Everything You Need to Know About the GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam designed to help business schools assess the qualifications of prospective students for advanced study in the fields of business and management. Taking the GMAT gives you a better chance of being recognized by business schools that are a good fit for you, and helps familiarize you with the school's programs, admissions policies, and processes. Schools use the GMAT to predict academic performance in MBA or other graduate management programs. This article is designed to facilitate your GMAT success.

GMAT Basics

To be fully prepared for the GMAT, students are recommended to start studying three to six months in advance. Think about how you study best, and then look into tutoring, study groups, and prep courses, as all of these are widely available for GMAT test takers. Your success on the GMAT will result from preparation and three distinct types of skills:

1. Test-Taking Skills - Allow you to find the correct answers to test questions. Test-taking skills specifically related to the GMAT include ability in math, reading, logic, grammar, and writing.
2. Pace and Endurance - The GMAT is a test of both speed and endurance. You have an average of less than two minutes to answer each verbal question, and barely two minutes for each quantitative question.
3. Guessing Skills - Everybody has to guess from time to time, and what differentiates good test takers from the rest is the ability to guess in such a way as to maximize the chances for a correct answer.

Hone Your GMAT Strategy

1. Create a Timeline - Your GMAT preparation strategy can vary dramatically depending on how much time you have to prepare, so the more time and energy you devote to preparing for the test, the better your odds are of achieving your goals. The first thing you should do is determine when you're going to take the test. If you already know which school you want to attend and your admissions deadline is approaching, you may have a limited time to study for the GMAT. It is possible to prepare for the exam in a matter of weeks, but it will require hard work and clearing all other nonessential commitments from your schedule.
2. Take a Practice Test...Or Twenty - It's essential to determine what score you're already making. Create as realistic a testing environment as possible, and tell yourself that this is a real test so that you can have a similar reaction to what you would have on test day. Once you establish what score you're already making, decide what score you ideally want to make.
3. Research the Schools You're Interested in Attending - In order to determine what score you'd ideally like to make, research the schools you would like to attend and find out what their average GMAT scores are, as well as what other factors play into their admissions decisions. Many schools will tell you that no single test score will guarantee your admission. Some institutions have a prerequisite baseline score, but among those who have reached this score, the GMAT will not otherwise be used to determine admission.
4. Schedule the Exam - Once you know when you want to take the test, reserve your spot right away – you don't want to have to wait too long and then have to change your plans because your local testing center doesn't have a test date that works for you.

Dissecting the GMAT Format

The breakdown of the GMAT is as follows:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment
2. Quantitative Section
3. Verbal Section

There are five main types of GMAT questions:

1. Quantitative Comparison
2. Problem Solving
3. Sentence Correction
4. Critical Reasoning
5. Reading Comprehension

Each section is scored in a different way, but the structure is this:

Scoring the GMAT

We live in a tech-driven world and today, even your GMAT scoring is affected by it. The GMAT is what's known as a computer adaptive test. This means that for each question you answer correctly, the computer will select a harder question to follow it. If, on the other hand, you answer a question incorrectly, your next question will be easier. Unfortunately, this means that you can't go back to a question or skip one, but it does leave you with a more accurate assessment of your skills. Scores are determined, therefore, by how many questions you manage to answer in the allotted period of time, whether or not you answered the questions correctly, and the overall level of difficulty of each question.

Signing Up for the GMAT

Make sure you take your test at least one month before your application is due. It can take up to 20 days to see the results of your test. However, even this amount of time does not allow room for mistakes. If you are unhappy with your scores the first time you take the test, you will not have time to retake the test. Plan ahead. Prepare early. This is the only surefire way to guarantee success. In the United States it costs $250 to take the GMAT exam. You must cancel a GMAT test appointment at least 7 days before the test date. If you do not, expect to be charged.

