GMAT critical reasoning - strengthen the argument - practice question

 Try this question

Strategy: 

• Identify conclusion - and the cause and the effect.
• Look for other reasons. that support the conclusion..

To ace the verbal section.. You need to do drills like this...

https://semanticslearning.com/blog/gmat-blog/gmat-gre-critical-reasoning-exercise-1/

If you need help in the GMAT, feel free to ping me.

Can you play with numbers - GMAT math tip

Some question in the GMAT test your ability to reason with numbers. 

That too, in 30 to 45 seconds.

So while preparing for an exam of this caliber,focus on

learning math concepts and math reasoning skills.

One of the math reasoning skills, you must hone, is  Playing  with numbers.

Tip:
Some of the concepts, you must pay attention to, are 
Factors and multiples · Prime and composite numbers · Tests for divisibility · Common factors and common multiples · Prime factorization.....

Try this sum

In an auditorium, 360 chairs are to be set up in a rectangular arrangement with x rows of exactly y chairs each. If the only other restriction is that          10 < x < 25, how many different rectangular arrangements are possible?

A. 4        B. 5         C.6          D.8         E.9

This sum is based on number properties. There are two methods to solve this problem.

Method 1 - the conventional way

You should know the concept of prime factorization.

As per the question

X rows x Y chairs = 360

The product of two numbers = 360

We can say that X and Y are integers.

Now Let's find the prime factorization of 360

360 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 5

 

As per the condition given in the question 

The value of x should lie between 10 and 25.

The value of X should be a combination of the prime factors of 360

360 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 5

Pick few of the above numbers and find the product ( the product should lie between 10 and 25)

2 x 2 x 3 = 12

3 x 5 = 15. and so on...

Hence X can have values 12, 15,18, 20,24

 The pairs are

x = 12 & y = 30
x = 15 & y = 24
x = 18 & y = 20
x = 20 & y = 18
x = 24 & y = 15

There are five such possibilities

 Answer option: B

 

Method 2: Playing with numbers

Let us say you didn’t know the concept of prime factorization, then you can play with numbers and arrive at the answer.

X is a number between 10 and 25

Possible values of x

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

(Product of one of these numbers) x (a new number) should give 360

Did you notice that there are prime numbers in the middle. 

None of the prime numbers divide 360 - 13,17,19, 23

Rule out the primes

Whats left.............

12 14 15 16 18 20 21 22 24

(Product of one of these numbers) x (a new number) should give 360

The number should divide 360 and give an integer.. take one number at a time

360 /12 .. its divisible ... keep it..

360/14 = 360/(7x2) is not an integer ....360 is not divisible by 7.. rule it out

360/16 = 360/(4x4) is not an integer... 360 is not divisible by 4 twice.. rule it out

360/21 = 360/(7x3) is not an integer....360 is not divisible by 7.. rule it out

360/22 = 360/(2x11) is not an integer...360 is not divisible by 11.. rule it out

Whats left..

12 15 18 20 24

Hence 

There are five such possibilities

 Answer option: B

Hope you understood both the methods. Even if you are out of touch with math .. with logic 

you can ace this section...

If you need any help math help in your GMAT prep... Contact me...

My contact details are here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

What next? 

Take a GMAT math diagnostic test

Take a GMAT diagnostic test

 

Take the test here..

Take the Reading comprehension, sentence correction, math and critical reasoning test

Test duration is 10 -15 mins.

Ping me your scores , we can devise a study plan together 

My contact details are here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

 

3 ways to improve your math skills - GMAT math tips

Math is tough for some of us.

The reason - The way, math was taught to us in school or college.

Can it be mastered now?

Yes, you can...

GMAT  mainly tests your mathematical reasoning.

Your ability to 

• reason with numbers and symbols.
• apply principles/formula and solve questions
• evaluate cases or arguments
• strategize for a solution
• identify patterns and use logic
• check data efficacy and more.

So if you are taught skills ( Skills are different from math concepts), you will be fine.

Ping me if you would like to know more about the math skill-development course .

My contact details are here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

So how we do work on our math skills. Here are 3 ways, which can help you hone your general math skills

1.Make math part of your daily life... practice it without even thinking

For example, if a dress that’s regularly $50 is on sale for 30% off, what is the sale price?  

