Serious help needed- Q48-51 & V11-13

[hmboy17]

Hi guys,

I have started preparing for GMAT from last 40 days. Though I have given few tests before but I would like to talk about my last two tests as they were recent + I have given those tests creating real time test conditions.
I have given 2 Veritas tests and in both tests my math score were Q51 & Q48 respectively (I should have scored more then that but then I still do lot of silly mistakes. Except one question I could have solved every thing in both the tests. Generally I finish my math by 20 min earlier) Now comes the hard part for me in both the test my verbal score were V11 & V13. This was really disappointing to me and making me feels pathetic.
When I analyzed my mistake then I found that I have done mistakes in every section (RC, CR, SC) though I personally used to feel that my CR is really good but after these scores I can not claim that any more. I do not want to go much in score analysis as this is so poor and only reflects that there is so much work needs to be done in all areas of verbal section. Now I am going to give next 6 days to CR and SC stuff before I take another test. But the results of previous test definitely pushed me back though I have to score 700+ but I feel shame to dream for 700+ after scorning V13 in last test.

Ya by the way, I could not really figure it out the question type for CR questions in test, I mean as I said I was really confident on CR but those questions were some thing I have never seen before(Not the assumption, strengthen, weaken, boldface or method…) Possibly I have to work in this area too.

I saw that many of you guys scored a great scores in past so I would like to share my story with you guys. I hope you can give some light so that I can start running towards it.

Thanks every one in advance.

[doclkk]

Hi guys,

I have started preparing for GMAT from last 40 days. Though I have given few tests before but I would like to talk about my last two tests as they were recent + I have given those tests creating real time test conditions.
I have given 2 Veritas tests and in both tests my math score were Q51 & Q48 respectively (I should have scored more then that but then I still do lot of silly mistakes. Except one question I could have solved every thing in both the tests. Generally I finish my math by 20 min earlier) Now comes the hard part for me in both the test my verbal score were V11 & V13. This was really disappointing to me and making me feels pathetic.
When I analyzed my mistake then I found that I have done mistakes in every section (RC, CR, SC) though I personally used to feel that my CR is really good but after these scores I can not claim that any more. I do not want to go much in score analysis as this is so poor and only reflects that there is so much work needs to be done in all areas of verbal section. Now I am going to give next 6 days to CR and SC stuff before I take another test. But the results of previous test definitely pushed me back though I have to score 700+ but I feel shame to dream for 700+ after scorning V13 in last test.

Ya by the way, I could not really figure it out the question type for CR questions in test, I mean as I said I was really confident on CR but those questions were some thing I have never seen before(Not the assumption, strengthen, weaken, boldface or method…) Possibly I have to work in this area too.

I saw that many of you guys scored a great scores in past so I would like to share my story with you guys. I hope you can give some light so that I can start running towards it.

Thanks every one in advance.

Since you're a math fiend, I think shoring up your verbal to a 35+ so then you can be 49/35 isn't tough. 40+ verbal becomes a lot harder but getting to 30+ on verbal shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Critical Reasoning

I feel that sign posting really really helps. Look at Manhattan GMAT's structure of writing premises / counter premises and assumptions on the bottom. I feel that this allows you to become more effective in identifying the logic errors. Most people will look at CR, read the passage, look at the answers, then read the passage again, then eliminate a few more and then read the passage again to eliminate a few more. Sign posting helps accelerate this process.

Sentence Correction

I think all of the books do a good job on explaining the 7-8 errors. If you're looking for a really really quick fix. I think something really simple would be to know the modifiers need to touch the noun their modifying or be as close as possible. Also, knowing subject verb agreement is really important, so identifying the subject and the verb is important. Finally, understand parallelism. John went running, swimming and drinking - etc. SC is the most ... "mathematical" of the three verbal sections.

Reading Comprehension

This section is a skills thing and is tough to learn. One thing that a friend of mine taught me is the MAPS approach. IF you can answer MAPS, you're doing well.

Main Idea
Attitude
Purpose
Supporting Ideas

These are quick fixes. Verbal is tougher to improve than math but its like law of diminishing returns. Getting to a 30 shouldn't be an issue with a little prep. 30+ will be a little tougher. I like Manhattan's approach to verbal but I think Princeton Review explanations of each of the SC errors is a lot more humorous and written with more levity. MGMAT approach is pretty boring and dry but they make good points. T

I wish you the best of luck and enjoy.

To the good life.

[hmboy17]

Thanks Mate.

[canada_sms]

I have given 2 Veritas tests and in both tests my math score were Q51 & Q48 respectively (I should have scored more then that but then I still do lot of silly mistakes. Except one question I could have solved every thing in both the tests. Generally I finish my math by 20 min earlier)

Not to burst your bubble but the math on the Veritas tests are a lot easier than the real GMAT. For some reason it's possible to score 54-55 on those tests since the scoring algorithm is out of whack. A Q48 on Veritas probably translates to about a Q46 on GMATPrep. Use Manhattan or GMAT Prep to get a better idea of where you stand.

That being said, your Verbal needs some serious help so definitely put away the math for a little bit and focus on your fundamentals. Review basic grammar and start to read good quality material (WSJ, Economist, Scientific American) to prep for reading comprehension.

[hmboy17]

thnx for honest view. I completly agree with you on every thing. That veritas math test sucks as well as I need to totally focus to verbal

[4score20]

To improve CR, you might try working some Logical Reasoning problems from the LSAT. These problems tend to be more difficult and often provide better practice.