GMAT Prep Books

• The Official Guide to the GMAT is written by the creators of the GMAT exam. It is by far the most comprehensive GMAT study guide on the market with over 800 actual GMAT questions and answers with detailed descriptions.
• Kaplan 800 GMAT has a plethora of practice questions and inside tips. While it is definitely worth a look through, most reviewers suggest that this should not be your primary study guide.
• Cracking the GMAT, published by The Princeton Review, this guide offers guidance for the math, verbal, and essay sections of the exam, over 200 practice questions, and four sample practice tests. Further, the book has a GMAT DVD that includes video tutorials.
• Manhattan Review: Turbocharge Series is a very thorough study guide to the math, verbal, and sentence completion sections of the GMAT. Within the books, you will encounter sample questions and answers, tips, and practice tests. Reviewers on Amazon think very highly of the book and guarantee its success in raising your overall score.
• 30 Days to GMAT CAT, 2nd Edition compiles 30 lessons for you to accomplish in 30 days with the promise that your score will benefit. Each lesson takes about an hour to complete. There are also eight mini-tests in the book, as well as useful tips and practice and example sections.

Top Online GMAT Resource Sites

• The GMAT Club prides itself on being an interactive community. Its 50,000 members can make use of the forums, chat, and GMAT resources to help them get their questions answered.
• Beat the GMAT has articles, learning centers, and forums, all designed to answer your questions about the GMAT and business school.
• Manhattan GMAT gives you the option of signing up for a prep course. It has a list of upcoming free events, sample GMAT tests, and MBA resources.
• GMAT Forums is an excellent source for getting your questions answered quickly. Simply post your question in their forum and wait for one of the many users to start a question. If you want to get in touch with other GMAT takers, this is the place to go.
• Bell Curves offers you the option of taking a prep course, hiring a tutor, or doing self-study. It also has a frequently updated blog dedicated to the GMAT and MBA programs, and a free GMAT prep.
• BusinessWeek GMAT Preparation provides test taking tips, a question and answer section with an expert, and many highly useful articles about the GMAT scoring process, how to choose a business school, and test-day tactics.
• Peterson's GMAT has free practice tests, vocabulary practice, last-minute study tips, and test info, dates, and deadlines.
• Kaplan offers instructor-led GMAT courses, private tutoring, and online courses. It also has a free GMAT practice test on its site.
• VeritasPrep features GMAT classes, frequently asked questions, and a GMAT blog. Although its main focus is getting you to enroll in its classes, it has some good information on the main site.
• The Princeton Review offers classes, tutors, online courses, free GMAT strategy sessions, free practice tools, and general GMAT information. The site is definitely worth a look.

The Best Free Online GMAT Practice Tests

• Veritas GMAT features a free GMAT simulator. Like the real GMAT exam, it uses the computer-adaptive test system and breaks the practice test into three sections. Further, the site has 15 free tests. This is significantly more than the average GMAT site.
• Test Prep Review has excellent practice questions divided by type of math and grammar. Therefore, if you struggle with geometry, but are fantastic at advanced algebra, you can go right to your problem section.
• The Princeton Review has a free GMAT online demo that includes a full-length computer adaptive GMAT practice test and an interactive lesson introducing the GMAT.
• Crack GMAT gives you the ability to download a free full-length GMAT test.
• Kaplan has a free GMAT practice test that you can download from their GMAT page. It is a live, online event that allows you to do a full-length practice test and to see how you fair against the competition.
• Peterson's offers a timed test that works like a real GMAT test. If you do not know an answer, you can find detailed explanations.
• 4Tests has an excellent practice GMAT exam. Be sure to time yourself when taking it for ultimate accuracy.
• GMAT CAT gives you questions based on your performance on previous questions. It also has a test score comparison that allows you to compare your score with other GMAT takers.
• Analysis of an Argument provides some excellent tips and sample essay questions for the GMAT.
• 800 Score has five downloadable GMAT practice tests. It uses computer-adaptive test functionality, integrated practice time GMAT essays, and a built in test pacer.