Do simple calculation.

Or if you have to travel 20 miles. You are going at a speed of 20 miles per hour. How long will you take?

2.Use mental math everyday

20+30+45+60 = ??? don’t use calculator.

What is 15 squared or what is 20 squared…

Everyday spend 5 - 10 minutes working on basic computation

 

3.Practice diagramming

Always picture a math problem.

Make few circles/ draw connections/ some stick figures….

Here are sample images for math problems

If you have any queries regarding math preparation.. ping me

Happy learning... 

Tools for 700+ on the GMAT

 

Here are some tools for 700+

1. 4 months of structured preparation

2. Master math concepts 

The math section contains 31 multiple choice questions of two types: Data Sufficiency and problem-solving. Both these question types are intermingled throughout the section.

You will be allowed a maximum of 62 minutes to solve the entire section. This section measures your ability to 

• reason quantitatively, 
• solve quantitative problems and 
• interpret graphic data. 

The questions are derived from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Modern Math.

 

If you haven’t had math at the plus two level, go back to the 9th, 10th level math to get started; slowly graduate to GMAT math. Irrespective of prior knowledge, you can come to a comfort zone in GMAT math in 3 months flat.

If you are weak in math.. Feel free to ping me.. We can do a math foundation course for you

My contact info is here..

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

In arithmetic acquire knowledge of numbers, ratio and proportion, percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time speed and distance, time and work.

In algebra study quadratic equations, linear/ bi-Linear equations, trigonometry. The essentials of Geometry are lines, quadrilateral, circles, polygons, trapezium and mensuration.  Learn how to interpret data graphs, pie charts, bar graphs and casselets and statistics concepts such as mode, mean, standard deviation and median.

3. Reinforce the 25 sentence correction concepts.

 

The verbal section is the toughest section in the test. This section induces undue strain on the test taker. Besides this section is concept intensive unlike any other aptitude test.

Besides, each question type is long sentence or paragraph based requiring extensive reading of verbal information.

Let us take a closer look

The sentence correction questions (12/13) of them tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. You have to choose the option that conforms to standard written English; you have to pay attention to grammar, syntactical constructions, diction, clarity and semantic conformity.

Since GMAT is a standardized test and each question is pre tested on a test taking population we can predict and hence prepare for the test. One can go prepared for the exam with 100 percent conceptual clarity. Moreover if the test taker knows what exactly GMAT tests he can streamline and learn only those selected topics – be it verbal or math.

 

4. Internalize the tactics for critical reasoning question types

Critical reasoning tests one’s ability to discern verbal data and draw inferences, conclusions and underlying assumptions from them. Besides, it also tests one’s skill in evaluating the logic of arguments. Interestingly GMAT has been designed for a 25+ age group and hence, those who are younger need to put in much more time in preparation than those in the 25+ age group. CR necessitates wide reading of and knowledge in subjects as varied as economics, sciences, research, humanities and the like.

 

Critical reasoning is one scoring area where you can maximize your performance.

In this section you are given a short paragraph, an argument, followed by one or occasionally two questions. You must analyse the argument, understand the given data and answer the question that follow.

In our analysis of critical reasoning testing over a decade we have derived the following insights into the area.

 

• That one needs to know the basics of formal logic.
• That there is a whole domain of knowledge that can be applied to this area of testing
• That it is possible to derive generalizable and transferable tactics to solve each of the question
• That it is possible to anticipate question types in the actual test.
• That it is possible to use principles of test construction to gauge the difficulty level of a question
• That reasoning is like math in which you can hit 100%.accuracy
• That transfer of learning happens when each tactic is reinforced through practice.
• That the question types require varied pacing, enabling one to ensure accuracy in high weightage questions

5. Maximize practice on data sufficiency questions

Data Sufficiency is designed to measure your ability to:

1.   Analyze a quantitative problem

2.   Recognize which information is relevant

3.   Synthesize data

4.    Determine at what point there is sufficient information to solve a problem.

Data Sufficiency problems contain a question followed by two statements followed by labeled (1) and (2). You must decide whether the statements given offer enough data to answer the question.

