GMAT Verbal Reasoning
Sharpen your reading and critical thinking skills for GMAT success
What Is the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section?
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT Focus Edition contains 23 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. It measures your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and identify logical relationships.
A significant change in the GMAT Focus Edition is the removal of Sentence Correction questions. The Verbal section now consists entirely of Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions — two question types that more directly assess the analytical reading skills valued by business schools.
The section is computer-adaptive, and you can review and change your answers within the section before submitting.
Two Question Types on GMAT Verbal
Reading Comprehension
You'll read passages of approximately 200 to 350 words on topics ranging from business and economics to science and social issues. Questions test your ability to:
- Identify the main idea and purpose
- Draw inferences from the text
- Understand the author's tone and intent
- Distinguish fact from opinion
- Apply information to new contexts
Critical Reasoning
You'll analyze short arguments of 1 to 3 sentences. Each question requires you to evaluate the logic of the argument by identifying:
- Assumptions underlying the argument
- Evidence that strengthens the conclusion
- Evidence that weakens the conclusion
- Logical flaws and reasoning errors
- Inferences supported by the evidence
Verbal Reasoning Strategies
Read for Structure, Not Details
On Reading Comprehension passages, focus on understanding the overall argument structure rather than memorizing every detail. You can always refer back to the passage.
Identify the Conclusion First
In Critical Reasoning questions, always identify the argument's conclusion before evaluating the answer choices. Everything else in the argument is evidence supporting that conclusion.
Pre-phrase Your Answer
Before looking at the answer choices, predict what the correct answer should say. This prevents you from being swayed by attractive but incorrect options.
Eliminate Aggressively
Most incorrect answers contain extreme language, introduce irrelevant scope, or reverse the logic. Learn to spot these patterns and eliminate quickly.
Struggling with GMAT Verbal?
Dr. Donnelly teaches systematic approaches to both Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Book a free consultation today.
Book Free Consultation