Reading Comprehension Tips

1. There will be four reading comprehension passages in the verbal segment of the GMAT. Each section will be between 150-325 words. Passages often deal with the topics of science (biology, chemistry, and medicine), social sciences (history, politics, and geography), and business. Business passages are widely thought to be the most difficult. The structure is sometimes more complicated and rare compound words are often used. If you come across a compound word you do not know, don't panic. Break it up and look at the individual parts.
2. Take notes on your scrap paper while reading the passages. Writing out your thoughts can often help you understand a passage better and while the test may now be computer adaptive, you should still take notes. This can help you quickly remember segments when you are answering the questions.
3. When answering questions for reading comprehension, you can expect to see questions dealing with basic facts, inference, main ideas, and tone. When you notice these things within the passage, make a note of it in the margin.
4. Read the questions through once and then move onto reading the passage. This will help you focus your reading.
5. There are two frequent "wrong answer ploys" that are used during the reading comprehension section. The first is a choice that gives information not present in the passage. This leaves test takers with the impression that they missed something while reading. The second wrong answer ploy is when an answer is true to the reading, but does not answer the specific question. Do not fall into either one of these traps.
6. Read through all the answers before answering a question. Even if you are confident that letter "A" is the correct answer, read through every single possibility. You may find that your initial impression was wrong.
7. When answering a question that appears to be fact, be sure to read the sentence above and below where the answer appears in the passage. Oftentimes the GMAT will offer one incorrect choice that negates the context of the right answer.
8. In Roman numeral questions such as the one below, be sure to review all of the possibilities thoroughly (e.g. "I only" or "II and III only," etc.). Many times test takers decide that "I" or "II" is correct and fail to research III properly. This often leads to an incorrect answer.
9. Just because an answer sounds impressive does not make it right. Don't allow the presentation of a choice to fool you. The GMAT often spices up potential answers with adjectives and large words. Don't be fooled by this.
10. Don't over read. Remember, the test is timed. Skimming dates, names, and other unnecessary details is okay. You can come back to these portions easily if a question calls for it.

Critical Reasoning Tips

1. As with reading comprehension, make sure to read through the questions before reading the passage. This can help to focus your reading.
2. Look for the conclusion in the passage. This may not always be as obvious as you may think. Sometimes passages place their conclusions in the first sentence. Be careful. Do not begin and end your search with picking out words like "consequently," "hence," and "as a result."
3. When a question asks you to identify the assumption behind the argument, it is asking you to look for the answer that most weakens the argument.
4. There are four different kinds of logic questions: circular reasoning, inaccurate cause-and-effect arguments, sweeping generalizations, and unqualified "expert" opinions. By identifying the type of logic question you will be more qualified to answer it correctly.
5. Statements that use the words "always" and "must" and other absolute certainties are rarely the correct answer. If you are ever in a position where you think an absolute statement is the correct answer, go over the question again before putting down your choice.
6. Do not be too quick to put an answer merely because it is true. Make sure that the answer also has a logical conclusion drawn from the statements.
7. Statements that use exaggeration, superfluous statements, and adjectives are often included to throw you off. Make sure that you don't fall into this trap.
8. It can be incredibly helpful to work backwards on critical reasoning questions. Insert each answer into the text and see if it still makes sense. Be careful though: this technique can be time consuming. Although it is useful, do not use this for every question.
9. Answers that are "emotionally charged" are rarely the correct choice. Avoid these.
10. Usually if a test taker is asked to select a statement that strengthens or weakens an argument, there is at least once answer that does the opposite. Keep your eyes open for this and be ready to eliminate.