6. Apply all learnt concepts in original official guide questions 

 

7. Read extensively-

 philosophy, art and literature reviews, socio-history, science journals; practice extensively passages with questions

 

8. Write essays employing the strategies appended in the info kit

(write min of 15 argument essays.) Have them reviewed by a est expert. It would also be prudent to make preliminary notes on each of the pre-disclosed essay prompts.

 

9. Plan remedial learning for weaker topics.

 

10. With every computer- based test, take the essays( do not get habituated to math and verbal alone) 

This trains your thinking for 3 hour GMAT!!

 

11. Repeatedly solve GMAT official guide ( but only after thorough logic building)

 

 

12. If you are not a systematic self- learner, take up quality training from an experienced GMAT trainer.

You can schedule a counselling session with me.

You can schedule an appointment by filling your details here 

If you need help in GMAT.. Feel free to contact me here

 

How can I get a scholarship to study MBA?

 A Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree can help you  

• enhance your career opportunities
• achieve better salary, promotions
• change careers.

How can you fund your MBA? 

There are many options for financing your MBA abroad. It’s always better to think about multiple options, rather than depending on only one or two. 

Top Business Schools do offer generous scholarships to international students. But not everyone will end up with a free-ride (full scholarship). You also can avail bank loans

You need to pay the tuition fee. 

You also need to factor in your living expenses as well. 

You do need to think about your financing options early. It is as important as selecting the right business school or crafting your MBA essays in a compelling way. 

You can get scholarship 

• at the initial stage (admission process)
• after admission (few months after your course starts)

so how do you get the scholarship ?

5 Steps to get an MBA scholarship:

1. Research,  comb through financial aid sites and scholarship listings.
2. Look for scholarships in external sources, such as community groups and other organizations.
3. Get a great GMAT score.
4. Tailor scholarship applications to the scholarships you're applying for. ...
5. Apply early

So what are your scholarship options..

Scholarship options:

Category 1: Scholarships Awarded while applying to the B-school.

1. Merit based

Merit-based scholarships are generally offered to students with outstanding academic performance based on undergraduate GPA, standardized test scores or exceptional professional achievement. 

2. Dean's Scholarship

The Dean’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships and is awarded to a limited number of the most meritorious admitted students. This scholarship which covers full tuition and fees is presented in the name of Dean  and affords the opportunity to connect directly with Dean 

3. Faculty scholarship

 The Faculty Scholarship is designed to pair some of the most meritorious students with some of the college’s most distinguished and prestigious faculty. This scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees, matches admitted students based on their background and interests with a designated faculty member in that field.

4. Corporate (national and international)

This Fellowship (covers full tuition and fees and is awarded in conjunction with a partner organization). Students from various ethnic groups can apply.  Each college has its own partner organization. 

5. Diversity and  Gender-based

Diversity and Gender-based MBA scholarships help promote diversity in the student body of MBA programs. These scholarships help increase representation and advance the interests of traditionally underrepresented communities in MBA programs.

6. Country specific

Country of origin-specific - These are the scholarships that are awarded to international students planning to attend a study abroad program from a particular country. These are awarded as a motivation for students from that country of origin, to study in that college. You will have to check with government-sponsored education websites or student bodies to study to see what scholarships are available. 

7. Subject specific

Subject-based scholarships are awarded by colleges or government institutions to students according to the particular major or field of study they want to pursue. These scholarships require the applicant to be enrolled in the subject-specific courses while abroad. 

8. Need based

A few top business schools provide only need-based scholarships and fellowships to students who have received an admit. 

Need is determined based on the candidate’s 

• income from the last N years
• assets owned 

also from the external fellowships and scholarships received as well as the cost of MBA program …

9. International non-profit

Some college seek executives who are working in non-profit organizations. The college would fund your MBA program, so that you could, in the future, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of these non-profit organizations. The scholarship will provide the successful candidates with a tuition waiver of up to 25% of the total tuition costs for the MBA Program.

Category 2:  Scholarships awarded after admission 

Some scholarships are awarded to Full-time MBA students,  typically during their first semester. They are.. 

