Conjunctions 2 & IR

Master seed lots of the HM-175 strain of hepatitis A virus ☺have been triply cloned.☺ have been triply cloned has been cloned three times have cloned thrice has been thrice cloned have been cloned three times

A Very good! You took 1 minutes and 3 seconds to answer this question. Excellent! +++++++++ has been cloned three times This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. The plural subject does not agree with the singularverb. The subject is Master seed lots of the HM-175 strain of hepatitis A virus. In the case of an X of Y subject, the verb should agree with X. Thus, the core subject is lots, which is plural. However, the verb has is singular. What helps us identify this question as a Subject Verb Agreement question is the following Stop Sign: The subject is in the form of X of Y In addition, this answer choice is stylistically flawed. Three times is redundant as the same meaning can be expressed in fewer words. What helps us identify this question as a redundancy question as well as identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: (multiplied) one/two/three/four times have cloned thrice Although it corrects the original redundancy, this answer choice changes the meaning of the original sentence by omitting the word been. has been thrice cloned Although it corrects the original redundancy, this answer choice is grammatically incorrect. The plural subject does not agree with the singular verb. The subject is Master seed lots of the HM-175 strain of hepatitis A virus. In the case of an X of Y subject, the verb should agree with X. Thus, the core subject is lots, which is plural. However, the verb has is singular. What helps us identify this question as a Subject Verb Agreement question is the following Stop Sign: The subject is in the form of X of Y have been cloned three times This answer choice is stylistically flawed. Three times is redundant as the same meaning can be expressed in fewer words. What helps us identify this question as a redundancy question as well as identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: (multiplied) one/two/three/four times

Adaptive Model: Experimental Questions

About a quarter of the questions in the GMAT - 9 questions out of 37 questions in the Quantitative Section and 11 questions out of 41 questions in the Verbal Section - are experimental questions. These questions do not count towards your score. For example, you can get all 9 experimental questions in the Quantitative Section wrong and still get a perfect score (assuming, of course, you answered all the other 28 questions correctly).

Now, let's try another one: 3) The total revenue earned in 2010 was what fraction of total revenue earned in 2011? 5/4 12/11 1 11/12 4/5

B Correct. This answer is in the right ballpark. Total revenue earned in 2010 = 1,400,000 + 1,100,000 + 950,000 + 1,100,000 = 4,550,000 Total revenue earned in 2011 = 1,200,000 + 900,000 + 900,000 + 1,200,000 = 4,200,000 Total revenue earned in 2010 / Total revenue earned in 2011 = 4,550,000 / 4,200,000 = 455 / 420 ≈ 460 / 420 = 46 / 42 = 23 / 21 (= 11.5 / 10.5)

Anchoring the organelles in place, ☺the tasks that are performed by the cytoskeleton within a cell's structure are crucial, and composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and☺ microtubules, it maintains cell polarity. the tasks that are performed by the cytoskeleton within a cell's structure are crucial and, composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and the cytoskeleton performs crucial tasks in a cell's structure and, composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and containing the cytoskeleton performs crucial tasks within the structure of a cell and, composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and the tasks being performed within a cell's structure by the cytoskeleton are crucial and, composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and the cytoskeleton performs crucial tasks within a cell's structure and it is composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and

C Very good! You took 1 minutes and 55 seconds to answer this question. Excellent work! This answer choice corrects the original Dangling Modifier error by placing the noun being described (cytoskeleton) directly after the modifier describing it (Anchoring the organelles in place). +++++++ the tasks that are performed by the cytoskeleton within a cell's structure are crucial and, composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and Incorrect. The original sentence begins with a modifier: Anchoring the organelles in place. A modifier should be placed right next to the noun it describes. In this answer choice, what immediately follows the modifier is tasks. Even without any knowledge of cell biology, it is clear that this modifier cannot logically modify the noun tasks as a task cannot anchor organelles or do anything, for that matter. What helps us identify this question as a Dangling Modifier question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: A modifier, characterized by all of the following: 1. Verb+ing or Verb in 3rd form 2. Separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma 3. Appears at the very beginning of the sentence Whenever you see this Stop Sign, focus on the modifier: check whether the noun right after the modifier is indeed the noun that the modifier describes. If it isn't - you've found your mistake. the cytoskeleton performs crucial tasks in a cell's structure and, composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and containing Incorrect. Although this answer choice corrects the original Dangling Modifier error by placing the noun being described (cytoskeleton) directly after the modifier describing it, it creates a Parallelism error. The first two items in the list at the end of the sentence are nouns (microfilaments, intermediate filaments), but the last item is an unconjugated verb (containing). In a list, all the items must be in the same part of speech and/or of the same kind (all verbs or all nouns, or all adjectives...). What helps us identify this question as a Parallelism question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: A list of 3 items or more, separated by commas and and/or before the last item. the tasks being performed within a cell's structure by the cytoskeleton are crucial and, composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and Incorrect. This answer choice repeats the original Dangling Modifier error. The original sentence begins with a modifier: Anchoring the organelles in place. A modifier should be placed right next to the noun it describes. In this answer choice, what immediately follows the modifier is tasks. Even without any knowledge of cell biology, it is clear that this modifier cannot logically modify the noun tasks as a task cannot anchor organelles or do anything, for that matter. What helps us identify this question as a Dangling Modifier question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: A modifier, characterized by all of the following: 1. Verb+ing or Verb in 3rd form 2. Separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma 3. Appears at the very beginning of the sentence Whenever you see this Stop Sign, focus on the modifier: check whether the noun right after the modifier is indeed the noun that the modifier describes. If it isn't - you've found your mistake. the cytoskeleton performs crucial tasks within a cell's structure and it is composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and Incorrect. Although this answer choice corrects the original Dangling Modifier error by placing the noun being described directly after the modifier describing it, it does not fit into the original sentence because it disconnects the phrase it maintains cell polarity from the rest of the sentence. The problem is that the clause "it maintains cell polarity" is unconnected to the rest of the sentence. Main clauses should be connected by conjunctions such as and, because, although, etc, and E misses that linking word. In the correct answer choice the last clause is connected by the and after "cell" (the cytoskeleton performs tasks...and it maintains cell polarity) which leads to parallel construction composed of A, B and C. The parallel construction ends with microtubles, and acts as a modifying clause which modifies the subject of the last clause "it".

