Begin by reading the background information. You will find that you will learn a great deal by reading the discussion of the answer choices for each question. Remember, learning to play the "GMAT Game" involves learning how to read and compare "multiple choice" answer choices.

Reading and problem solving skills are tested in the context of multiple choice. Multiple choice is a great thing. The "credited response" is directly in front of your eyes. You don't have to arrive at the answer on your own. You don't even have to understand why the answer is right. All you need do is recognize that one of the answers is correct (or on some sections most correct or least wrong). In many cases this can be accomplished simply by eliminating clearly wrong answers. In fact, I will promise you that:

If you spend more time looking at the answer choices and less time obsessing over the questions you will improve your GMAT score!

Therefore, a major part of GMAT training involves learning how to play the multiple choice test game! You will see that my discussion of the 33 sample GMAT questions is overwhelmingly focused on the answer choices and not on the questions!

The GMAT is administered on computer in the form of a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). There are two 75 minute multiple choice sections (one verbal and one quantitative) and a 60 minute writing exercise (during which you will write answers to two questions). The 75 minute quantitative section is intended to have 37 questions and the 75 minute verbal section will have 41 questions. For more information, I suggest that you check out the GMAT web site at www.mba.com.

A. Data Sufficiency

B. Problem Solving

For each of these two question types the "best answer" will be objectively correct. Therefore, you eliminate answer choices because they are simply wrong. Think on a "black and white" level. I.e. right versus wrong.

A. Critical Thinking

B. Reading Comprehension

C. Grammar And Usage

For each of these three question types the "best answer" will simply be the best of the available choices. It may or not be (and usually won't) be objectively correct. Therefore, when eliminating answers you eliminate because one answer choice is worse than another. Think on a "better versus worse" level. You must "compare and contrast" the answer choices.

2. Analysis Of An Argument - 30 minutes

There is good news and bad news. The bad news is that you will have to input your answers using the word processing program provided. The good news is that you won't have to worry about the quality of your handwriting. The essays are scored on a scale of 0 - 6. Because the Analytical Writing Test is not multiple choice, I have not included a discussion of it as part of this tutorial.

Part II - Question Based Tutorial

Introduction

Have a look at the sample passage. You will see that the lines are numbered. There have traditionally been three types of reading comprehension passages - applied science, social science and something closer to the humanities.

The passage itself is just an excuse to provide stimulus for one of six types of questions. Each question is of course followed by five multiple choice answer choices. The reading comprehension test lies in your ability to read, understand and compare the answer choices! Therefore, the most basic rule is:

Never select an answer until you have read every word of every choice!

It is unlikely that you will have time to read the passage more than once. You will find that the passage is rather dense and boring. In most cases you will read it and feel that you have not absorbed enough information to begin the questions. Generally, speaking you will have absorbed enough information to recognize what the answer cannot be!

Turn to the sample reading comprehension passage and try questions 1 - 6. Remember to read every choice and to compare the answer choices on a "better versus worse" basis. When you are ready for a discussion simply click on the appropriate question.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Begin by reading the directions. As you can see they are almost useless. The best answer is not necessarily objectively correct. It is simply the choice that is remaining after the other choices have been eliminated. Reading every word of every choice and think on a "better versus worse" basis. The questions are based on very short readings. Some contain arguments and other do not.

Tip: Begin with the question itself. First, it may tell you something about the nature of what you have to read (for example is it an argument or not). Second, the language in the question will tell you what aspect of the passage you should be concentrating on. For example, is it an assumption, inference, objective description, etc?

Turn to the sample critical thinking questions and try questions 7 - 12. Remember to read every choice and to compare the answer choices on a "better versus worse" basis. When you are ready for a discussion simply click on the appropriate question.

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

Question 10

Question 11

Question 12

Introduction

Begin with the directions. You will see that they are complex. Your job is to categorize questions on whether the answer can be determined, and if so, by virtue of what combination of statement(s). Most people find this section to be the most complicated one on the GMAT. However, it is extremely "menu driven" and is therefore particularly susceptible to short term improvement. Rather than get into a lengthy discussion concerning approach, I would rather set you loose on the questions. You will be able to discern an approach from the discussion.

1. Try not to actually answer the questions. The issue is could somebody answer the questions if he/she had some reason to do so.

2. The directions are based on a geometry question. In data sufficiency geometric figures may not be drawn to scale. In other words GMAT may attempt to confuse you by distorting the figure. Don't assume that the figure is drawn property. (Note also that different rules respecting geometric figures apply in the problem solving section.)

Turn to the sample data sufficiency questions and try questions 13 - 19. Remember to approach each of the statements independently. When you are ready for a discussion simply click on the appropriate question.

Question 13

Question 14

Question 15

Question 16

Question 17

Question 18

Question 19

Introduction

Begin with the directions. You are looking for one objectively correct answer. You will note that (contrary to data sufficiency) there is a presumption that the figures are drawn accurately. Remember that one of the answer choices must be correct. Your job is to find it. You can do this either by eliminating wrong answers or by looking for a right answer. I suggest a combination of both. For each question I will have two kinds of explanations. First, I will explain the question in terms of the math. This will include an identification of the math skills that are required. Second, I will show you how to arrive at the answer by working the answer choices and not by solving with math. I will refer to this as the "Multiple Choice Is Your Friend" solution.

Turn to the problem solving questions and try them. When you are ready for some discussion click on the appropriate question.

Question 21

Question 22

Question 23

Question 24

Question 25

Question 26

Introduction

Most of the questions on this part of the test are based on problems of "agreement." I.e. subject-verb agreement, parallelism, etc. As the directions state this is a test of effectiveness and correctness of expression. Look for a choice that is clear and exact. The requirement of clearness and exactness means that you must eliminate choices that are awkward, ambiguous or contain redundancy or grammatical errors. Remember that "Multiple Choice Is Your Friend." You have to select one of the five choices. You don't have to be able to recognize the category of error to know that a choice contains an error. Think in terms of "better versus worse."

Turn to the grammar and usage questions and try them. When you are ready for the analysis click on the appropriate question.

Question 27

Question 28

Question 29

Question 30

Question 31

Question 32

Question 33

First, I urge you to obtain the most recent copy of the Official Guide For GMAT Review. It is published by GMAT and is a source of actual GMAT questions. This is essential for all GMAT test takers.

Second, I teach live courses. My live courses are always available in Toronto and in any other city by request. Send me an e-mail for further information.