Problem Solving Tips

1. Regardless of how simple a question may seem, it is always helpful to work the question out on your paper. Not only will this help you steer clear of easy errors, but since the GMAT works through the CAT system, you can't go back to change an answer later on in the test.
2. Lengthy or complicated calculations rarely appear in this section of the GMAT. If you find yourself working through a problem that involves a great deal of math, you are probably neglecting a shortcut.
3. Many GMAT problem solving questions expect you to round. If you think the answer is around thirty percent, don't hesitate to choose the answer that has 29 percent.
4. If you are stuck on a problem, try working it out backwards. Start with the answer in the middle as it will hint whether you should go higher or lower from there. Simply following these steps will allow you a 50 percent chance at a correct answer.
5. Use scrap paper for every single question. This will help you avoid easy mistakes.
6. "Tricks" are rarely used in this portion of the test. Don't waste your time looking for hidden implications that simply are not there.
7. When doing a geometry problem, assume that all diagrams are drawn accurately unless they are otherwise marked. Never rely on your own visual assessment to choose an answer. The tests are not designed to be that easy.
8. For graph questions, you can rely on visual assessments as GMAT writers will not use visual ploys to trick you into choosing the wrong answer. Again, this is not the case for geometry questions.
9. If you are working on a word problem, the best and easiest way to figure out the answer is to convert the problem into an equation using letters like "A," "B," and "X."
10. Practice this section extensively. Most GMAT tests use the same types of problems. The more time you've gone over the problems, the easier and less stressful the actual test will be.

Data Sufficiency Tips

1. Keep in mind that the data sufficiency portion of the test is designed to test your reasoning ability. If you are doing a lot of number calculations, you are probably on the wrong track.
2. All data sufficiency questions are formatted the same through answers like, "State 1 alone is sufficient but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked." Review this format before coming into the exam.
3. The process of elimination can be used extremely effectively here. Follow these steps outlined by the site Admissions' Consultants:
   
   • If statement 1 is insufficient, then choices A and D can immediately be eliminated.
   
   
   • If statement 2 is insufficient, then choices B and D can be eliminated.
   
   
   • If either statement 1 or 2 is sufficient on its own, then choices C and E can be eliminated.
     
4. GMAT tests will often mix ratios and percentages in order to confuse you. For instance, state 1 and statement 2 will state the exact same thing but one will list a percentage as 50 percent and the other will list it as 2:1. Do not get tricked by this. Pay close attention.
5. Be very careful not to carry over any information from one statement to another. Since the entire data sufficiency portion is exactly the same in every answer key, this can be remarkably difficult.
6. If a data sufficiency question takes place in a "real world setting" feel free to make "real world assumptions."
7. Do not waste time trying to solve the problem. The data sufficiency problems only ask if there is enough information to solve the problem. They do not ask for an answer.
8. Simplify the questions. If you are confused by a question, take the time to get rid of unnecessary information and focus on what is important.
9. Read the question at least twice before attempting to answer. Underline important parts.
10. Practice these types of questions. The more you answer, the better you will become at solving these quickly and correctly.

Sentence Correction Tips

1. Choice A is usually the original sentence unchanged, however, choice A is statistically correct only one out of every five times so be careful before selecting it.
2. Do not rush through a question. Some questions have more than one incorrect underlined portion. I common mistake many GMAT test takers make is moving too quickly and neglecting the second part.
3. Spelling and capitalization are not tested in this portion of the test. Therefore, don't get bogged down by these potential errors.
4. The correct answer may not be perfect, but it should be the least bad option .
5. Make sure you keep the same basic meaning as the original sentence.
6. After you have selected what you feel is the best choice, be sure to read the entire sentence with the new part. Does it make sense? Does it say basically the same thing?
7. If an option is wordy and awkward sounding, do not eliminate it. If there are no grammatical errors, it still may be the best option.
8. Although an answer may correct all the problems in the original sentence, make sure it doesn't introduce new problems. This is a common ploy of the GMAT test.
9. If you are having trouble coming to a conclusion try mouthing the sentence out loud, or even writing it down on your scratch paper. These new forms of analyzing the sentence can give you new insight.
10. The correct answer will have the following characteristics: no grammatical errors, correct sentence structure, no diction errors, and no changes to the sentence's intended meaning.