N* is defined as 0.5(N+10) for any number N. What is N, if ((N*)*)*=15? 20 30 40 50 60

C You underestimated the time this question took you. You actually solved it in 2 minutes and 44 seconds. Incorrect. There are numbers in the answer choices, and the question is specific ("what is N?") You feel like writing down an equation (or, even worse, some equations...) All this evidence points in one direction - Plugging In The Answers. Reverse PI for N. Then apply to n the star operation three times, working out the calculation of ((N*)*)* from the innermost parentheses outwards. If everything fits in with the information - you have the correct answer. If not - POE as much as you can, and plug in another answer choice. D Correct. Start by plugging in answer choice C: Assume N=40. Then 40*=25, 25*=17.5. As early as this stage, you can eliminate this answer choice because ((40*)*)* is not an integer. It seems that the star operation makes numbers smaller, so move over to check answer choices D and E. The correct answer is D: 50*=0.5(50+10) = 0.5⋅60 = 30. Find 30* 30*=0.5(30+10) = 0.5⋅40 = 20. Find 20* 20*=0.5(20+10) = 0.5⋅30 = 15.

Some of the Multi-Source Analysis questions you will encounter have five answer choices, much like those in the Quant and Verbal sections. Let's try an example of one of those: With which one of these statements would all three authors likely agree? Internet privacy is compromised most in the workplace. Few Americans care about Internet privacy. The only information that is truly private on the Internet is the contents of email. Many people think the Internet is more private than it truly is. Internet passwords protect employees' privacy at work.

D Correct. The topic of Article 1 is "the Internet privacy myth." Article 2 similarly discusses people's failure to realize the "privacy implications" of putting their personal information on the Internet. Finally, Article 3 refutes the belief that the Internet provides "private space" at work.

Nutritious food, ☺like fruit and vegetables, is☺ vital to a child's development. like fruit and vegetables, is like fruit and vegetables, are such as fruit and vegetables, are such as vegetables and fruit, is such as a variety of fruits and vegetables, is

D Nice work! This answer choice corrects the original stylistic mistake by replacing like with the more appropriate such as.

☺Frederick Douglass' belief in Abraham Lincoln was of him being without racial prejudice; yet this was contradicted by the great anti-slavery leader and former slave himself in an 1876 speech when☺ he called Lincoln a "pre-eminently white man's President". Frederick Douglass' belief in Abraham Lincoln was of him being without racial prejudice; yet this was contradicted by the great anti-slavery leader and former slave himself in an 1876 speech when That Abraham Lincoln was without racial prejudice was a belief of Frederick Douglass, which was contradicted by the great anti-slavery leader and former slave himself when in an 1876 speech Frederick Douglass, the great anti-slavery leader and former slave, believed that Abraham Lincoln was not racially prejudice, but contradicted in this belief in an 1876 speech when Frederick Douglass believed in Abraham Lincoln being without racial prejudice, but when the great anti-slavery leader and former slave contradicted this in an 1876 speech Frederick Douglass believed that Abraham Lincoln was devoid of racial prejudice; yet the great anti-slavery leader and former slave contradicted this belief in an 1876 speech when

E You underestimated the time this question took you. You actually solved it in 2 minutes and 43 seconds. Well done! This answer choice correct the original stylistic flaw by changing the awkward phrase Frederick Douglass' belief in Abraham Lincoln was of him being into a more straightforward subject + conjugated verb construction: Frederick Douglass believed that Abraham Lincoln was devoid of [...]. +++++++ Frederick Douglass' belief in Abraham Lincoln was of him being without racial prejudice; yet this was contradicted by the great anti-slavery leader and former slave himself in an 1876 speech when Incorrect. This answer choice is stylistically flawed. The phrase Frederick Douglass' belief in Abraham Lincoln was of him being is redundant and awkward. Look for an answer choice which conveys the same meaning in a more concise manner. That Abraham Lincoln was without racial prejudice was a belief of Frederick Douglass, which was contradicted by the great anti-slavery leader and former slave himself when in an 1876 speech Incorrect. This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. The relative pronoun which follows the noun Frederick Douglass, instead of belief. Which cannot modify humans. Furthermore, the entire relative clause is intended to modify belief, because Douglass's belief (and not Douglass himself) was contradicted. In addition, this answer choice is stylistically flawed. The phrase That Abraham Lincoln was without racial prejudice was a belief of is redundant and awkward. Frederick Douglass, the great anti-slavery leader and former slave, believed that Abraham Lincoln was not racially prejudice, but contradicted in this belief in an 1876 speech when Incorrect. While this answer choice corrects the stylistic flaw in the original question, it is grammatically incorrect. The phrase contradicted in is non-idiomatic. The verb contradict does not require a preposition after it. Frederick Douglass believed in Abraham Lincoln being without racial prejudice, but when the great anti-slavery leader and former slave contradicted this in an 1876 speech Incorrect. This answer choice changes the original meaning of the sentence by changing the position of the time expression when. While in the original sentence the contradiction was made when Douglass called Lincoln etc., in this answer choice the relationship is reversed: when the contradiction was made, Douglass called Lincoln etc. In addition, the phrase Abraham Lincoln being without racial prejudice is redundant and awkward.

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? In Sentence Correction, using the word like is grammatically incorrect, and the phrase such as should be used instead.

False Good! The word like can be used correctly in Sentence Correction. Perhaps the most obvious grammatically correct use of like in Sentence Correction is in Comparatives (e.g., Like Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse is a cartoon character). Such as is stylistically preferable to like when providing examples: Example: John cooks interesting dishes, such as malai kofta, lasagne and sushi.

Remember:

For Table Analysis questions: 1) Look at the first question before you look at the table. 2) Do not let ugly calculations derail you. 3) Ballpark!

Integrated Reasoning - Multi-Source Analysis questions present you with questions based on multiple information sources. The questions can have two possible answers such as agree/disagree, yes/no, true/false etc. They can also have five answer choices to choose from, much like those in the Quant and Verbal sections. When you encounter a Multi-Source Analysis question you should: I should dive right into the question I need to answer

Good idea! You should read the question first to know what information you need to look for in order to answer the question.