1. Research and Teaching assistantship

These assistantships are a way of financially assisting your educational expenses by working in part-time positions within the university. 

You may either be offered a monthly stipend and sometimes a reduction in the tuition amount.

Teaching assistantships involve assisting a professor in administrative or teaching tasks such as grading assignments, conducting office hours, etc. Teaching assistants generally help professors with undergraduate or in some cases graduate-level courses.

Research assistantships involve assisting members of the faculty with a research project. The nature of work depends on the specific research project.

 

2. Donor Awards for Second-Year Students

Through the generous support of alumni and friends, you have another opportunity to receive funding in your second year of the MBA program. All students are considered for second-year awards based on merit and the criteria specified by the donor. No application is necessary.

What next?

You can schedule a counselling session with me.

I can do a profile check...

I can also suggest ways of building your profile. 

You can schedule an appointment by filling your details here 

if you need help in GMAT.. Feel free to contact me here

My contact info is here..

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

5 study tips for GMAT preparation

 

GMAT is one of the most revered standardized tests, dreaded by most, tamed by some, few have a clear understanding of how and how long to prepare for the test. Any gap in preparation and you are in for a shock; retake a costly mistake. Do it right the first time itself.

Use every weapon in your armory to improve your score even by 10 points. 

A verbal section has 36 questions on grammar, reading comprehension and critical reasoning. and a math section that comprises 31 questions based on fundamental math concepts and data sufficiency.

Here are 5 study tips which can help you prepare for the GMAT.

1. Be systematic in your preparation

Study daily. 

Devote 30 to 60 minutes.

A sample 60 min daily schedule

Day 1:

30 mins- reading comprehension practice

15 mins – Revise sentence correction rules. Apply SC rules in questions

15 mins- Revise number system concepts. Apply number system concepts on practice sums

Day 2:

30 mins- reading comprehension practice

15 mins – Revise critical reasoning rules. Apply CR rules in questions

15 mins- Revise geometry concepts. Apply geometry concepts on sums

repeat...

2. Focus on building accuracy first… speed later

You have 36 question in the verbal section. You need to complete the section in 65 mins. 

You got less than 2 minutes per question.

When you start your prep you might take 10 minutes to solve a math question or  

30 minutes to read and answer the questions in a reading comprehension passage.

Do not worry. Take you time. Focus on getting all the questions correct.

When you review the questions again, look for

• alternate approaches while solving a math question. These approaches can minimize problem solving time.

         Check this blog post.... I have solved this math sum in two ways. 

         One takes less time than the other. 

• clue words which can help you identify SC errors fast
• cue words, which can help you make inferences, while analyzing Reading comprehension passages ….

When you identify these clues, you will be able to arrive at an answer faster.

So be patient. 

Seek help if you need more speed-building techniques  ..

My contact info is here..

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

3. Aim to finish you prep as soon as possible

The top scores in the GMAT spend 120+ hours, on average. 

The length of each study session can be 1 hr to 2 hrs, depending on your attention span.

Do not prolong your preparation, you might get demotivated. 

4. Use the right study material

Your study material should have

1.  in-depth concept discussion 

2.  practice questions

3.  test taking strategies

Some of you might require additional material, apart from the GMAT course material. For example

• basic math refresher course 
• basic verbal course 
• basic course on reasoning.

Do your research and choose the right material. 

We, at semantics, have designed course-ware for GMAT aspirants with no prior preparatory experience. Covering all areas of testing extensively, the course package provides all learning material required and experiences ideal for you to master the exam and score high.

Click here to find more info on our courses…  

5. Follow a study plan

Before you start your preparation, you need to make a study plan. 

This is not a test that you can cram for. To ace the GMAT you need to study daily. 

You need to gradually build your skills and stamina, so that you can hit peak performance on test day.

Remember GMAT tests more than the formulae in math and grammar rules in the verbal 

GMAT tests your ability to 

• Make decisions 
• Think critically
• Reason with numbers
• Identify patterns and so on

If you need help in making a study plan. Feel free to contact me..

Happy learning...

