About Thomson Petersons Thomson Petersons (www.petersons.com) is a leading provider of education information and advice, with books and online resources focusing on education search, test preparation, and financial aid. Its Web site offers searchable databases and interactive tools for contacting educational institutions, online practice tests and instruction, and planning tools for securing financial aid. Thomson Petersons serves 110 million education consumers annually.

For more information, contact Thomson Petersons, 2000 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648; 800-338-3282; or find us on the World Wide Web at www.petersons.com/about. 2004 Thomson Petersons, a part of The Thomson Corporation Thomson Learning is a trademark used herein under license. Editors: Mandie Rosenberg and Joe Ziegler; Production Editor: Alysha Bullock; Composition Manager: Gary Rozmierski; Manufacturing Manager: Ray Golaszewski; Cover and Interior Design: Allison Sullivan. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced or used in any form or by any meansgraphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution, or information storage and retrieval systemswithout the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission to use material from this text or product, submit a request online at www.thomsonrights.com Any additional questions about permissions can be submitted by e-mail to thomsonrights@thomson.com ISBN 0-7689-1486-8 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 06 05 04

First Edition

Petersons.com/publishing Check out our Web site at www.petersons.com/publishing to see if there is any new information regarding the test and any revisions or corrections to the content of this book. Weve made sure the information in this book is accurate and up-to-date; however, the test format or content may have changed since the time of publication.

CreditsThe American Renaissance, by James S. Turner, Humanities, Vol.13, No. 2 (March/April 1992). Published by The National Endowment for the Humanities. Arnolds Double-Sided Culture, by John P. Farrell, Humanities, Vol. 12, No. 3 (May/June 1991), pp. 2630. Published by The National Endowment for the Humanities. The Artful Encounter, by Richard Wendorf, Humanities, Vol. 14, No. 4 (July/August 1993), pp. 912. Published by The National Endowment for the Humanities. The Debate Over Mozarts Music, by Neal Zaslaw, Humanities, Vol. 14, No. 5 (September/ October 1993), pp. 2627. Published by The National Endowment for the Humanities. I Am Christina Rossetti, by Antony H. Harrison, Humanities, Vol. 14, No. 4 (July/August 1993), pp. 3337. Published by The National Endowment for the Humanities. Images of Dorothea Lange, by Therese Thau Heyman, Humanities, Vol. 14, No. 5 (September/ October 1993), pp. 6, 810. Published by The National Endowment for the Humanities. Large Format Expands Little Buddha, by Bob Fisher, American Cinematographer, Vol. 75, No. 5 (May 1994), p. 41. Reprinted by permission of American Cinematographer.

Contents123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 ABOUT THIS TOOL KIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Your Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 About This Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Oh, the Sidebars Youll See. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART I: EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 TO KNOW ABOUT THE GMAT 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 1: The GMATIn a Nutshell . . . . . . . . . 6 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 2: The GMATUp Close . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 PART II: ANALYTICAL WRITING 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 ASSESSMENT 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 3: Analytical Writing Assessment . . . . . . 72 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART III: QUANTITATIVE ABILITY 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 4: Problem Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 5: Data Sufficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 6: Math ReviewNumber Forms, 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Relationships, and Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 7: Math ReviewNumber Theory and 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Algebra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 8: Math ReviewGeometry . . . . . . . . . . 279 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART IV: VERBAL ABILITY 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 9: Critical Reasoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012v

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Chapter 10: Sentence Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Chapter 11: Reading Comprehension . . . . . . . . . . 429 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Take It to the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART V: THREE PRACTICE TESTS 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Practice Test 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Answers and Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Practice Test 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Answers and Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Practice Test 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Answers and Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 577 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 PART VI: APPENDIX 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Determining Your Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 594 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012viwww.petersons.com