As stated before, the changes to GMAT are cosmetic.

Here is a list of skills you need to tackle IR questions: 1) Basic arithmetic (fractions, ratios, percentages) 2) Data reading and estimation (Ballparking!) 3) Data interpretation (Don't you do this for all problem solving questions anyway?) 4) Reading graphs and charts (You do more than read graphs for coordinate geometry.) 5) Information analysis

Integrated Reasoning Graphic Interpretation questions are based on graphical representations of data such as straight line or curve graphs, bar charts, pie charts, pictographs, scatter plots etc. When you encounter a Graphic Interpretation question you should:

I should dive right into the question I need to answer Good idea! Look at the graph after reading the first question.

Which of the following is / is not a possible solution to the food safety threats discussed in the three articles? 1) Regular quality checks by management to ensure that food handled and processed at a plant is not contaminated. 2) More frequent visits to food production sites by FDA inspectors to ensure that food production sites meet food safety standards. 3) Greater intelligence gathering to ensure that any food borne terrorism plots are mitigated before execution because once food borne terrorism is initiated the threat cannot be controlled. 4) Better produce inspection at different stages and locations prior to combining food from one source with food from other sources. Note down your answers for all of the questions above before continuing, and then enter your answers one after the other. Let's start with your answer for the first question: 1) Regular quality checks by management to ensure that food handled and processed at a plant is not contaminated. IS IS NOT

IS Incorrect. Go by what is stated in the given articles. Do not make assumptions that cannot be supported by information stated in the articles. Now for: 2) More frequent visits to food production sites by FDA inspectors to ensure that food production sites meet food safety standards. IS IS NOT A Correct. The first article lists no visits from FDA inspectors as a possible cause for the salmonella threat not being contained. Now for: 3) Greater intelligence gathering to ensure that any food borne terrorism plots are mitigated before execution because once food borne terrorism is initiated the threat cannot be controlled. IS IS NOT B Correct. The third article does support the first part of the statement. It calls for the development of effective measures to prevent, detect, and respond to potential bioterrorist attacks on the food system, and early detection definitely counts as "intelligence gathering." The second part of the statement, however, is not supported. None of the articles suggest that the threat posed by food borne terrorism cannot be controlled once it is initiated. In fact, if there is no way to control the threat, then no measures could be taken in response to it. Now for: 4) Better produce inspection at different stages and locations prior to combining food from one source with food from other sources. IS IS NOT A Correct. The second article calls for better food inspection and the third article points towards the complexity of using ingredients from across the globe.

Is the following sentence TRUE or FALSE? Experimental questions do not count - your score will not be affected by your response to them.

True Correct! One can get all experimental questions wrong and still get a perfect score on the GMAT.

Summary

When tackling a Two Part Analysis question, first check to see if the answers are interdependent. If the answers are not interdependent, answer one part of the question first and then the other part. If the answers are interdependent, address them together. Remember to use plugging-in, ballparking, and POE to help you solve the complex problems!

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For Graphic Interpretation questions,

1) Look at the first question before looking at the graph 2) Pay attention to the axis / category labels 3) Keep calculations simple. Ballpark!

Some scholars consider Nobel laureate Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook ☺a classic of feminist fiction, as opposed, the author herself has often remarked☺ that its central theme is mental breakdown as a route to personal liberation. a classic of feminist fiction, as opposed, the author herself has often remarked a classic of feminist fiction; as opposed to this view, the author herself has often remarked as a classic of feminist fiction, as opposed to the author herself, who has often remarked to be a classic of feminist fiction, but, opposite are the author's own frequent remarks to be a classic of feminist fiction, as opposed to the remarks of the author herself

A Close enough - you took 2 minutes and 17 seconds to answer this question. Incorrect. This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. The sentence's two clauses lack a connector (e,g, BUT) and are separated only by a comma, but a comma cannot connect clauses: Some scholars consider Nobel laureate Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook a classic of feminist fiction , as opposed, the author herself has often remarked that its central theme is mental breakdown as a route to personal liberation. In addition, the phrase as opposed is non-idiomatic. The correct idiom is as opposed to. B Well done! This answer choice corrects the Run-On Sentence mistake (clauses connected by comma only) by replacing the comma (,) that separates the two clauses with a semicolon (;), which can serve as a connector. It also corrects the idiom mistake by changing as opposed to as opposed to this view. Although this answer choices adds the word view, this improves the clarity of the sentence without changing the meaning. Note that consider is unique, in that it does not require any preposition after it. "They consider it a classic" is grammatically correct and more concise than "they consider it as / to be a classic". ++++++++ as a classic of feminist fiction, as opposed to the author herself, who has often remarked Incorrect. While this answer choice corrects the original idiom mistake by changing as opposed to as opposed to, it is illogical. The modifier as opposed to the author herself should logically modify Some scholars but it is placed directly after feminist fiction. Furthermore, this answer choice is stylistically flawed. Consider is unique, in that it does not require any preposition after it. "They consider it a classic" is grammatically correct and more concise than "they consider it as / to be a classic". to be a classic of feminist fiction, but, opposite are the author's own frequent remarks Incorrect. While this answer choice corrects the original Run-On Sentence mistake (clauses connected by comma only), it introduces a new mistake: the expression opposite are is non-idiomatic. The correct idiom is as opposed to. Furthermore, this answer choice is stylistically flawed. Consider is unique, in that it does not require any preposition after it. "They consider it a classic" is grammatically correct and more concise than "they consider it as / to be a classic". to be a classic of feminist fiction, as opposed to the remarks of the author herself Incorrect. While this answer choice corrects the original idiom mistake by changing as opposed to as opposed to, it is illogical. The modifier as opposed to the remarks of the author herself should compare the author's remarks with those of Some scholars; however, it is placed directly after feminist fiction creating an illogical comparison. Furthermore, this answer choice is stylistically flawed. Consider is unique, in that it does not require any preposition after it. "They consider it a classic" is grammatically correct and more concise than "they consider it as / to be a classic".

