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Strategy for Verbal

Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
Expert replies
by bedazzled » Sat Feb 19, 2011 11:16 am
Hi guys

I need help in preparing verbal section. When I attempt to do sentence correction questions, I find myself literally fighting while selecting answer. I guess we can leave the topic whether I choose correct/incorrect answer. Because everytime my stats get different. So I conclude that I need solid base for sentence correction i.e. grammar. And I want to start afresh here ... as my each try to conquer 'grammar world' was futile so far.

Well, I don't know whether I should start from the basics. or advance level. Even if I want to start afresh or advanced ...which books I should consider. I have read Manhattan GMAT Sentence Correction several times. Although, I found that book amazing read but nt a help in my case. I am totally confused right now as I try to learn as many exceptions as I can. But my sources seem to provide me only information that I already know.

English is not my first language but I have studied this subject as a part of my curriculum and achieved decent scores too. But when I attempt GMAT verbal section, I doubt on my self whether I have studied it properly or when I speak, Do I speak correctly or not. I feel devastated everytime I score low in this section. I cannot see any point of scoring so low.

I was not a voracious reader 4 years before, I used to consider people who read as "Bookworms" (no offense here) but since I started reading books, I happen to like reading. Now I read books on daily basis but of my choice. Still I find difficulty while attempting CR & RC. I take hell lot of time to complete this section. And even if I comprehend all of the matter, I do not get all of my answers correct .

As far as I m concern, I have tried almost everything...every new strategy isn't working for me to score well in this section. But I am learning something new everytime. And my conclusion is ...I need proper guidance and correct source to study this section. Help me.

Regards,
bedazzled
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Source: — Verbal Reasoning |

by garuhape » Mon Feb 21, 2011 2:01 am
Hi

I had more or less the same problem as you face now.

I've studied English 9 years at school with good grades. About a month ago I just did one prep exam to know what I'm capable of without studying. As it turned out, SC was my weakness by far.

To improve, I bought the Manhattan Strategy Book which so far helped me a lot. Additionally, you get 6 online prep test for free and a SC question bank. So, it's definitely worth buying this one.

Cheers
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by gmatpill » Fri Feb 25, 2011 1:38 pm
Bedazzled,

I would recommend changing your thinking strategy as you tackle the Sentence Correction questions. From what I have seen, a lot of people like the SC guides you mentioned - it's widely regarded as very good. But I see that you mentioned it was an amazing read but not helping you.

You might want to rethink WHAT exactly could help you. Try to get some tutoring - read magazines daily, news articles, write a blog (tumblr, blogspot, xanga, wordpress) to help you express your thoughts, read other people's blogs. Gradually you will get a better feel.

Also, think about how you best learn. Do you learn best by studying independently? Reading on your own? Does audio help? What about video tutoring?

We have helped a lot of students through video including many that are free. Try these as well as other styles of learning--see which one fits you best.

In general, getting better and being more fluent is a gradual process. Read more and get more tutoring - either casually thru friends or formally through other instruction.
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by VivianKerr » Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:54 am
Hi Bedazzled,

The one great thing about SC is that it tests the same errors over and over again: Pronoun-antecedent agreement, Idioms, Modification, Parallelism, Comparisons, etc.

I suggest you create a comprehensive list of the tested SC errors. Go back through your MGMAT SC and "label" each question by its tested error. If you CANNOT label a question's error that's probably why you got it wrong. Harder SC will involve more than 1 error. Incorrect answer choices often correct the main error of the sentence, while introducing another. If you can start to think along these lines, you'll really see your SC score improve!

This link has some great resources: https://gmatclub.com/forum/new-to-the-ve ... 77546.html

Former GMAT student offers some tips: https://outbeat-the-gmat.blocked/20 ... ammar.html

Some grammar book suggestions: https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-gra ... 79934.html

Free download: https://www.manhattanreview.com/fileadmi ... -Guide.pdf

And here are more Verbal articles than you could ever want :): https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/category ... correction (try to read at least 2-3 a day)

The most successful GMAT students use a variety of resources: the Powerpreps, the OG, MGMAT, Grockit, Kaplan, Beat the GMAT, etc. I wouldn't worry too much about finding the "one" perfect book - it's all cumulative. Good luck!
Vivian Kerr
GMAT Rockstar, Tutor
https://www.GMATrockstar.com
https://www.yelp.com/biz/gmat-rockstar-los-angeles

Former Kaplan and Grockit instructor, freelance GMAT content creator, now offering affordable, effective, Skype-tutoring for the GMAT at $150/hr. Contact: [email protected]

Thank you for all the "thanks" and "follows"! :-)
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by VivianKerr » Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:51 am
Just saw this posted over in Verbal. Yay for more free stuff! :)

https://www.beatthegmat.com/verbal-strat ... t2086.html
Vivian Kerr
GMAT Rockstar, Tutor
https://www.GMATrockstar.com
https://www.yelp.com/biz/gmat-rockstar-los-angeles

Former Kaplan and Grockit instructor, freelance GMAT content creator, now offering affordable, effective, Skype-tutoring for the GMAT at $150/hr. Contact: [email protected]

Thank you for all the "thanks" and "follows"! :-)
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by bedazzled » Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:33 am
Thnak you everyone. Looking forward to links. Will post soon about my performance.
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