Mastering GMAT Verbal Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Speaker: Marty Murray, Chief Curriculum and Content Officer for Target Test Prep.
• Focus of the session: Mastering GMAT verbal.
• Importance of effective preparation for achieving score goals, regardless of starting point.

Current Events and Fundraising

• Acknowledgment of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
• Encouragement to donate to charities supporting Ukrainian refugees.

Session Overview

• Duration: 3 hours.
• Structure: Master class on GMAT verbal, covering Sentence Correction (SC), Critical Reasoning (CR), and Reading Comprehension (RC).
• Prizes: GMAT Club test subscriptions and Target Test Prep subscriptions to be given out.

Understanding GMAT Verbal

• Misconceptions: GMAT verbal is often viewed as a grammar or English test.
• Reality: It is a sophisticated logic game.
• Preparing effectively means using logic as the foundation for studying.

Key Moves for Mastering GMAT Verbal

1. Learn Rules and Concepts

   • Essential for understanding the game.
   • Memorization is necessary, but understanding logic behind rules enhances retention.

2. Learn Strategies

   • Applying rules and concepts effectively is crucial.
   • Discussed importance of strategies in achieving high scores.

3. Practice Effectively

   • Focus on quality practice, not just quantity.
   • Analyze mistakes to improve.

Sentence Correction (SC)

• Importance of understanding SC rules and concepts.
• Strategies for analyzing sentences:
  • Read sentences literally to determine meaning.
  • Identify issues and articulate why choices are correct or incorrect.
• Example SC Question Analysis:
  • Identified logical connections in sentences and related clauses.

Critical Reasoning (CR)

• Understanding effective strategies is crucial for answering CR questions.
• Key concepts include:
  • Identifying parts of an argument: conclusion, evidence, assumptions.
  • Applying effective strategies for each question type.
• Example CR Question Analysis:
  • Focused on logical relationships between statements and identifying assumptions.

Reading Comprehension (RC)

• Best practices for reading passages:
  • Avoid bogging down in details; focus on main ideas.
  • Read the passage before the questions for context.
• Importance of understanding the passage and being able to summarize key points.

Practice Strategies

• Topic-Focused Practice: Focus on one type of question at a time.
• Timed Practice: Gradually work towards timed conditions without sacrificing accuracy.
• Understanding Every Choice: Analyze each choice in detail, especially in the last two answer choices.
• Be Comfortable with Uncertainty: Accept discomfort and maintain focus on logical reasoning.
• Avoid Careless Mistakes: Double-check understanding before finalizing answers.
• Foster a Growth Mindset: Believe in the ability to improve through consistent practice.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the importance of mastering verbal skills for GMAT success.
• Encouragement to keep practicing and refining understanding of verbal concepts.
• Final notes on the necessity of logical reasoning in all aspects of GMAT verbal.