GMAT Verbal & Essays

Hi all,
The main issue I am facing is with speed in Verbal which is terribly affecting the score. Out of the first 30-31 questions I attempt in verbal, almost 24 - 25 questions get right (6-7 incorrect), but I do not get proper time to do the last 10 questions usually. I am sure, if I manage the time properly, I will get another 6-8 questions correct. How to manage time or increase the speed? I normally score 28-29 in verbal, which could be increased to at least 35 (my GMAT score last year was 630, Q48 V28).

I have improved in all sections of Verbal this time, and have completed OG12, currently doing OG Verbal Review. Will taking another practice test such as Manhattan GMAT Tests will be helpful? Or, any standard Drill which can help in increasing the speed in Verbal? Please advise.

One more thing, as I have very less time left I cannot take all the full test of MGMAT (if I purchase it), so I plan to do only the verbal part of the tests like one Verbal test every alternate day and review it. Is it possible or we need to do the full test (maths and verbal both) to review one of the sections?

I took GMATPrep 1st Diagnostic yesterday and got 640 (Q49, V28) that was quite disappointing as I suffered with the same speed issue.

I hope I will get better in maths (50 or 51) so I need 34+ in Verbal to get 700+ score.

My GMAT is scheduled on 24th October, 2011.

Time management on the test is a topic that needs to be addressed in its own right to ensure success. At Master GMAT we advise our students to use a time management table as they work on practice tests. After each simulation test you can examine your performance vis-a-vis the table, and see how you managed time, and learn to self-correct on the next simulation. This builds up your skill for the test day. It is very important to devote at least two weeks to this process, alongside your final stretch of preparation, as you will be penalized for unanswered questions on the actual test.

The way this is done is by creating a table which coordinates batches of 5 or so question to a 10 minute interval, thus allotting about 2-2.5 minutes per question. One column has the question number in increments of 5, and the corresponding column tells you how much time you have left to complete the section (working backwards from 75 mins to 65 min, in decreasing increments of 10 mins). You solve a batch of 5 questions, then you look at the clock, and you check to see whether you have kept to the table (i.e if the question number you are on allows you 45 more mins till the end of the test, and your clock tells you have 45 min left - you are fine), or whether you have solved too quickly or too slowly. If you appear to be rushing, slow down. If you are behind, you may have to judiciously guess a question in order to get back on track. A delay of 3 mins is already serious.

The advantage of this method is that you monitor your progress as you are simulating the test-taking situation, but you don't look up at the clock after every question, but rather at intervals of 10 mins or so.