GMAT Exam Pattern 2018
Last Updated -
February 13 2018
GMAT is an online test that assesses the potential of aspirants in four sections, namely, Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning Section, Quantitative Section and Verbal Section. Aspirants are given three and a half hours for these four sections. Analytical Writing assessment section and Integrated Reasoning section receive their independent scores. The total score out of 800 is only for the verbal and quantitative sections.
GMAT Score is accepted by more than 1900 institutions worldwide for admission to more than 5200 management and concerned courses. Besides, the GMAT 2018 candidates must have detailed knowledge of the GMAT Syllabus also. Aspirants should have an extensive idea of GMAT 2018 Exam Format to score well in the test. The time period varies for the various section which has a crucial role in time management during the test.
Highlights of GMAT 2018 Exam Format
Aspirants will get three and a half hours to clear the 4 sections of the GMAT 2018 Exam. The following table gives clear information about the number of sections and time period for each section.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|
| Analytical Writing | Analysis of Argument | 30 minutes |
| Integrated Reasoning Section | 12 questions | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative Section | 37 questions | 75 minutes |
| 15 data sufficiency |
| 22 Problem Solving |
| Verbal Section | 41 MCQs | 75 minutes |
| 12 Critical Reasoning |
| 14 Reading Comprehension |
| 15 Sentence Correction |
GMAT 2018 Analytical Writing Assessment Section
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of GMAT 2018 Exam Format measures the ability of aspirants to think critically and to communicate ideas effectively. During the AWA, aspirants have to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument.
AWA section has a 30-minute essay which comprises Analysis of an Argument. Aspirants are expected to:
- Make use of the right grammar usage while presenting a response.
- Support an response with suitable examples and explanation.
- Figure out the reasoning behind an argument and write a critique of the argument.
- Work out a methodical approach to current an response.
- Consider viewpoints.
- Examine and analyze the given argument.
GMAT 2018 AWA Marking Scheme
The scores for the section are given on a six-point scale. An essay written by aspirants is given two independent ratings and then an average is considered. In case, the difference between both the ratings is more than one point, a third and final rating is offered by an expert reader which is considered as the final score. One of these scorings is done by an automated essay-scoring engine.
GMAT 2018 Integrated Reasoning Section
Integrated Reasoning section measures the ability of aspirants to evaluate information presented in multiple patterns from multiple sources – skills that are needed in the technologically advanced, data-driven world. The Section has 12 questions with thirty minutes to response this section.
This section tests how well aspirants can make use of their analytical skills to solve a complicated problem. In Integrated Reasoning section, aspirants are offered with data in different forms and aspirants are expected to:
- Pick out the relevant information and then choose the right response
- To handle the data skillfully
- To offer multiple responses from the choice offered
The section has the following four various question types:
| Question Type | Representation of Questions | Role of aspirants |
|---|
| Table Analyses | Loads of information in a table pattern is offered. | Aspirants have to pick responses from yes/no, true/false with multiple statements to respond to each question. |
| Graphics Interpretation | A graph or a graphical image is given. | Aspirants have to interpret the graph and clear the statements given by choosing one of the options from the pull-down menu. |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | The data available may be presented either as text or in the form of charts, tables. | Aspirants need to gather information by clicking on the offered tabs (2-3).
The responses can be in the yes/no, true/false pattern or as multiple choice options. |
| Two-Part Analysis | A question and multiple choices offered. | The responses in a table form contain the two components occupying the first two columns and the response options in the third column.
Of all the options offered, aspirants have to choose only one option under each component to clear one response. |
GMAT 2018 Integrated Reasoning Section Marking Scheme
In Integrated Reasoning Section, the score is given on a scale of 1 to 8. 12 questions have to be the response in a time span of 30 minutes.
GMAT 2018 Quantitative Section
Quantitative Section measures the ability of aspirants to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. The level of Mathematics in the GMAT exam is generally of the level in secondary school classes.
This is the third section of the GMAT 2018 Exam Format. Questions generally revolve around basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. This section has multiple choice questions in the following two categories: Aspirants are expected to attempt 37 questions in 75 minutes. The questions are designed to assess math skills of aspirants.
Data Sufficiency Questions
Data sufficiency questions intend to test the ability of aspirants to assess the given data systematically. In these questions, aspirants are given question followed by two statements and five response choices. These response choices always remain the same.
Aspirants can memorize the response choices all including their order and then use logical and analytical skills combined with the quantitative knowledge to check what data is sufficient to find the response. Focus on such questions is about checking the data sufficiency rather than finding the response.