Monkeys in urban areas of India, having had their natural habitats populated by humans, ☺venture into the city centers in search of food and water.☺ venture into the city centers in search of food and venture into the center of various cities in search of food and venture into the city centers in search of food as well as ventures into the city centers to search for food and venture into the city centers to find food as well as

A Correct! This answer choice matches the plural subject Monkeys with the plural verb venture and refrains from using the redundant phrase as well as. +++++++ venture into the center of various cities in search of food and Although this answer choice is grammatically correct, it is stylistically flawed because of its use of the redundant phrase the center of various cities. venture into the city centers in search of food as well as This answer choice is stylistically flawed. Using as well as instead of and is redundant. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: as well as ventures into the city centers to search for food and This answer choice is grammatically incorrect: the plural subject Monkeys does not agree with the singular verb ventures. What helps us identify this question as a Subject Verb Agreement question and identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: A long complex subject / a long distance between the subject and the verb venture into the city centers to find food as well as This answer choice is stylistically flawed. Using as well as instead of and is redundant. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: as well as

In his review of Amanda Eyre Ward's novel Forgive Me, ☺published in 2007, Andrew Sean Greer, author of The Confessions of Max Tivoli, dubbed it perhaps the☺ most compelling novel of that year. published in 2007, Andrew Sean Greer, author of The Confessions of Max Tivoli, dubbed it perhaps the published in 2007, Andrew Sean Greer, author of The Confessions of Max Tivoli, dubbed it maybe the which was published in 2007, Andrew Sean Greer, author of The Confessions of Max Tivoli, dubbed it perhaps the published in 2007, Andrew Sean Greer, author of The Confessions of Max Tivoli, dubbed it perhaps that was published in 2007, Andrew Sean Greer, author of The Confessions of Max Tivoli, dubbed it perhaps the

A Excellent! This sentence compares a specific novel to all the novels written in the same year. When comparing one thing to a group (rather than to another thing), the superlative form the most should be used as is done in this answer choice.

☺Aquatics, a Summer Olympic sports category, includes disciplines such as diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo.☺ Aquatics, a Summer Olympic sports category, includes disciplines such as diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo The Summer Olympic sports category aquatics includes disciplines like diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo Disciplines such as diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo are all included in the Summer Olympic sports category of aquatics. Summer Olympic sports categories like diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo are aquatic disciplines Aquatics, the Summer Olympic sports category, includes disciplines like diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo

A Good work! This answer choice correctly uses such as (and not like) to introduce the examples diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo. ++++++++++++++ C. Disciplines such as diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo are all included in the Summer Olympic sports category of aquatics. Although this answer choice correctly uses such as to introduce examples, it is still stylistically flawed. Changing the sentence from active to passive and the addition of unnecessary words such as all and of create redundancy. Active (more concise): Aquatics includes disciplines. Passive (less concise): Disciplines are included in aquatics.

John ☺gets along and likes☺ Jane's brother. gets along and likes gets along and like gets along with and likes get along and likes not only gets along but also likes

A This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. The verb gets in the Split Construction gets along and likes is missing a preposition. Despite already including a preposition, gets along requires another preposition in order to correctly connect to Jane's brother. You don't get along someone - you get along with someone. What helps us identify this question as a Split Construction question and identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: A split construction: Verb A + and/or + Verb B + object C Correct! This answer choice adds the required preposition to the Split Construction - with. ++++++++ gets along and like This answer choice repeats the original mistake. In addition, this answer choice creates a Subject Verb Agreement mistake by turning the singular verb likes into the plural like. get along and likes This answer choice repeats the original mistake. In addition, this answer choice creates a Subject Verb Agreement mistake by turning the singular verb gets into the plural get. not only gets along but also likes This answer choice repeats the original mistake. In addition, this answer choice is stylistically flawed. The addition of not only... but also creates redundancy.

☺Concerned for the welfare of their marine wildlife, many countries have installed laws requiring that fishermen hold permits specific to certain areas, perhaps an important turning point in conservation history.☺ Concerned for the welfare of their marine wildlife, many countries have installed laws requiring that fishermen hold permits specific to certain areas, perhaps an important turning point in conservation history Perhaps an important turning point in conservation history, many countries, concerned for the welfare of their marine wildlife, have installed laws requiring that fishermen will hold permits specific to certain area Many countries, concerned for the welfare of their marine wildlife, have installed laws requiring that fishermen hold permits specific to certain areas, maybe an important turning point in conservation history Concerned for the welfare of their marine wildlife, many countries installed laws requiring that fishermen holding permits specific to certain areas, perhaps an important turning point in conservation history Concerned for the welfare of their marine wildlife, and maybe an important turning point in conservation history, many countries have installed laws requiring that fishermen hold permits specific to certain area

A Very good! You took 1 minutes and 28 seconds to answer this question. Excellent! Require is one of the nine verbs to which the Subjunctive rule applies (if it is followed by that). This means that the next verb after requiring that should be in base form (hold).

In numerous political accounts, the definition ☺most commonly used to describe a strong leader is that of a person who is cognizant of but☺ undeterred by the fluctuations of public opinion. most commonly used to describe a strong leader is that of a person who is cognizant of but that is most commonly used to describe a strong leader is a person who is cognizant of but most commonly used to describe a strong leader is a person who is cognizant but most commonly used to describe a strong leader is a that of a person who is cognizant but that is most commonly used to describe a strong leader is that of person who is cognizant of but also

A Very good! You took 1 minutes and 55 seconds to answer this question. Well done! This answer choice makes correct use of the preposition of after cognizant. It also is the most concise of all the answer choices. +++++++++++ that is most commonly used to describe a strong leader is a person who is cognizant of but Incorrect. This answer choice is illogical and stylistically flawed. By changing is that of a person to is a person, this answer choice states illogically that the definition is a person. However, a definition cannot be a person, it can be of a person. In addition, the words that is are redundant, as they are not needed to convey the meaning. most commonly used to describe a strong leader is a person who is cognizant but Incorrect. This answer choice is grammatically incorrect and illogical. By changing is that of a person to is a person, the corrected sentence states illogically that the definition is a person. However, a definition cannot be a person, it can be of a person. In addition, by changing cognizant of to cognizant, this answer choice creates a grammatical mistake, as idiomatically the adjective cognizant requires the preposition of. most commonly used to describe a strong leader is a that of a person who is cognizant but Incorrect. This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. Idiomatically, the adjective cognizant requires the preposition of, but in this answer choice the preposition of is omitted. that is most commonly used to describe a strong leader is that of person who is cognizant of but also Incorrect. This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. The phrase but also must be complemented by not only. Stop Sign: not only A but also B In addition, the words that is are redundant, as they are not needed to convey the meaning.

