GMAT Verbal Reasoning – Format and question types

The GMAT has been a key test for anyone looking to get into business school, and with the business world evolving, so has the exam. On November 7, 2023, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) rolled out the GMAT Focus Edition, an updated version designed to better match today’s business landscape.

One of the most important sections of the test is Verbal Reasoning, which checks how well you can think critically and understand complex reading material—both essential skills for business school and leadership roles. Scoring well on the GMAT, especially in Verbal, can boost your chances of getting into top programs and even earning scholarships.

The GMAT Focus Edition puts more emphasis on higher-order reasoning skills, making it even more important to understand the new format. If you're preparing for the test, being aware of these changes can help you maximize your score and stand out in the admissions process.

Decoding the Format

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT Focus Edition has 23 questions, and you get 45 minutes to complete them. That means you’ll have about 1 minute and 57 seconds per question. The Verbal section makes up one-third of the total GMAT Focus Edition score, alongside Quantitative Reasoning and Data Insights, and all three sections carry equal weight in your final score.

One of the biggest updates in this version of the GMAT is the "Question Review & Edit" feature. This lets you go back and review any question in the Verbal section once you've answered all 23 questions. Plus, you can change your answers for up to 3 questions—but only if you have time left. However, you can’t skip questions, and you only get access to the review screen after completing all 23.

Compared to the classic GMAT (which had 36 Verbal questions in 65 minutes), this new format is more compact, emphasizing efficiency and smart time management. Even though you get slightly more time per question, the shorter overall duration means you'll need a solid pacing strategy to avoid spending too much time on any one question.

The ability to edit answers is a great advantage, but since you’re limited to just three changes, it’s best to be as accurate as possible on the first try. Since the Verbal, Quant, and Data Insights sections all contribute equally to your total score, focusing too much on one section while neglecting another can seriously hurt your performance. A balanced prep strategy across all three areas is key to achieving a strong overall score.  

Exploring the Question Types

The GMAT Focus Edition Verbal Reasoning section now features only two distinct question types: Critical Reasoning (CR) and Reading Comprehension (RC) . A significant change from the previous version of the GMAT is the complete removal of Sentence Correction questions from the Verbal section in the Focus Edition.   

Critical Reasoning (CR)

Description: Critical Reasoning questions present a concise passage, typically containing fewer than 100 words, which introduces an argument or a scenario. Following this passage, a question is posed that requires the test-taker to analyze the logic or understand the implications presented within the passage.   

Skills Assessed: These questions are designed to evaluate a range of critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze and evaluate arguments , identify the main conclusion and the evidence supporting it , recognize underlying assumptions , draw logical inferences and conclusions from the given information, determine how specific pieces of information can strengthen or weaken an argument , resolve apparent paradoxes or discrepancies , assess the effectiveness of plans of action , pinpoint flaws in the logical reasoning of an argument , and understand the specific role that different parts of an argument play.   

Critical Reasoning (CR) questions on the GMAT are all about logical reasoning and critical thinking. Instead of testing what you already know about a subject, they challenge you to break down arguments, analyze their structure, and spot hidden assumptions. To do well, you need a strong understanding of logical principles and the ability to dissect written arguments effectively.

CR questions come in different types—some ask you to strengthen or weaken an argument, while others might require you to identify an assumption, draw an inference, or resolve a paradox. Since each type requires a different approach, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between them. For example, the strategy for weakening an argument won’t be the same as the one for finding an underlying assumption.

The key to mastering CR questions? Practice recognizing argument structures, spotting logical relationships, and applying the right strategy for each question type. By developing these skills, you’ll be able to answer more efficiently and accurately, giving yourself a solid edge on the GMAT.

Question:

A recent study found that students who regularly took handwritten notes in class performed significantly better on conceptual questions in exams compared to those who took notes on a laptop. The researchers concluded that handwriting notes improves students' ability to retain and understand complex concepts.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the researchers' conclusion?

(A) Students who took handwritten notes spent more time reviewing their notes before the exam than those who used laptops.
(B) The study controlled for prior academic performance and found that students with similar GPA scores at the beginning of the semester still performed better if they took handwritten notes.
(C) Some students who initially took notes on a laptop switched to handwriting notes midway through the semester, and their exam scores did not improve significantly.
(D) The students who used laptops for note-taking also used their laptops for unrelated activities, such as browsing social media, during lectures.
(E) Professors in the study encouraged students to take handwritten notes but did not penalize those who used laptops.