Analysis of an Issue Tips

1. After reading the question through twice, spend time jotting down points for and against the statement. For each point, make sure that you have a concrete example that illustrates it.
2. Do not simply dwell on one point. This is an extremely common mistake test takers make. One point is not enough to win an argument.
3. There is no need to paraphrase the statement in your first paragraph. Firstly, you do not have time. Secondly, this looks lazy and repetitive to graders.
4. Immediately establish a position. Do not waste the essay reader's time with a long introduction.
5. These questions are designed to have two answers. Do not stress about which position you take. Both will have valid arguments supporting them and the test readers will not be biased towards one. There is no right answer.
6. Do not waste time writing a lengthy conclusion. Cap your conclusion at two sentences. The important part of the essay is the body. Treat it as such.
7. It helps many people to write an outline before starting their essay. While this is a useful tool, don't spend too much time on your outline. Time is an issue.
8. It is recommended that you spend more time preparing for the verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT than the analyses sections because schools weigh these two sections more heavily.
9. Leave five minutes at the end of the essay for proofing. Making minor changes after you complete your essay can make a world of difference.
10. Use transition words such as "for example," "consequently," and "first, second, etc." This can make an essay flow better and give it a more clear structure.

Analysis of an Argument Tips

1. Brainstorm before you begin writing. By taking 3-4 minutes to simply jot down outlines, ideas, and arguments, you can sort out your thoughts before you begin writing. Be sure, however, to only take this short amount of time. Remember: you only 30 minutes total.
2. In every argument, there are 2-4 major logical fallacies. The GMAT test designers do this purposefully. One of your primary goals needs to be identifying these fallacies and clearly and effectively addressing them in your essay. Look for the following common falsehoods: generalizations, explaining the cause of something based on chronology (i.e. this event caused the following event because it happened first), and
   unfair or unfounded analogies.
3. While it may seem like a good idea to go into great depth refuting a certain argument, it is better to address all the fallacies, even if this means you don't get to say everything you wanted to on a certain subject.
4. Keep your introduction brief. You don't have time to rehash the argument or go into excruciating detail. Just get to the point.
5. Always discuss the following: what additional info is needed to better understand and analyze the argument and what additional facts would strengthen the argument.
6. Be sure that you can identify the following before taking this portion of the test: assumptions, conclusions, and proof (whether this is to make the argument stronger or weaker).
7. Body paragraphs should each examine a flaw in the argument and explain how to counter that flaw. Make sure that all of your arguments are well backed.
8. Develop your examples fully. Do not just list them. This will not impress admissions' committees.
9. Do not state your own opinions. Instead, focus on critiquing the argument. You should never use personal pronouns.
10. Leave time to proofread. Typos, spelling errors, and grammatical errors can severely hurt an essay.

Problem Solving Examples

Here are a few examples of GMAT questions from GMAT Testquestions.com. Tackling these practice questions will allow you to have a better idea of what to expect from the test. After you have perused the questions, try your hand at a free practice test.

1. Two travelers are trying to estimate their travel time by using a map. On the map, a distance of 3cm represents an actual distance of 45km. On the map, the distance between their initial location and their destination is 55cm. How far will they have to travel?

A) 600km
B) 750 km
C) 825 km
D) 925 km
E) 1000 km

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: First, it is necessary to convert km to cm.
1 km=10,000cm. So, 45km x 10,000cm = 450,000cm.
Next, a ratio can be set up: 3cm/450,000cm = 55cm/x
Using cross multiplication: 3x=24,750,000
To find x: x=24,750,000/3
So x=8,250,000cm
To get this value in kilometers, it is necessary to divide the value by 10,000. 8,250,000/10,000=825km

2. A company has increased its monthly profits from $12,500 to $17,800. By what percentage did their profits increase?

A) 29.3%
B) 36.7%
C) 42.4%
D) 53.9%
E) 61.2%

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: First, find the actual change in their profits: (17,800 - 12,500 = 5300)
Then, calculate the percent increase this represents: 5300/12,500(the initial amount) = 0.424 or 42.4 %.

3. Which of the following represents the greatest value?

A) 35 + 65%
B) 25% of 65 + 3
C) 50.5 / 22
D) 0.22 x 300 + 5%
E) 230.7/0.7

Correct Answer: E

Explanation: To solve this problem, it is simply necessary to calculate each value. A=57.75
B=19.25
C=12.63
D=69.3
E=329.57

E represents the greatest value.