An international law regarding war crime states that once a foreign intruder is captured by officials, they are legally empowered to request that ☺he imparts to them basic personal information.☺ he imparts to them basic personal information he would impart basic personal information to them he will impart basic personal information to them he impart basic personal information to them he impart basic personal information to the officials

A You slightly overestimated the time this question took you. You actually solved it in 53 seconds. This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. Request is one of the nine verbs to which the Subjunctive rule applies (if it is followed by that). This means that the next verb after request that should be in base form. However, imparts is not in base form. What helps us identify this question as a Subjunctive question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: propose/recommend/require/request/insist/suggest/mandate/ask/demand that Whenever you come across this Stop Sign, make sure that the following verb is in its base form. E Although this answer choice corrects the original Subjunctive error by using the base form verb be, repeating the phrase to the officials rather than using the pronoun them creates redundancy. Since the officials is the only plural noun in the sentence, using the plural pronoun them to refer to this noun is both correct and concise, posing no danger of ambiguity. D Excellent! Request is one of the nine verbs to which the Subjunctive rule applies (if it is followed by that). This means that the next verb after request that should be in base form. In this answer choice, the base form impart is correctly used. ++++++++++++ he would impart basic personal information to them This answer choice is grammatically incorrect and repeats the original mistake. Request is one of the nine verbs to which the Subjunctive rule applies (if it is followed by that). This means that the next verb after request that should be in base form. However, would impart is not in base form. What helps us identify this question as a Subjunctive question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: propose/recommend/require/request/insist/suggest/mandate/ask/demand that Whenever you come across this Stop Sign, make sure that the following verb is in its base form. he will impart basic personal information to them This answer choice is grammatically incorrect and repeats the original mistake. Request is one of the nine verbs to which the Subjunctive rule applies (if it is followed by that). This means that the next verb after request that should be in base form. However, will impart is not in base form. What helps us identify this question as a Subjunctive question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: propose/recommend/require/request/insist/suggest/mandate/ask/demand that Whenever you come across this Stop Sign, make sure that the following verb is in its base form.

1) Based on the data represented in the graph, Q1 revenue for 2010 constituted what fraction of annual revenue? 1/4 1/3 2/5 3/5 2/3

B Correct. Do not waste time trying to read exact values from the graph. Ballpark! Q1 2010 revenue = 1,400,000 2010 revenue = 1,400,000 + 1,100,000 + 950,000 + 1,100,000 = 4,550,000 Q1 2010 revenue / 2010 revenue = 1,400,000 / 4,550,000 (Get rid of the extra zeros already, will you?) = 140/455 ≈ 150/450 = 1/3

Now, let's try another one: 2) What is the percentage change in Q3 revenue over the four year period? 133% 166% 174% 191% 263%

B Correct. Q3 2008 revenue = 350,000 Q3 2011 revenue = 900,000 Percent change over 4 years = [(Q3 2011 revenue - Q3 2008 revenue) / Q3 2008 revenue] x 100% = [(900,000 - 350,000) / 350,000] x 100% = (550,000 / 350,000) x 100% (Get rid of the zeros already, will you?) = (55 / 35) x 100% ≈ (55 / 33) x 100% = (5/3) x 100% = 1.66 x 100% = 166%

Dyminocs is changing its production methods and moving all its workers from the current plant to a new plant. However, all current workers need to undergo training before moving to the new plant. The company is retaining all its current workers and not hiring any new ones. Due to capacity constraints, only 250 workers can be trained in a training session, so the company is employing a dual strategy. At the beginning of each training session, 250 workers are randomly chosen for an intensive 10-day course at the new plant, after which they start work in the new plant. The training sessions are held consecutively, with one session beginning the day after the previous one ends. Workers working at the current plant and unable to undertake training due to capacity constraints are gradually introduced to new methods employed at the new plant and get a "one-day training credit" for this on-the-job-training each time they are not chosen for a formal training session through random selection. These credits reduce their overall training requirements. If the company has 1000 workers working at the old plant on June 1st, how long will it take for both plants to have an equal number of workers, and how long before the old plant shuts down completely? Note down your answers for both of the questions above before continuing, and then enter your answers one after the other. Let's start with your answer for the first question: 1) How long will it take for both plants to have an equal number of workers? 10 19 20 27 40

B Correct. Set up a table for number of days of training needed for every batch of employees. According to the question, the training duration for every group after the first one is 1 day less than the training duration for the group before it. So, the first group will undergo training for 10 days, and the second group will undergo training for 10-1=9 days. Drawing a table such as the one below can help you better understand how the number of workers at each plant changes after each training session and how long it will take for the number of workers at both plants to become equal. Based on the table above, the number of workers at both plants will be equal (500) after 19 days. Now for: 2) How many days from June 1st will the old plant shut down completely? 10 19 24 27 34 E Correct. As you recall, the training duration for every group after the first one is 1 day less than the training duration for the group before it. So, the first group will undergo training for 10 days, and the second group will undergo training for 10-1=9 days. Drawing a table such as the one below can help you better understand how the number of workers at each plant changes after each training session and how long it will take for all of the workers to be trained and for the old plant to shut down. Based on the table above, the old plant will shut down after 34 days.

Let's try a different kind of graph: The HR Director at Trinity Consulting, Inc. did a time and motion study to improve employee efficiency. During the study, she monitored 68 employees from three different departments to determine what percentage of an 8-hour workday they spent on email. The results are shown on the graph below: The mean number of employees who spent between 20% and 30% of the workday on email is between: 0 and 4 5 and 9 10 and 14 15 and 19 20 and 24

B Correct. The mean number of employees amongst Accounting, Marketing, and Engineering who spent between 20% and 30% of their workday on email is (8+4+9)/3 = 7. The total number of employees who spent at least 2.4 hours on email during the workday is: 10 13 20 32 48 E Incorrect. 48 of the employees spent less than 2.4 hours (30%) of the workday on email. C Correct. 30% of an 8-hour workday is 2.4 hours. 20 of the employees monitored spent at least 30% of the workday on email.