10 must NOT DOs for GMAT reading comprehension

 

10 must NOT DOs for GMAT reading comprehension

1.Reading only for the topic

Read for the author’s opinions running parallel to the topic as well

2.Concentrating on the specific details

Higher weight-age questions demand overall intent, flow and tone of the passage.

3.Choosing a stated idea for inference question

The answer to an inference question is never explicitly stated in the passage; it is implied

4.Taking the notes too far

One way to keep track of a long passage is by making thought flow chart; use symbols arrows to show relationships

5.Losing track of ‘who says what’

The passage may present multiple perspectives- of the author’s, someone else’s ( being quoted)..

6.Overlooking the question stem.

Some question stems are simple, yet others roundabout. ensure that you are clear what the question asks.

7.Undermining the need to build vocabulary

One third of the RC questions demand word knowledge…. Skepticism, laudatory, archaic, condescending…these all appear

8.Over reading

Skip, examples, specific details, long parenthetical statements….

9.‘ NOT SEEing crucial words- Only, except, not in the question stem

10. First reading- a slow ‘thorough’ reading

The first reading can be a faster skimming, for the main points of discussion.

If you need help in GMAT verbal preparation, Feel free to ping me..

My contact link is here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

Happy learning

 

GMAT preparation - 4 things to do before you start your prep

 

Here are 4 must to do activities, if you are starting your GMAT preparation today.

Activity 1: Take a free GMAT starter test

Here is the link

https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit-practice-exams-1-and-2-free

Analyze the scores. Don’t look at the answers, as you will need to do this same test again. 

Observe the number correct vs number wrong.

If you need in-depth analysis, send me the scores... 

Book a web-meeting here: Fill this form . mention your scores.

Activity 2: Self-introspect- Do I self-study or Do I go for coaching?

Tricky question.

Keep these pointers in mind while taking a call.

Time 

If you are starting cold, you will spend significant time to get into the GMAT thinking mode. 

Under a mentor: 

The time to get into prep mode will be faster, as there will be knowledge transfer from the tutor. 

 

Material

If you search for GMAT material, you will get plenty of options. Book/videos/tests/etc…. Which material is sufficient? Which material is apt for you?

Under a mentor:

The tutor will assess you and give you the right resources based on your strengths and weakness. Focus your energy on preparation instead of resource collection....

 

Study plan

 How many hours do I study, what do I study first…. What do I study next…

Under a mentor: 

The tutor will design a comprehensive custom study plan. The plan will bring a structure to your preparation.

 

Doubt clarification

There are lots of forums where you can post your doubts and get them clarified. However, a mentor will help you if

• Your mock test scores have plateaued
• You are not able to understand the solution given in the resources material
• You need a different approach for the problem, if you are not able to understand the given..

Under a mentor: 

A tutor will clarify your doubts and help you cross the chasm..

 

 Accountability

You will get results, only if you are accountable. If there is no accountability, then you will be preparing with no targets. No end dates.

 Under a mentor: 

A tutor will set realistic milestones. When you cross the milestone, you will be motivated to work towards the next milestone….

Activity 3: Make  a time-table

Keep roughly 20+hrs per week for preparation.  

• 1/3rd  the time - understanding concepts. 
• 1/3rd the time -  doing area wise tests. 
• 1/3rd the time - analyzing your performance and using alternate approaches to solve questions. 

Activity 4:Work on additional skills

 While preparing for a competitive exam like GMAT, you need to focus on additional skills such as

1. Time management
2. Decision making
3. Lateral thinking
4. Critical reading
5. Stress management

And more…

Solving only math and verbal questions  will not help you ace the exam. Your test taking skills also matters.

If you need help in GMAT preparation, Feel free to ping me..

My contact link is here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

Happy learning

 

GMAT math thinking skills - 9

GMAT tests your logical skills as well as your knowledge of math concepts.  To score high, you need to remember various formulas, theorems. Also you need to master critical problem-solving skills.

Today I am going to  take you through one problem -solving skill –

Attention to detail

Take this problem .

I am going to show you, two ways to solve this sum

Method 1 :  The traditional approach

You need to choose the numbers which negate each other

For example Row 6 column 6 = 36.

Row 5 column 6 = -30 and  Row 1 column 6 is -6

So 36+ (-30-6) =0.

