Why I'm not a native speaker?.. :(

Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
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Why I'm not a native speaker?.. :(

by GambitOS » Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:35 pm
Hi guys!
I don't know what to do :evil: My verbal part is very poor (approx. 15-20).

So I have only two question to you:
1. How to stay a concentrate person after essay and math part? It's really hard for me. I start click randomly on the answers because I'm tired. Read and solve CR and RC questions is the most difficult task for me. I can inderstand them, but I don't want understand them.
2. How to improve my vocabulary? It's actually important thing for me! I read 3-4 article per day (NY Times, Scientific American), but it's nearly nothing :( I'm really sad.

I don't need very high score. It will be enough 500/550... And I don't want to do better only my math skills... I just need a good comprehension of the English in GMAT and a high level of concentration on the exam.

Thanks a lot...
Source: — Verbal Reasoning |

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by cbenk121 » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:51 am
The test is definitely an endurance. I found when I took my practice test, the essays got me "warmed up", because while they matter, they don't as much as the other two sections. All I'd suggest is to take some more practice exams, and make sure you're well rested. Turn off all distractions (shut your room door, leave the music off, etc). During the break, go to the bathroom, get some water just like you will on test day.

As for not wanting to understand, you just got to have ruthless focus on finding the right answer and moving on. When I find myself get distracted by "hm, this is an interesting article" Or "this is boring", I interrupt that thought and ask my mind "Ok, what is the author saying here?"

As for improving your vocabularly, get yourself the Manhattan Guide to Sentence Correction. I'm a native speaker, but it's been teaching me a lot about the formal rules of English, both confirming things my ear knew, and teaching me new things.

The GMAT really doesn't test vocabulary, and it looks like you're OK with that, because you're reading US articles and your post really didn't use wrong words. I think your weakness lies more in the grammar, which can be improved with the Manhattan Guide.

Good luck!

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by GambitOS » Sun Oct 11, 2009 1:18 am
cbenk121

First of all, you are absolutely right that a lot of practice and concentration is the key point in my situation. I'll work harder...

In addition, I'am agree with you about Manhattan SC! It's really great book! I read it 5 or more times :)

Thanks for your advice!