So far we did not have to do any calculations. Let's try a trickier example: The top 3 states had a percentage increase of at least 6% each year. For this statement, you should: A. Calculate percentage increase for each State for each of the 3 years. B. No way!

B Good call. Do not waste time performing tedious calculations. Ballpark! A. I have my pen and paper ready. B. Show me, how? B For Connecticut: 2009 value: 53,000 10% of 53,000 is 5,300. 5% is half of 10% so 5% is 2600 53,000 + 2,600 has to be more than 54,239 So, the answer is TRUE FALSE A Incorrect. 53,000 + 2,600 has to be more than 54,239 Hence, the percentage increase from 2009 to 2010 for Connecticut was less than 5%, which is automatically less than 6%. If it is less for any one state for even one year, then the answer is FALSE.

The Scatter Plot represents the relationship between driver's speed and enforced speed limit for traffic rules violation tickets issued to drivers. Based on the data represented in the scatter plot, what is the relationship between driver's speed and enforced speed limit for tickets issued to traffic rule violators? Positive Negative None

B Incorrect. Both quantities increase and decrease together i.e. as enforced speed limit increases so does driver's speed. A Correct. Both quantities increase and decrease together i.e. as enforced speed limit increases so does driver's speed. So there is a positive relationship. Most tickets were issued to drivers driving at speeds within which of the following ranges? 30 to 45m/hr 45 to 60m/hr 60 to 70 m/hr B Correct. 14 tickets were issued to drivers driving within this speed range.

Based on the information given in the three articles, which one of the following examples do / do not favor preferential treatment of content like the way content might be treated on the Internet without network neutrality? 1) Newspapers grant ad space to advertisers on the basis of the highest bidder getting the best spot. 2) Airlines charge extra fees for first class travel and customers who pay more get benefits such as express check in or VIP lounge access. 3) Search engines rank certain websites higher than others in search engine results based on arbitrary criteria. 4) A popular blogger writes a sponsored review on her blog about the achievements and challenges of her favorite charity. Note down your answers for all of the questions above before continuing, and then enter your answers one after the other. Let's start with your answer for the first question: 1) Newspapers grant ad space to advertisers on the basis of the highest bidder getting the best spot. DOES DOES NOT

B Incorrect. Newspapers giving better spots to those paying extra, is similar to internet service providers giving the fast lane to internet content providers willing to pay for faster access. In both cases, the medium, news providers or internet service providers, chooses which content gets preferred in return for monetary gain. Now for: 2) Airlines charge extra fees for first class travel and customers who pay more get benefits such as express check in or VIP lounge access. DOES DOES NOT A Incorrect. Airlines giving extra services to those paying extra, is not similar to internet service providers giving greater access to content providers willing to pay extra. In the first case, customers pay premium for better services whereas in the second case the decision about which content should be more easily accessible is determined by the internet service provider (not the customer) on the basis of which content provider is willing to pay extra to the service provider. Now for: 3) Search engines rank certain websites higher than others in search engine results based on arbitrary criteria. DOES DOES NOT B Correct. Search engines ranking certain websites higher than others, is not similar to internet service providers giving preferential treatment to content providers willing to pay extra. In the first case, the websites ranked higher do not pay search engines for higher ranking whereas in the second case content providers want better and faster access to their content in exchange for money. Now for: 4) A popular blogger writes a sponsored review on her blog about the achievements and challenges of her favorite charity. DOES DOES NOT A Correct. A blogger writing a sponsored review is similar to internet service providers giving preferential treatment to content providers for a fee. In both cases, the medium, blogger or internet service providers, chooses which content gets preferred in return for monetary gain.

About 99% of Madagascar's frog ☺species, like the mantella frog and the tomato frog, are endemic to the island.☺ species, like the mantella frog and the tomato frog, are endemic to the island species are endemic to the island, such as the mantella frog and the tomato frog species, such as the mantella frog and the tomato frog, are endemic to the island species are endemic to the island, like the mantella frog and the tomato frog species, like the mantella and tomato frog, are endemic to the island

B While this answer choice corrects the original mistake by replacing like with the more appropriate such as, it is illogical as the two examples of frog species no longer appear after the words frog species. In this answer choice, the mantella frog and the tomato frog are two examples of the island rather than Madagascar's frog species. C Great! This answer choice corrects the original stylistic mistake by replacing like with such as.

☺The annual cost, that has not changed in over a decade, of Jane's weekly yoga class is $3,600 a year.☺ The annual cost, that has not changed in over a decade, of Jane's weekly yoga class is $3,600 a year For over a decade, the annual cost of Jane's weekly yoga class has been $3,600. The annual cost, which has not changed in over a decade, of Jane's weekly yoga class is $3,600 a year The costs, which has not changed in over a decade, of Jane's weekly yoga class is $3,600 Jane's weekly yoga class costs $3,600, which has not changed in over a decade.

B You overestimated the time this question took you. You actually solved it in 55 seconds. Well done! ++++++++++ The annual cost, that has not changed in over a decade, of Jane's weekly yoga class is $3,600 a year This answer choice has two mistakes. The first is grammatical: the relative pronoun that cannot follow a comma. What helps us identify this question as a Relative Clause question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: who, which, that, whose, whom The second mistake is using both annual and year, which creates redundancy. What helps us identify this question as a redundancy question as well as identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: annual + year The annual cost, which has not changed in over a decade, of Jane's weekly yoga class is $3,600 a year By replacing that with which, this answer choice corrects one of the two original mistakes. However, it repeats the second original mistake: using both annual and year creates redundancy. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: annual + year The costs, which has not changed in over a decade, of Jane's weekly yoga class is $3,600 While this answer choice corrects both original mistakes, it is grammatically incorrect. The plural subject costs does not agree with the singular verbs has and is. Jane's weekly yoga class costs $3,600, which has not changed in over a decade. While this answer choice corrects both original mistakes, it is illogical. The relative clause which has not changed in over a decade follows $3,600, implying that this sum of money has not changed in over a decade, but, in fact, the cost of Jane's weekly yoga class is what hasn't changed. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: who, which, that, whose, whom Also, omitting both annual and year results in meaning loss.