You need to choose the right numbers

 Add the remaining numbers you will get the answer

I have highlighted the different combinations with letters

1J	-2I	3H	-4J	5D	-6A
-2	4G	-6C	8G	-10I	12I
3J	-6B	9H	-12H	15E	-18B
-4F	8G	-12F	16F	-20E	24B
5E	-10	15	-20G	25D	-30D
-6	12	-18C	24C	-30A	36A

 

Numbers left =  12 15  -6 -10 -2

Sum = 9

This method takes a long time

Method 2: Pattern recognition

This approach is a lot faster.

If you look at the numbers column-wise can you see a pattern(ignore signs)

column 1: 1 2,3,4,5,6

column 2: 2x1,2x2,2x3,2x4,2x5,2x6 

.

.

column 6: 6x1,6x2,6x3………..6x6

When the signs are inserted, then a pattern emerges  i.e. = 1-2+3-4+5-6

lets calculate the sum of the repeating pattern 1-2+3-4+5-6 = -3

Hence column 1 adds upto -3

Next column will be -2+4-6+8-10+12 = -2 x(1-2+3-4+5-6)= -2x-3 = 6

Next column will be 3 x(1-2+3-4+5-6)= 3 x-3 = -9

Next column will be -4 x(1-2+3-4+5-6)= -4 x-3 = 12

Next column will be 5 x(1-2+3-4+5-6)= 5 x-3 = -15

Next column will be -6 x(1-2+3-4+5-6)= -6 x-3 = +18

Answer = -3+6-9 +12-15+18 = 9

If you want to maximize your math scores in the GMAT.. Lets have a chat...

My contact link is here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

Lets try another sum

Solution is here

http://letsgmat.blogspot.com/2020/11/gmat-math-thinking-skills-7.html

 

3 essential skills to ace GMAT verbal

 

If you are starting your GMAT preparation  then you need to work on concepts and develop skills. 

So what are the skills?

Here are 3 essential skills which are required to ace the GMAT verbal

1. Writing a summary – rewording a paragraph in your own words

2. Observing the structure of the passage

3. Identifying clue words. 

These are 3 of the 10 major skills, you need to hone during GMAT preparation. 

If you need any help in GMAT preparation. Ping me.

My contact link is here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

Now, let us understand each skill in detail.

Skill 1: Write a summary

This skill involves rewording the paragraph in your own words.

While reading a paragraph, you need to observe

• the main points of the paragraph.
• an “opinion” or a “feeling” statement (for example: Author's opinion)

A summary should be 1 or 2 lines long. 

Lets take an example

Example 1

There are times when the night sky glows with bands of color. The bands may begin as cloud shapes and then spread into a great arc across the entire sky. They may fall in folds like a curtain drawn across the heavens. The lights usually grow brighter, then suddenly dim. During this time the sky glows with pale yellow, pink, green, violet, blue, and red. These lights are called the Aurora Borealis. Some people call them the Northern Lights. Scientists have been watching them for hundreds of years. They are not quite sure what causes them. In ancient times people were afraid of the Lights. They imagined that they saw fiery dragons in the sky. Some even concluded that the heavens were on fire.

 

Summary:

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are bands of color in the night sky. Ancient people thought that these lights were dragon on fire, and even modern scientists are not sure what they are.

 

Notice:

There are times when the night sky glows with bands of color. The bands may begin as cloud shapes and then spread into a great arc across the entire sky. They may fall in folds like a curtain drawn across the heavens. The lights usually grow brighter, then suddenly dim. During this time the sky glows with pale yellow, pink, green, violet, blue, and red. These lights are called the Aurora Borealis. Some people call them the Northern Lights.Scientists have been watching them for hundreds of years. They are not quite sure what causes them. In ancient times people were afraid of the Lights. They imagined that they saw fiery dragons in the sky. Some even concluded that the heavens were on fire.

 

1. The lines in blue is factual information. 

In GMAT they rarely ask you questions based on  factual information. So this part can be ignored.

2. The line in red is the main idea. 

The whole paragraph talks about Aurora Borealis. So main idea can be “description of Auora Borealis”

Further 

3. You can notice two opinion statements. These lines are underlined.

Opinion 1: Scientists are not sure, what causes them

Opinion 2: Ancient people are afraid.