Data Sufficiency Examples

1. If a car salesman earns a commission of 5% on each vehicle he sells, how much did he earn in total during the month of May?

a. The car salesman sold 15 cars during the month of May.
b. The average sale price on vehicles sold in May was $10,000.

A) Statement a alone is sufficient, but statement b is not sufficient.
B) Statement b alone is sufficient, but statement a is not sufficient.
C) Both statements together are sufficient, but neither statement alone is sufficient.
D) Each statement alone is sufficient.
E) Statements a and b together are not sufficient.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Statement a is not sufficient on its own, because the number is not enough to determine the values of the vehicles sold.
Statement b is not sufficient on its own, because it does not reveal the quantity of the vehicles sold.

Both statements are needed to determine the commission earned by the car salesman during the month of May.

2. One hundred grade 12 chemistry students took a final exam. Was the average score higher than 60%?

a. Over 50% of the people who wrote the test scored at least 65%.
b. 22% of the class scored 80%, while 25% scored below 50%.

A) Statement a alone is sufficient, but statement b is not sufficient.
B) Statement b alone is sufficient, but statement a is not sufficient.
C) Both statements together are sufficient, but neither statement alone is sufficient.
D) Each statement alone is sufficient.
E) Statements a and b together are not sufficient.

Correct Answer: E

Explanation: Statement a only gives information about 50% of the class. An average cannot be determined based on this value.

Similarly, statement b does not give information about an adequate number of individuals who wrote the test to allow the overall average to be determined.

Reading Comprehension Examples

For many years, scientists have been developing and conducting experiments to measure the intelligence of various animals. Self-awareness, referred to in animals and people as the state of knowing oneself as an individual apart from the rest of the world, is often thought of as one of the highest forms of intelligence. To determine whether an animal is self-aware, the mirror test is often used.

To pass the mirror test, animals must exhibit behaviors indicating that they know the reflection in the mirror is actually them. In elephants, this has been shown by placing a red dot on the foreheads of the creatures. When elephants touch their own faces upon looking in the mirror rather than the reflection itself, it is often interpreted as a sign of self awareness. Dolphins and certain primates have also passed the test.

Interestingly, human babies usually fail the mirror test until they are about 15 months old. After this time, they give indications that they are aware that the reflection is their own. It is also at this time that complex emotions such as embarrassment and empathy develop.

1. Based on the information, what can be inferred about elephants, dolphins, and primates?

A) They are not the only animals that are able to pass the mirror test.
B) A 15 month old animal is more intelligent than a human baby.
C) Captive animals perform better on the mirror test than wild ones.
D) They are the only creatures that have been able to pass the test.
E) They may have complex feelings like embarrassment and empathy.

Correct Answer: E

Explanation: The development of complex feelings in humans coincides with their ability to pass the mirror test. Since animals like dolphins and elephants can pass the mirror test, it may be reasonable to assume that they possess complex feelings as well.

2. Which of the following information would have strengthened the argument that certain animals are self-aware?

A) Presenting a detailed explanation of the methods used to complete the experiment.
B) Discussing other animals known to be highly intelligent that have passed the test.
C) Elaborating on the reasons why humans fail the mirror test before a certain age.
D) Discussing the fact that animals known to be of lower intelligence fail the test.
E) Presenting other methods that can be used to measure self-awareness in animals.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Self awareness is often associated with intelligence. For the mirror test to be accepted as a useful method of determining intelligence, it must be shown to be effective on only the most intelligent of animals. Therefore, identifying the fact that less intelligent animals fail the test would strengthen the argument.

Critical Reasoning Examples

1. Student A and Student B have both applied for acceptance at Top Class University. The university admits students based on their GPA and interview scores, which are combined to produce a total score. They will only accept either Student A or Student B. Student A has a 3.0 GPA and obtained a score of 78% on the interview. Student B has a 3.5 GPA and obtained a 60% on the interview.

If the following statements are true, which of the following assertions is best supported?

