designed to test the critical as well as logical thinking ability of the candidates. The questions will be in the form of an argument and the candidate has to analyze it. These questions usually require the candidate to derive conclusions, find out strengths and weakness or to identify assumptions.
Comprehension test a candidate's critical reading abilities. The candidate will be provided with a passage to read and this will be followed by a series of questions based on the passage. Candidates have to read the passage carefully, understand it, and interpret it in the right way to answer given questions.
Quantitative Section
The quantitative section is constructed with 37 multiple choice questions that have to be answered within 75 minutes. The questions in this section fall under two categories - problem solving questions and data sufficiency questions. The score scale is 0-60.
Problem solving questions aremeant to test the quantitative reasoning aptitude of the candidate. The questions can be based on the basics of arithmetic, algebra and geometry. The correct answer will be given in the choices. Candidates have to solve the problems, obtain the answer and identify the correct answer. The questions can either be pure mathematical questions or represented as real life scenarios that demand mathematical solutions.
Data sufficiency questions are tailored to check the quantitative reasoning aptitude of the candidate, but with an unusual set of directions. The questions in this category consist of two related sentences that provide some information that will help derive the answer. Candidates must read both sentences carefully to learn which sentence provides clues that lead to the answer and pick up the right answer from the given choices. The choices here are not exact answers, but inferences about the sentences.
Analytical Writing Assessment Section
This section is tailored to test the writing skills of the candidate. The test consists of two essays - one to analyze an argument and the other to analyze an issue. Each essay should be completed within 30 minutes. The score scale for this section starts off at 0 and ends at 6.
How
is GMAT score arrived at ?
The AWA is graded on a scale of 0-6 in 0.5
increments while the Integrated Reasoning section is graded on a scale of 1-8
in one point increments. The Quantitative and Verbal sections together give a
scaled score out of 800. This scaled score is based on:
·
The number of
questions you answer.
·
Whether you answer the
questions correctly or incorrectly.
·
The level of
difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question.
Given that the GMAT is a computer adaptive
test, you must bear in mind that the questions in an adaptive test are weighted
according to their difficulty and other statistical properties, not according
to their position in the test.
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