Problem Solving Questions
Problem-solving questions test quantitative skills of aspirants and their ability to solve a problem using the different mathematical concepts.
The number of problems solving questions is generally greater in number.
GMAT 2018 Quantitative Syllabus
Following are some of the important topics that can be expected in the GMAT 2018 quantitative section:
Arithmetic
- Decimals
- Powers and roots
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Ratio and Proportion
- Speed, Time, and Distance
- Multiples and factors
- Pipes, Cisterns and Work Time
- Averages
- Fractions
- Mixtures and Allegation
- Probability
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Sets
- Percentages
- Real Numbers
- Number Systems and Number Theory
- Descriptive statistics
Algebra
- Functions
- Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
- Exponents
- Arithmetic and Geometric Progression
- Permutation and Combination
- Solving Equations by Factoring
- Equations
- Solving Linear Equations with one-Unknown
- Solving Quadratic Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Solving Linear Equations with Two Unknowns
- Algebraic expressions and equations
- Inequalities and Basic statistics
- Monomials, polynomials
Geometry
- Coordinate geometry
- Lines and angles
- Circles
- Quadrilaterals
- Rectangular solids and Cylinders
- Triangles
GMAT 2018 Verbal Section
Verbal section measures ability of candidates to read and understand written material, to evaluate arguments, and to the accurate written material to conform to standard written English.
This is the last section of the GMAT 2018 Exam Format and aspirants have to response 41 multiple choice questions in 75 minutes that fall into one of the following categories:
A. Reading Comprehension
In this section, a passage of approximately 350 words is given on a topic and multiple choice questions based on the same. Aspirants are expected to understand the underlying concept of the passage and grasp the main idea and the relationship between the different entities involved. Aspirants required not have an in-depth knowledge of the topic.
B. Critical Reasoning
There are around 14 critical reasoning questions in the GMAT verbal section. Aspirants have to cautiously go via the argument to logically analyze it and read all the given options cautiously to be able to decide which option would be the best possible response. The passage is given in the form of an argument with five response choices. Aspirants need to
- Sort out the useful information from the irrelevant matter
- Identify the main points that influence, strengthen or weaken the given argument
C. Sentence Correction
In Sentence correction, a sentence is given having an underlined portion and five response choices.
- If the given sentence is correct, option 1 is the response
- Aspirants have to be familiar with the basic rules of English grammar and choose the response which seems the best in compliance with the standard was written English.
Verbal Syllabus
Following are some of the topics that can be expected in the GMAT 2018 verbal section. The topics generally revolve around basic grammar rules.
- Misplaced Modifiers
- The Test Masters Catalog of Idioms
- Pronoun Agreement
- Pronoun Ambiguity
Parallel Construction
- Comparison Words
- Punctuation
- Quantity Words
- Indirect and Direct Speech
- Verb
- The Subjunctive Mood
- Noun Agreement
- Redundancy
- Active and Passive Voice
- Tenses
- Sentence Structure
- Subject/Verb Agreement
GMAT 2018 Books and Preparation Material
Preparation material for GMAT 2018 is listed below:
- GMAT Preparation Software: This is free software for aspirants who have registered with the official website of GMAT. This tool is an experiential tool for the test takers of GMAT as it uses the same technology as to the official exam and offers aspirants with scores.
The different features of GMAT Prep software are:
- GMAT Total, Verbal, Quantitative, and Integrated Reasoning scores
- Ninety free questions – 30 Quantitative, 45 Verbal, and 15 Integrated Reasoning – with responses and explanations
- An extensive math review
- A step-by-step guide to preparing for the GMAT exam
- Two exercise tests with responses
- GMAT Prep Timeline: The tool provides a step-by-step guide to make the individual study plan and comprises different links to tips, products, and advice for improving weak areas and enhancing strengths.
- New! Official GMAT Integrated Reasoning Prep Tool: This is a tool for developing Integrated Reasoning skills. The tool features a set of 48 questions and solutions that will be of tremendous help in developing the IR skills.
The following table comprises a list of books that can be followed to prepare for GMAT 2018:
| Name of the Book | Author | ISBN |
|---|
| The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2017 with Online Question Bank and Exclusive Video | GMAC | 978-8126563883 |
| GMAT 2016 Official Guide Bundle | GMAC | 978-1119101819 |
| GMAT Critical Reasoning (Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides) | Manhattan Prep | 978-1941234013 |
| Kaplan GMAT Premier 2016 with 6 Exercise Tests: Book + DVD + Online + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) PB | Kaplan | 978-1506200262 |
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