About This Tool Kit123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Your Tools 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Petersons Ultimate GMAT Tool Kit provides the complete package you 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 need to score your personal best on the GMAT and get into your 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 top-choice MBA program. Unlike any book previously published, this tool 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 kit contains many features that used to be available only to those who 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 purchased expensive test-prep classes. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 e-Tutoring 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Use the CD to go online to register for one-to-one math help from a live 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 expert when you need it. Tutoring is offered using an online white board 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 shared by you and the tutor that allows you to communicate with one 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 another in real time. However, if you prefer, you can submit your math 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 question instead and receive an answer within 24 hours. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The free tutoring offered with this product is limited to 30 minutes, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 although you may purchase more time if you need it. A written response to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 a submitted questions counts as 20 minutes. The tutoring service is 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 available for six months from the date you register online. The e-tutoring 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 service offered to purchasers of this 2005 edition will expire on January 1, 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2006. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 This service is available 24 hours a day seven days a week for most of the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 year. During the summer it is available from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern time. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Due to low demand, the service is not available during several holiday 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 periods including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, Labor Day, and 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Memorial Day. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Remember, to register for this service you will need the CD that 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 accompanies this book. You will also need to refer to this book to provide 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the access code when prompted. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890121

About This Tool Kit

2

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Essay Scoring 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The CD that accompanies this book allows you to go online to write 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 practice test essays online and receive a score for each of them that 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 approximates your performance on the essays in the actual GMAT. In 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 addition to a score, you will also receive constructive feedback on your 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 essays, including tips to improve your score. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 With this tool kit, you get scoring for 2 practice test essaysone analysis 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 of an issue and one analysis of an argument. If you wish, for a fee, you may 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 obtain scoring information and feedback for additional practice essays 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 you write online. Please note: Your practice test essays will be scored by a 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 computer, but for the actual GMAT test, the essays are scored by a 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 combination of a computer program and a human scorer. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 To register for this essay-scoring service you need the CD that accompanies 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 this book. In addition, you will need to refer to this book to provide the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 access code when prompted. The scoring of 2 essays is offered free to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 purchasers of the 2005 edition and this offer will expire on December 31, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2005. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Computer-Adaptive Tests on CD 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The actual GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT)the test questions 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 you so depend on your performance on previous questions. On the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 CD-ROM that accompanies this book, you will receive 3 practice GMAT 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 CATs that carefully reproduce the experience you can expect on test day. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 The additional three practice tests in the book can be used for further 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 practice. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 About This Book 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Of course, another tool in your Ultimate GMAT Tool Kit is this book 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 itself. It is structured so that you gain proven test-taking strategies to do 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 your best on the exam, a thorough review of all content on the GMAT, and 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 a complete understanding of how to attack the GMAT essays. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Part I: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 about the GMAT 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Part I focuses on the big picture. Here youll learn about the overall 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 structure of the GMAT and what the test sections cover. Youll also 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 examine the directions for each type of question and see what typical test 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 questions look like. Then, youll learn strategies for GMAT preparation as 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 well as general test-taking strategies. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Parts IIIV: Study Guides for the GMAT 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 This books GMAT study guide is unique in that it offers you the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 opportunity to study each part of the exam, and then you can Take It to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the Next Levelusing the section in each chapter that covers advanced 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 topics and concepts you may encounter on the GMAT. Each section covers 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 all four test sections and all general question types and both contain 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 example questions. The unique ability to Take It to the Next Level feature 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 will help you tailor your GMAT prep to your individual needs. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Should You Take it to the Next Level? 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 You should start with the general instruction if either of the following 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 describes you: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Youre a GMAT newbie and you are just beginning your 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 GMAT prep. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The B-school you want to attend doesnt require especially high 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 GMAT scores for admission. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 You can go directly to Take It to the Next Level if youre a repeat GMAT 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 test-taker whose scores were high the first time around but your 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 GMAT goals are now even higher. Of course, regardless of your goals for 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the GMAT and for college admission, you can always work through both 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 levels. In fact, thats what we recommend to anyone with enough study 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 time before exam day. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Part V: Three Practice GMATs 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 In Part V, youll find three full-length, practice GMATs. Each test covers all 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 four test sections and includes a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 questions. To accurately measure your performance on the practice tests, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 be sure to adhere strictly to the time limits for each and every section. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 You can take all three practice tests after completing your self-study (Parts 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 IIIV). Or, you can take one practice test beforehand as a diagnostic tool. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 th 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 If your scores show that you rank above the 80 percentile on a test, you 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 can skip over the basics to Take It to the Next Level for that test. Then, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 after youve completed your self-study, take the remaining two practice 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 tests to measure your improvement. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