So the summary of this paragraph has two components:  main idea+ opinions.

Some paragraphs may not have opinions. 

Note*

In your preparatory phase, take notes. Write down the summary of each paragraph. When you start taking computer adaptive tests, you wont have time to jot down the summaries on paper. Instead, you will be able to frame the summaries in your mind.(To reach this stage, you need to do extensive practice though.)

What next?

Do a Reading comprehension skill building exercise.... Click here.....

Skill 2: Observe the structure of the passage

It is imperative you observe the structure/layout of the passage. 

You need to identify the link/relationships that connect the lines in the paragraph.

For example a paragraph may follow this structure

• Line 1: Conclusion (main point, author is trying to prove)
• Line 2: Reason 1
• Line 3: Reason 2
• Line 4: Example

Or

• Line 1: Claim ( a view without evidence)
• Line 2: Counter conclusion (main point, author is trying to prove)
• Line 3: Reason 1 for the counter conclusion
• Line 4: Example for the counter conclusion

So on and so forth

This skill(identifying the layout) is essential to ace the critical reasoning and the reading comprehension section of the exam

Let us take an example and observe the layout

Read the passage and write the layout

Purebred cows native to Mongolia produce, on average, 400 liters of milk per year; if Mongolian cattle are crossbred with European breeds, the crossbred cows can produce, on average, 2,700 liters per year. An international agency plans to increase the profitability of Mongolia’s dairy sector by encouraging widespread crossbreeding of native Mongolian cattle with European breeds.

The layout of the passage is as follows:

Purebred cows native to Mongolia produce, on average, 400 liters of milk per year; if Mongolian cattle are crossbred with European breeds, the crossbred cows can produce, on average, 2,700 liters per year. An international agency plans to increase the profitability of Mongolia’s dairy sector by encouraging widespread crossbreeding of native Mongolian cattle with European breeds.

 

1. Underlined line in brown is the objective /conclusion

2. Line in red is the plan/ reason which leads to the conclusion

3. Line is green is a hypothetical opinion

Note*

To tackle a critical reasoning question, you need to identify the conclusion first.

So layout here is

• Line 1: claim
• Line 2: conclusion
• Line 3: plan

Lets take a complex passage

Rain-soaked soil contains less oxygen than does drier soil. The roots of melon plants perform less efficiently under the low-oxygen conditions present in rain-soaked soil. When the efficiency of melon roots is impaired, the roots do not supply sufficient amounts of the proper nutrients for the plants to perform photosynthesis at their usual levels. It follows that melon plants have a lower-than-usual rate of photosynthesis when their roots are in rain-soaked soil. When the photosynthesis of the plants slows, sugar stored in the fruits is drawn off to supply the plants with energy. Therefore, ripe melons harvested after a prolonged period of heavy rain should be less sweet than other ripe melons.

 

Now draw a layout

 Check your answer here

Can you see how the lines are inter-connected?

Line 1 leads to line 2… which leads to line 3…and so on.

The last line is the conclusion.

So focus on the layout of the paragraph

Skill 3: Identify clue words

 

There are clue words which are strategically placed in the given paragraph.  These words can help you identify the relationships between lines.

Some of the clue words are

 And,because,hence,thus,therefore, yet….

 Lets take an example

 I got fever because I ate ice cream.

Here “because” indicates a cause and an effect. 

 

I ate ice cream is the reason ..I got fever is the effect

Now lets take a sentence correction question

 

A peculiar feature of the embryonic mammalian circulatory system is that in the area of the heart the cells adhere to one another, beating in unison yet adopting specialized orientations exclusive of one another.

 Here the clue word is “yet”

“beating in unison” yet “ adopting specialized”

 Here “yet” is used as a conjunction . It means but or nevertheless. 

In-spite of beating together the heart cells adopt different orientations which are not related

 

What next?

Do a sentence correction skill building exercise Click here.....

These are 3 of the 10 major skills you need to hone while preparing.

If you need any help in GMAT preparation. Ping me.

 

Happy learning!.