A) Student A and Student B will both be admitted to Top Class University.
B) If the total score is based mainly on the interview, Student B will be admitted.
C) If the total score is based mainly on the GPA, Student A will be admitted.
D) If the total score is based mainly on the interview, Student A will be admitted.
E) If the total score is based equally on the GPA and interview, Student B will be admitted.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Student A outperformed Student B on the interview, but had a lower GPA. The score would have to be based mainly on the interview for Student A to be accepted in favor of Student B.

2. A manager of a large corporation divides his time between America and Germany. His travel costs are 20% of his total expenditures each month. Hiring an employee to oversee his Germany location will decrease the manager's total expenditures each month. However, communicating by telephone and fax will add 5% to his total monthly expenditures.

If the following statements are true, which of the following assertions is best supported?

A) The employee hired to oversea the business in Germany is paid a sum equal to less than 20% of the manager's monthly expenditures.
B) The employee hired to oversee the business in Germany is paid a sum equal to more than 20% of the manager's monthly expenditures.
C) The manager's overall monthly expenditures will increase by less than 5% as a result of hiring a new employee.
D) The manager's overall monthly expenditures will be approximately equal after hiring an overseas employee.
E) The employee hired to oversee the business in Germany is paid a sum equal to the manager's previous monthly expenditures.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The manager's travel costs are 20% of the company's total monthly expenditures. Since hiring an employee will reduce overall monthly expenditures, the employee's salary must be equal to less than the value of the travel costs.

Sentence Correction Examples

1. It was once believed that dinosaurs and humans coexisted, an assertion that, after many years, was proved to be untrue.

What is the best way to rephrase the underlined part of the sentence?

A) was ultimately prove to be
B) was at one time proven to be
C) was ultimately proven to be
D) was soon proven to be
E) was disproved to be

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This is the grammatically correct choice. In addition, the word ultimately indicates that the matter was settled with some finality. Ultimately also indicates a passage through time, which is suitable because it took many years to disprove the assertion.

2. The Ancient Egyptians made numerous significant contributions to artistic techniques, with the most notable one being the use of natural materials to make paint and the use of stone to produce religious statues.

What is the best way to rephrase the underlined part of the sentence?

A) the best among these being
B) the most notable among these being
C) the most notable among this being
D) the least notable among these being
E) the most notable ones

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: This choice indicates that there were numerous contributions made by the Ancient Egyptians. It also indicates that there was more than one technique that was significant. Choice B is also grammatically correct.

Analysis of an Issue Examples

1. Interracial adoption is a contentious issue. Opponents of the practice say that is alienates people from their culture and makes it difficult for them to develop a cultural and ethnic identify. However, supporters of the practice say that, by discouraging interracial adoption, we are reinforcing the view that people from other races are fundamentally different, an idea that inhibits harmony and acceptance.

Which side do you agree with more? Use your personal experiences, relevant facts, and observations to state and support your opinion.

2. People often criticize large corporations for producing goods overseas. They feel that it takes away local jobs, which has a negative effect on families and the economy. What they don't realize, however, is that this practice has a positive effect on the economy because consumers can purchase goods at lower prices, which gives them more buying power.

Which side do you agree with more? Use your personal experiences, relevant facts, and observations to state and support your opinion.

Analysis of an Argument Examples

1. "According to a state-wide poll, people now spend, on average, 10 fewer hours every week interacting directly with friends and family. Because this decrease occurred when the Internet began to be used by a large proportion of the population, it is clear that online use has greatly diminished personal and social interaction. The best way to curtail this trend would be to limit the number of hours spent online."

How well reasoned do you find this argument? Be sure to discuss the use of evidence, the line of reasoning, any faulty assumptions, and evidence that might strengthen or weaken the conclusion.

2. "Recreational drug use has increased dramatically in the last number of years. Much of it can be attributed to the prevalence of drug use in R rated Hollywood films. Seeing drug addicts and drug dealers portrayed on the big screen encourages young audiences to try these drugs themselves. Tougher laws that will punish those in possession of contraband substances would do much to stop this problem."

How well reasoned do you find this argument? Be sure to discuss the use of evidence, the line of reasoning, any faulty assumptions, and evidence that might strengthen or weaken the conclusion.