3

About This Tool Kit

4

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Oh, the Sidebars Youll See 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Throughout this book youll encounter four different types of sidebars. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 (Flip through this book, and youll see oodles of each one.) Heres a look at 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the types of sidebars youll see: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Warns you about a common testing trick or ploy that might 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 trip you up during the test if youre not careful. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Signals information that may not be a need-to-know fact, 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 but that you might find rounds out your knowledge of the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 topic at hand. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Signals a tip, strategy, or fine point related to the topic or 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 example at hand. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Signals a reference to a concept or other information located 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 elsewhere in the book. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

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PART

I

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the GMATThe GMATIn a Nutshell The GMATUp Close41 6

PART I

Chapter

1The GMATIn a Nutshell123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Your GMAT prep begins with an overview of the test. In this chapter, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 youll: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Learn Key acronyms related to the GMAT. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Look at the overall structure of the GMAT and what each of the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 four test sections cover. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Familiarize yourself with the computerized aspects of the test. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Examine the directions for each for each general question type. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 See what typical test questions look like. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Find out how the GMAT is scored and evaluated. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Find out how your scores are reported to the business schools. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Learn strategies for GMAT preparation. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Learn general GMAT test-taking strategies. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Key Acronyms 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 1. GMAT ( Graduate Management Admission Test ): This standardized 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 test provides graduate business schools (as well as vocational 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 counselors and prospective applicants) with predictors of academic 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 performance in MBA programs. Approximately 850 graduate 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 business schools worldwide require GMAT scores for admission. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Another 450 graduate business schools usebut dont require 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 GMAT scores to access applicants qualifications. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2. GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council): This organiza- 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 tion develops guidelines, policies, and procedures for the graduate 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 business school admission process, and provides information about 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the admission process to the schools and to prospective applicants. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The GMAC consists of representatives from more than 100 graduate 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 business schools. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890126

Chapter 1: The GMATIn a Nutshell

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 3. CAT (Computer-Adaptive Test): Except for some locations outside of 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 North America, the GMAT is now offered only by computer. CAT 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 refers to the computerized version of the GMAT. Taking a computer- 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 adaptive test means that each section of the test starts with a question 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 of moderate difficulty. If you answer correctly, the computer will 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 follow it with a more difficult question. If you answer it incorrectly, 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the following question will be easier. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The GMAT at a Glance 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The GMAT contains three parts: an Analytical Writing Assessment 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 section, a Quantitative Ability section, and a Verbal Ability section. The 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 total testing time (excluding breaks) is 3 hours, 30 minutes. Heres the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 basic structure of the test: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT (Sections 1 and 2) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Analysis of an Issue (1 writing task, 30-minute time limit) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Analysis of an Argument (1 writing task, 30-minute time limit) 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Optional break (5-minute time limit) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 QUANTITATIVE ABILITY (Section 3) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 (37 multiple-choice questions, 75-minute time limit) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Problem Solving (2223 questions) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Data Sufficiency (1415 questions) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Optional break (5-minute time limit) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 VERBAL ABILITY (Section 4) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 (41 multiple-choice questions, 75-minute time limit) 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Critical Reasoning (1415 questions) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Sentence Correction (1415 questions) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Reading Comprehension (1213 questions, divided among 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 four sets) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Sequence of Exam Sections 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Sections 1 and 2 (the two timed essay sections) always appear first (in 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 either order), before the two timed multiple-choice sections. Section 3 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 is always Quantitative Ability, and section 4 is always Verbal Ability. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

7

Part I: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the GMAT

8

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Sequence of Questions in Quantitative and Verbal 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 In each of the two multiple-choice sections, question types are 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 interspersed. Heres a typical sequence for each section (on your 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 GMAT, the sequence might be different): 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 Quantitative Ability (Typical Sequence of Questions) 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 12 Problem Solving 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 37 Data Sufficiency 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 813 Problem Solving 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Question 14 Data Sufficiency 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Question 15 Problem Solving 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Question 16 Data Sufficiency 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 1721 Problem Solving 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 2227 Data Sufficiency 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 2834 Problem Solving 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Question 35 Data Sufficiency 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 3637 Problem Solving 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Verbal Ability (Typical Sequence of Questions) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 13 Sentence Correction 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 45 Critical Reasoning 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 68 Reading Comprehension 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Question 9 Sentence Correction 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 1011 Critical Reasoning 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 1214 Sentence Correction 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 1517 Reading Comprehension 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 1821 Critical Reasoning 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 2224 Sentence Correction 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 2526 Critical Reasoning 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Question 27 Sentence Correction 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 2830 Reading Comprehension 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 3133 Critical Reasoning 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 3435 Sentence Correction 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 36 Critical Reasoning 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Questions 3739 Reading Comprehension 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Question 40 Critical Reasoning 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Question 41 Sentence Correction 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

