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Among the 4 sections of GMAT, the integrated reasoning section is based completely on analytical skills. According to GMAT syllabus, the integrated reasoning section comes with 12 questions and the duration for this section is 30 minutes. But, it often does not seem sufficient to the test-takers as the questions often have more than 1 part. Graphic Interpretation is a vital part of the GMAT Integrated Reasoning. Read the next sections to know more about GMAT Graphic Interpretation.
syllabus of GMAT Graphic Interpretation
Nearly 3 out of 12 integrated reasoning questions are from GMAT Graphic Interpretation. The questions in this section will involve both verbal reasoning and quantitative ability, either separately or a combination of both. The answer choices will be available on the same screen and without marking an answer, you cannot proceed to the next question. However, you can go back and change the answer later.
GMAT Graphic Interpretation – Task Types
The questions of GMAT Graphic Interpretation come with an info graph followed by 2 questions. The candidates need to interpret the graphics like:
Apart from this, the test-takers may get unusual graphs too. So, the first and foremost requirement to ace the GMAT IR section is to be familiar with different and difficult graphs available.
Task Focus of GMAT Graphic Interpretation Questions
Task focus of GMAT Graphic Interpretation questions are:
- Data analysis
- Data sorting
- Fetching relevant information
- Decision making
Though the section is called Graphic Interpretation, the real task is the analysis – the candidates need to combine multiple numbers in different units to answer the question.
Time Available to Answer GMAT Graphic Interpretation Questions
Candidates are advised to spend 2 minutes and 30 seconds for each question, which makes a total of 7 minutes and 30 seconds for GMAT Graphic Interpretation questions. The questions are like a mix of GMAT quant and GMAT verbal reasoning, which makes it more difficult and time-consuming.
GMAT Graphic Interpretation Advantages and Disadvantages
While the Graphic Interpretation questions are directly related to managerial skills and decision making that can be really helpful in the future, these questions are way too time-taking. Understanding the graph and fetching data are definitely fun tasks but there is a possibility of calculation error. Candidates may need to redo the calculation sometimes.
Scoring of Graphic Interpretation for GMAT
The Integrated Reasoning section is scored from 1 to 8 and has 1 point increment. There are multiple parts present in the questions of this section and for Graphic Interpretation, there are 2 parts in each question. You must answer each part correctly to get full credit for the asked question. There is no credit for the partially correct answer.
GMAT Graphic Interpretation – Preparation Tips
So, GMAT Graphic Interpretation is difficult but it is not impossible. The test-takers can clear these questions, as well as the whole GMAT, integrated reasoning section by following these tips.
Always Start with a Bigger Picture
It is important to categorize the presented graphic. Start with the majority of the time understanding and focusing the graph thoroughly. This is a trick to interpret the graph correctly.
Check Symbols and Unit
Once you figure out the majority, check its units. Here you may need to convert it into other units to derive the answer. To reduce the chances of calculation errors, do check the symbols as well – do not skip it. Checking these beforehand can reduce the complication and getting the answer will be easier.
Read the question thoroughly
You have to read all the small details and don’t miss the words like “equates to” or “less than” or “almost.” The answers depend on these words too and missing these words may contribute a flaw in the answer. You have to understand clearly what the question actually asks and then you have to proceed to the question.
Identify the relation
Understand and remember the relationship between the variables in the graph to find out any direct or indirect correlation. Also, check the visible difference as well. By doing this interpretation of the graph will be easier. Remember, you will have to interpret and integrate data, discern relationships, and then infer from the data. So, have a thorough look.
Calculate First
Calculate before clicking on the drop-down menu. If you can’t find your answer in the drop-down list, you may understand the information in the wrong way. Don’t get disheartened with this as Graphic Interpretation questions are a bit tricky and difficult to understand. Read the statement once again and analyze the graph again if time permits.
Don’t try to understand the entire Graph
Always remember, your task is to answer the questions followed by the graph, understanding it wholly is not important. For this, you need to fetch only the required information. Daily practice of GMAT integrated reasoning can help the candidates in this.
Redo only if it is needed
The Graphic Interpretation questions can be sometimes be solved – relax! It happens. Don’t get confused and redo the calculation over again just because it took less time. If you get the answer, just mark it and move on to the next.
So, GMAT Graphic Interpretation is not that difficult if test-takers stop getting nervous with these questions. Also, they need to have sufficient knowledge of GMAT quant and GMAT verbal to ace the graphics-related questions of GMAT Integrated reasoning.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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