In business, a conflict of ☺interests can occur when a firm puts itself in a position with☺ its own interests are at odds with its commitments to its clients. interests can occur when a firm puts itself in a position with interest can occur when a firm puts itself in a position where interests can occur if a firm puts itself in a position with interests can occur with a firm putting itself in a position of interest can occur when a firm is put in a position where

B You overestimated the time this question took you. You actually solved it in 58 seconds. Well done! This answer choice corrects the original clauses mistake by replacing with with when to connect the main clause (a conflict of interest can occur) with the sentence's secondary clause (its own interests are at odds with its commitments to its clients). +++++++++++++ interests can occur when a firm puts itself in a position with Incorrect. This answer choice is grammatically incorrect; it uses the preposition with to connect two clauses, instead of using a conjunction. interests can occur if a firm puts itself in a position with Incorrect. This answer choice repeats the original clauses mistake; it uses the preposition with to connect two clauses, instead of using a conjunction. In addition, by changing when to if, this answer choice unnecessarily changes the original sentence which describes a generalization into a particular condition. interests can occur with a firm putting itself in a position of Incorrect. This answer choice repeats the original clauses mistake; it uses the preposition of to connect two clauses, instead of using a conjunction. interest can occur when a firm is put in a position where Incorrect. While this answer choice corrects the original clauses mistake, it changes the original meaning sentence. Using the passive form is put indicates that someone other than the company may be responsible for the situation. However, the original sentence refers to a company putting itself in the above position.

Brought from the Americas by the Spaniards and quickly adapted for cultivation in Europe, ☺the origins of maize were soon forgotten, many of its cultivators thinking it native to Turkey.☺ the origins of maize were soon forgotten, many of its cultivators thinking it native to Turkey the origins of maize were soon forgotten, many of its cultivators thinking it was a native of Turkey maize was thought by many of its cultivators to be native to Turkey and its origins were soon forgotten maize's origins were soon forgotten, many of its cultivators thinking they were native to Turkey many of the cultivators of maize soon forgot its origins and thought Turkey was its nativity

C Close enough - you took 1 minutes and 56 seconds to answer this question. Well done! This answer choice orrects the Dangling Modifier mistake in the original question by placing maize directly after the modifier Brought from the Americas by the Spaniards and quickly adapted for cultivation in Europe. What helps us identify this question as a Dangling Modifier question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: A modifier, characterized by all of the following: 1. Verb+ing or Verb in 3rd form 2. Separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma 3. Appears at the very beginning of the sentence Whenever you see this Stop Sign, focus on the modifier: check whether the noun right after the modifier is indeed the noun that the modifier describes. If it isn't - you've found your mistake. This answer choice also makes correct use of the idiom native to, which here means originating from or belonging to a place. +++++++++++ the origins of maize were soon forgotten, many of its cultivators thinking it native to Turkey Incorrect. This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. The sentence begins with a Dangling modifier: Brought from the Americas [...] which can only logically modify the noun maize. However, what immediately follows the modifier is the noun phrase the origins of maize. the origins of maize were soon forgotten, many of its cultivators thinking it was a native of Turkey Incorrect. This answer choice repeats the original Dangling Modifier mistake. The sentence begins with a Dangling modifier: Brought from the Americas [...] which can only logically modify the noun maize. However, what immediately follows the modifier is the noun phrase the origins of maize. Furthermore, this answer choice changes the adjective native to to the noun phrase a native of, making an incorrect use the idiom a native of. Only a human or an animal can be a native of X. However, both human and non-human nouns can be native to a place. maize's origins were soon forgotten, many of its cultivators thinking they were native to Turkey Incorrect. This answer choice repeats the original Dangling Modifier mistake The sentence begins with a Dangling modifier: Brought from the Americas [...] which can only logically modify the noun maize. However, what immediately follows the modifier is the noun phrase maize's origins. Similarly, by changing the pronoun it to they, this answer choice makes the illogical claim that the origins were thought to be native to Turkey, rather than maize (the crop) being native to Turkey. many of the cultivators of maize soon forgot its origins and thought Turkey was its nativity Incorrect. This answer choice repeats the original Dangling Modifier mistake The sentence begins with a Dangling modifier: Brought from the Americas [...] which can only logically modify the noun maize. However, what immediately follows the modifier is the noun phrase many of the cultivators of maize. In addition, the phrase Turkey was its nativity is non-idiomatic and awkward. The word nativity refers only to the birth or origins of humans, not to the origins of non-human nouns.

Now, let's try another one: 3) If 30% of Other spending is found to be misallocated and needs to be assigned to Defense instead, Defense will constitute what percentage of total spending? 15.47% 15.92% 16.73% 17.9% 21.8%

C Correct. 30% of Other Spending = 30% of 35% = 10.5% of Miscellaneous Keep things simple. Treat 10.5% as 10%. 10% of Miscellaneous = 10% of 26% of Total Spending = 2.6% of Total Spending. Defense = 14% + 2.6% = 16.6%

There were r red balls and y yellow balls in a bag. Four red balls and three yellow ones were added to the bag. What is the probability that a yellow ball and then a red ball will be selected if Jerry pulls out two balls at random? y+4 / y+r+7 (×) r+3 / y+r+6 y+3 / y+r+7 (+) r+4 / y+r+6 y+3 / y+r+7 (×) r+4 / y+r+6 y+3 / y+r+7 (×) r+3 / y+r+7 y+3 / y+r+7 (+) r+3 / y+r+6