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Chapter 1: The GMATIn a Nutshell

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Ground Rules 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Here are some basic procedural rules for the GMAT (later in this chapter 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 well cover test-taking procedures in greater detail): 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Once the timed test begins, you cannot stop the testing clock. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 If you finish any section before the time limit expires, you have the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 option of proceeding immediately to the next section. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Once you exit a section, you cant return to it. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Pencils and scratch paper are provided for all exam sections. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 You select a multiple-choice answer by clicking on an oval next to 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the choice. (All multiple-choice questions include five answer 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 choices.) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 You compose both essays using the word processor built into the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 GMAT testing system. (Handwritten essays are not permitted.) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The Four Timed GMAT Sections 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Heres a quick look at what each of the four timed test sections covers. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Later in this chapter, youll see example questions in all of the formats 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 described here. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Analysis of an Issue (1 Essay, 30 Minutes) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 This 30-minute section tests your ability to present a position on an issue 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 effectively and persuasively. Your task is to compose an essay in which you 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 respond to a brief (12 sentence) opinion about an issue of general 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 intellectual interest. You should consider various perspectives, and take a 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 position on the issue and argue for that position. Your essay will be 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 evaluated based on content, organization, writing style, and mechanics 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 (grammar, syntax, word usage, etc.). 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Analysis of an Argument (1 Essay, 30 Minutes) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 This 30-minute section is designed to test your critical-reasoning and 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 analytical-writing skills. Your task is to compose an essay in which you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 critique a paragraph-length argument based on the strength of the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 evidence presented in support of it and on the arguments logic (line of 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 reasoning). You can also indicate what additional evidence would help you 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

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9

Part I: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the GMAT

10

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 evaluate the argument and how the argument could be improved. Like 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 your Issue-Analysis essay, your Argument-Analysis essay will be evaluated 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 based on content, organization, writing style, and mechanics. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Quantitative Ability (37 Questions, 75 Minutes) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 This 75-minute section consists of 37 multiple-choice questions designed 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 to measure your basic mathematical skills; understanding of basic 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 mathematical concepts; and ability to reason quantitatively, solve quanti- 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 tative problems, and interpret graphical data. The Quantitative Ability 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 section covers the following topics: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Arithmetical operations 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Integers, factors, and multiples 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The number line and ordering 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportion 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Exponents and square roots 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 deviation) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Basic probability, permutations, and combinations 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Operations with variables 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Algebraic equations and inequalities 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Geometry, including coordinate geometry 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Algebraic concepts on the GMAT are those normally covered in a 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 first-year high school algebra course. The GMAT does not cover more 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 advanced areas such as trigonometry and calculus. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Each Quantitative question appears in one of two formats (any of the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 topics listed above is fair game for either format): 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 PROBLEM SOLVING questions require you to solve a mathematical 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 problem and then select the correct answer from among five answer 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 choices. Some of these questions will be story problemscast in a 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 real-world setting. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 DATA SUFFICIENCY problems each consist of a question followed 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 by two statements labeled (1) and (2). Your task is to analyze each of 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the two statements to determine whether it provides sufficient data to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 answer the question and, if neither suffices alone, whether both 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 statements together suffice. Every Data Sufficiency question includes 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the same five answer choices. As with certain Problem Solving 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