Answer Explanation:

The conclusion is that handwriting notes improves retention and understanding of complex concepts. To strengthen this, we need evidence that directly supports the idea that note-taking method (handwriting) itself was the reason for better performance.

(A) suggests a possible alternative explanation (more review time) rather than proving handwriting itself is beneficial. (Incorrect)

(B) shows that even when prior academic ability was accounted for, handwriting still led to better performance, directly supporting the conclusion. (Correct)

(C) suggests switching methods doesn’t have an impact, which doesn’t directly support handwriting being better. (Incorrect)

(D) suggests laptop users were distracted, which means their lower scores might not be due to the note-taking method itself. (Incorrect)

(E) is neutral and doesn’t provide strong evidence for the conclusion. (Incorrect)

Thus, the correct answer is (B).

Reading Comprehension (RC)

Description: Reading Comprehension questions are based on passages that vary in length, extending up to 350 words. These passages often explore topics across a range of disciplines, including economics, science, art, and history. Following each passage, test-takers are presented with 3 to 4 multiple-choice questions.   

Reading Comprehension (RC) questions on the GMAT assess a test-taker’s ability to understand, interpret, and critically analyze written material. These questions go beyond simple reading; they require an in-depth engagement with the passage to grasp both the broader message and the finer details. Candidates must be able to identify the main idea or purpose, recognize supporting details, and make logical inferences based on the given information. Additionally, understanding the organizational structure of the passage, recognizing the author's tone and perspective, and identifying relationships between different ideas are essential skills for success.

Rather than testing knowledge on specific subjects, RC questions cover a wide range of topics, reinforcing the need for strong general reading comprehension skills. The ability to quickly identify the central message and understand how different parts of the passage connect is crucial. Success in this section is not about passive reading but rather active engagement with the text, requiring careful attention to key information and logical progressions within the argument.

Passage:

Scientists have long debated the origins of Saturn’s rings. Some believe they formed from a material that never coalesced into a moon, while others argue they originated from a moon that was torn apart by Saturn’s gravity. A recent study suggests that the rings are relatively young, only about 100 million years old, much younger than Saturn itself. The study’s researchers analyzed data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and found that the rings are composed mostly of ice with very little rocky material, indicating they have not been exposed to cosmic debris for billions of years. If the rings were as old as Saturn, they would likely contain a much higher proportion of rocky material.

Question:

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument that Saturn’s rings are relatively young?

(A) Computer simulations show that a moon breaking apart due to Saturn’s gravity could have formed the rings approximately 100 million years ago.
(B) The density of the rings is much lower than that of Saturn’s known moons.
(C) Other gas giants in the solar system, such as Jupiter and Uranus, also have rings that are primarily composed of ice.
(D) Observations from ground-based telescopes have shown changes in Saturn’s rings over the last few decades.
(E) Data from Cassini indicates that the mass of Saturn’s rings has been decreasing steadily over time.

Answer Explanation:

The argument is that Saturn’s rings are relatively young based on their composition (mostly ice, little rocky material). We need an answer choice that strengthens this claim.

(A) directly supports the idea that the rings could have formed 100 million years ago due to a moon breaking apart, providing a mechanism that aligns with the claim. (Correct)

(B) states that the density is lower, but this doesn’t directly relate to the age of the rings. (Incorrect)

(C) provides information about other planets’ rings, which is interesting but does not directly address Saturn’s ring age. (Incorrect)

(D) discusses short-term changes, which is not relevant to proving the rings' age. (Incorrect)

(E) mentions the mass decreasing, which may be relevant but does not directly support the claim that the rings are young. (Incorrect)

Thus, the correct answer is (A).

Understanding the Scoring Mechanism

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT Focus Edition is scored on a scale of 60 to 90. This score is influenced by three key factors: the total number of questions attempted, the accuracy of responses, and the difficulty level of the questions presented. Since the GMAT Focus Edition follows a computer-adaptive format, the difficulty of questions adjusts dynamically based on a test-taker’s performance. Correct answers generally lead to more challenging subsequent questions, while incorrect responses result in easier ones.

Like the Quantitative Reasoning and Data Insights sections, the Verbal Reasoning section carries equal weight in the total GMAT score, which ranges from 205 to 805. Additionally, percentile rankings are provided for the Verbal Reasoning score, helping test-takers understand how their performance compares to others who have taken the exam.