www.petersons.com

Chapter 1: The GMATIn a Nutshell

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 questions, some of these questions will be so-called story problems 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 cast in a real-world setting. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Verbal Ability (41 Questions, 75 Minutes) 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 This 75-minute section consists of 41 multiple-choice questions. Each 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 question will be one of the following three types (each type covers a 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 distinct set of verbal and verbal-reasoning skills): 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 CRITICAL REASONING questions measure your ability to under- 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 stand, criticize, and draw reasonable conclusions from arguments. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Each argument consists of a brief one-paragraph passage. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 SENTENCE CORRECTION questions measure your command of 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 the English language and of the conventions of Standard Written 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 English. Areas tested include grammar, diction, usage, and effective 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 expression (but not punctuation). In each question, part (or all) of a 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 sentence is underlined. Your task is to determine which is correctthe 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 original underlined part or one of four alternatives. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 READING COMPREHENSION questions measure your ability to 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 read carefully and accurately, to determine the relationships among the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 various parts of the passage, and to draw reasonable inferences from 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the material in the passage. Youll encounter four sets of questions; all 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 questions in a set pertain to the same passage. The passages are drawn 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 from for a variety of subjects, including the humanities, the social 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 sciences, the physical sciences, ethics, philosophy, and law. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Your GMAT Scores 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Youll receive four scores for the GMAT: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 1. A scaled Quantitative score on a 060 scale 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2. A scaled Verbal score on a 060 scale 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 3. A total score, on a 200800 scale, based on both your 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Quantitative and Verbal scores 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 4. An AWA score on a 06 scale, which averages (to the nearest 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 one-half point) the final scores for each of your two GMAT 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 essays 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 For each of these four scores youll also receive a percentile rank (099%). 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 A percentile rank of 60%, for example, indicates that you scored higher 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 than 60% (and lower than 40%) of all other test-takers. Percentile ranks 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 11 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

Part I: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the GMAT

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 reflect your performance relative to the entire GMAT test-taking 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 population during the most recent three-year period. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 In Part IV, youll find tables that convert scaled scores to percentile ranks. 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 How the Quantitative and Verbal Sections 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Are Scored 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 The scoring system for the Quantitative and Verbal sections is a bit tricky. 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Your score for each of these two sections is based on three factors: 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The number of questions you answer correctly 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The difficulty level of the questions you answer correctly 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The range of question types and topics among the questions you 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 answer correctly 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 So, even if you dont respond to all 37 Quantitative (or 41 Verbal) 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 questions, you can still attain a high score for the section if a high 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 percentage of your responses are correctespecially if you respond 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 correctly to a wide variety of question types. The CAT systems scoring 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 algorithms are well-guarded ETS secrets; however, knowing exactly how 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 the system works wouldnt affect your exam preparation or test-taking 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 strategy, anyway. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Some questions on each of your two multiple-choice sections wont be 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 scored. The test-makers include unscored, pre-test questions on the 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 GMAT in order to assess their integrity, fairness, and difficulty. Some of 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 these questions might show up as scored questions on the GMAT in the 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 future. Pre-test questions are mixed in with scored questions, and you 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 wont be able to tell them apartso dont risk trying. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 How the GMAT Essays Are Scored 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 The evaluation and scoring system for GMAT essays is also a bit tricky. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Initially, one person will read and evaluate your Issue-Analysis essay, while 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 a different person reads and evaluates your Argument-Analysis essay. Each 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 reader will award a single score on a scale of 06 in whole-point intervals 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 (6 is highest). 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 Readers apply a holistic scoring approach, meaning that a reader will base 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 his or her evaluation on the overall quality of your writing. In other words, 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012

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Chapter 1: The GMATIn a Nutshell

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 instead of awarding separate sub-scores for content, organization, writing 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 style, and mechanics, the reader will consider how effective your essay is as 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 a wholeaccounting for all of these factors. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 All GMAT readers are college or university faculty; most teach in the field 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 of either English or Communications. Each reader evaluates your writing 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 independently of other readers, and no reader is informed of other 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 readers scores. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 Scoring Criteria for the GMAT Essays 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 All readers are trained by ETS in applying the same scoring criteria. Here 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 are the essential requirements for a top-scoring (6) Issue-Analysis essay 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 (note that you can attain a top score of 6 even if your essay contains minor 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 errors in grammar, word usage, spelling, and punctuation): 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1 1. The essay develops a position on the issue through the use of 2 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 incisive reasons and persuasive examples. 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 2 1 2. The essays ideas are co