The adaptive nature of the GMAT Focus Edition makes accuracy a priority in the Verbal section. Because more challenging questions contribute more significantly to the final score, test-takers should focus on deep conceptual understanding and strong problem-solving skills rather than just attempting to answer as many questions as possible. A higher accuracy rate on fewer difficult questions can yield a better score than answering more questions with lower accuracy.

Strategies for Success

To excel in the GMAT Focus Edition Verbal Reasoning section, a multifaceted approach to preparation is essential. This involves not only understanding the format and question types but also adopting effective strategies for both general preparation and for tackling the specific challenges of Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension questions.

General Preparation Strategies: Candidates should begin by thoroughly familiarizing themselves with the overall format of the GMAT Focus Edition, with a particular focus on the structure and timing of the Verbal Reasoning section. It is crucial to ensure that study materials are up-to-date and specifically designed for the GMAT Focus Edition, with an emphasis on Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension content. Taking practice tests that accurately simulate the GMAT Focus Edition experience is vital for building familiarity and confidence. Developing and practicing effective time management strategies and pacing techniques will be key to completing the section within the 45-minute time limit. Test-takers should also learn to utilize the newly introduced "Question Review & Edit" feature strategically, using it to their advantage if time allows at the end of the section. A focus on understanding the fundamental concepts tested in the Verbal section, rather than simply memorizing shortcuts or specific question patterns, will lead to more robust performance. It is also beneficial to identify and actively work on weaker areas by learning targeted strategies and engaging in extensive practice. Reviewing the explanations for both correct and incorrect answers is a critical step in the learning process, as it helps to understand the underlying reasoning and avoid similar mistakes in the future. Simulating real testing conditions during practice sessions can help build the mental stamina required for the actual exam. Finally, managing test anxiety and maintaining a calm and focused mindset are important factors that can positively influence performance.   

Critical Reasoning Specific Strategies: When approaching Critical Reasoning questions, it is advisable to read the argument presented in the passage with precision, paying close attention to identifying the main conclusion, any underlying assumptions, and the overall logical strength of the argument. Quickly identifying the type of question being asked (e.g., strengthen, weaken, assumption, inference) by carefully reading the question stem will help in applying the most appropriate strategy. Before looking at the answer choices, it can be beneficial to try and predict what a correct answer should accomplish, which can help in avoiding misleading or irrelevant options. Evaluating each answer choice strategically and using the process of elimination to discard options that are clearly incorrect is a highly effective technique. Practicing the skill of identifying the different parts of an argument, such as the premises (evidence), the assumptions (unstated information), and the conclusion, is fundamental to analyzing the logic effectively. It is important to rely on clear and logical reasoning when selecting an answer, rather than depending on a vague feeling or "gut instinct". Test-takers should also be wary of simply matching words from the passage to the answer choices; the focus should be on understanding the meaning and the logical relationship between the answer and the argument.   

Common Mistakes to Avoid: There are several common pitfalls that test-takers should be aware of and actively try to avoid in the Verbal Reasoning section. One frequent mistake is guessing between the final two answer choices without thoroughly analyzing why one might be correct and the other incorrect. Rushing through the reading of the question stem is another error that can lead to misinterpreting the question and selecting an incorrect answer. Relying on word-matching, where an answer is chosen simply because it contains words or phrases from the passage, rather than focusing on the underlying meaning and logic, is a common trap. 

In Reading Comprehension, adopting an imbalanced reading strategy, such as either trying to memorize every detail or not reading the passage thoroughly enough before attempting the questions, can hinder performance. Depending on unreliable "hacks" or shortcuts instead of developing genuine verbal skills is also a mistake to avoid. Specifically for Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, it is generally not advisable to read the questions before reading the passage, as this can lead to a less comprehensive understanding of the material. Assuming that a correct answer will always use the exact same wording as the passage is incorrect; often, correct answers will paraphrase the information. In Critical Reasoning, automatically eliminating answer choices that contain "extreme" words like "only," "always," or "never" can sometimes lead to overlooking the correct answer. In Reading Comprehension, trying to save time by only reading the first and last sentences of each paragraph can result in missing crucial information and a lack of overall understanding. Finally, it is important to recognize that Verbal questions are not subjective; there is always a specific, logical reason why an answer choice is correct or incorrect, so relying on what "feels right" is not a reliable strategy.   

Table 1: GMAT Focus Edition Verbal Reasoning Section at a Glance