C Correct. Probability is given in the formula: Jerry pulls out two balls from the jar, so there are two events in the question: pulling a yellow ball, AND pulling a red ball after it. Consider each event one-at-a-time, then multiply their probabilities. When considering each event one-at-a-time, assume that the previous events yielded a wanted response, and consider each event under the new conditions created by this assumption. For questions without repetition, this means that the conditions (i.e. total number of outcomes and number of wanted outcomes) changes for each successive event. There were y+r balls in the jar, but since 4 red ones and 3 yellow ones were added, now there are y+r+4+3 = y+r+7 balls in the jar. This is the denominator of the probability fraction. The numerator, the number of good results, is the number of yellow balls, which was y, but now 3 balls were added to make it y+3. Thus the probability of drawing a yellow ball from the original jar is: y+3 / y+r+7 Now there are only y+r+6 balls in the jar. The reds are r+4 out of them, therefore the probability for drawing a red ball after the yellow ball was drawn is: r+4 / y+r+6 Since you need a yellow ball AND a red ball, multiply the two fractions to get the probability that you need: y+3 / y+r+7 (×) r+4 / y+r+6 Alternative method: variables in the answer choices? Plug in number and eliminate. Plug in good numbers such as y=2 and r=3. After adding 3 yellow balls and 4 red balls, the number of balls in the bag becomes 5 yellow balls and 7 red balls, or 12 balls in total. The probability of drawing a yellow ball is then 5 out of 12, or 5/12. Since the balls are not replaced, there are only 11 balls left in the bag, 7 of which are red. Therefore, the probability of then drawing a red ball is 7 / 11. Multiply the two to get (5/12)×(7/11) - that's your Goal. Plug the values of y and r into the answer choices and eliminate all answer choices that do not match your Goal. In this case, if y=2 and r=3, then y+3 / y+r+7 (×) r+4 / y+r+6 = 2+3 / 2+3+7 (×) 3+4 / 2+3+6 = 5/12 (×) 7/11 All other answer choices are eliminated for the same Plug in, so this is the right answer choice.

A game at the state fair has a circular target with a radius of 10 cm on a square board measuring 30 cm on a side. Players win prizes if they throw a single dart and hit the circular area only. If Jim hit the board, what is the probability that Jim won the game? 1/3 1/π π/9 3/π π/3

C Correct. This is a geometric probability question. Remember the formula for geometric probability: In this case, the issue is the area of the circle. You are asked to find the area of the circle, and its relation to the area of the big square it's situated on (the entire shape). The area of the circle is all the ""wanted" results, while the area of the square (including the circle) contains the total available area possible when throwing a dart. The area of the square = side2 = 302 = 900 The area of the circle = πr2 = 100π Thus the chance of hitting the circle = 100π/900 = π/9

You've had a chance to try two Quant-based questions, but some Two Part Analysis questions are Verbal-based. The Verbal-based questions may also have dependent, independent, or interdependent answers. This Two Part Analysis question is much like a typical Critical Reasoning question. The answers to Strengthening/Weakening questions like this one should always be found separately: Alvarez Widget Company has been experiencing financial troubles for the past three fiscal years. The board of directors was called in to vote on a new radical marketing initiative to turn things around. The chairman thinks that cancelling the production of Widget B, the widget that makes up 65% of their current sales, and replacing it with a cutting-edge, upgraded version developed by Rutherford Technologies is a good idea. The rest of the board is divided on the issue. Determine which of the following statements, if true, would most strengthen the chairman's argument and which of the statements, if true, would most weaken it. A. A recent survey conducted on a representative sample of AWC's customers showed a 75% preference for Widget B over the comparable widget produced by its competitor. B. Only 35% of the board agrees with the chairman on the radical marketing initiative. C. Even though Widget B has always been manufactured according to the high quality standards that AWC's customers have grown to expect, it has suffered a 50% decline in market share over the past three years due to obsolescence. D. Two weeks ago, three lots of AWC's widget A were recalled because many of the widgets were found to be defective. E. The materials used in the manufacture of Rutherford Technologies' upgraded widget increased in price last month. Which premise, if true, would most strengthen the chairman's argument?

C Correct. This premise most greatly strengthens the chairman's conclusion because it exposes and supports his assumption that Widget B, which makes up more than half of AWC's current sales, has been declining in competitiveness since AWC began having financial trouble. This supports his conclusion that Widget B's declining popularity has been contributing to AWC's financial troubles and should therefore be replaced. Now, which premise, if true, would most weaken his argument? A Correct. This premise exposes the chairman's assumption that AWC's customers have been buying the competitor's widget instead of Widget B, thereby contributing to a decline in profits. It most greatly undermines his conclusion because it disproves this assumption. If the great majority of customers prefer Widget B over the competitor's product, then there is no need to replace it.

Integrated Reasoning - Table Analysis questions present you with questions based on a data rich table like this one. See the Table in Goal Sept 2015 Excel sheet Notice that the table offers a wealth of information and quite a few values. When you encounter a Table Analysis question you should: I should glance through the table to get an idea of what it is about I should study the table in detail to understand the information it holds I should dive right in to the questions I need to answer

C Good call! Look at the table after reading the first question. This way you will know what you are looking for and will not waste time trying to absorb data that is not needed for any of the questions appearing in relevance to the table. Let's look at a question related to this table. Consider the following statement and indicate whether the statement is true or false, based on the information provided in the table. There was no change in rank through the three years for more than half the states listed in the table. For this question you only want to know if the rank stays the same for more than half the states. Now look at the table and 1) find out which rank the question is referring to 2) count the number of states in the table 3) count the number of states for which rank does not change 4) see if 3) is half of 2) TRUE FALSE B Correct. Based on the table, the rank stays the same for the top 6 states, and Pennsylvania. That is only 7 out of 20 which is not equal to half.

☺As previous studies have implied, a new study estimates that one-third or even more than one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use.☺ As previous studies have implied, a new study estimates that one-third or even more than one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use As previous studies, a new study estimates that at least one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use A new study estimates that at least one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use, as previous studies have implied A new study estimates that at least one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use, as previous studies A new study estimates that at least one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use, as studies carried out before have implied

C Great work! This answer choice corrects the original Redundancy error by replacing the phrase one-third or even more than one-third with at least. +++++++++ As previous studies have implied, a new study estimates that one-third or even more than one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use This answer choice is stylistically flawed. The phrase one-third or even more than one-third is redundant. Look for a more concise answer choice. What helps us identify this question as a Redundancy question as well as identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: x or (even) more than x As previous studies, a new study estimates that at least one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use Although this answer choice corrects the original Redundancy error by replacing the phrase one-third or even more than one-third with at least, it is grammatically incorrect. A comparative section beginning with as should always include a conjugated verb. The comparative section in this answer choice (As previous studies), however, does not include a verb. What helps us identify this question as a Comparative question as well as the mistake is the following Stop Sign: Like, unlike, than, as A new study estimates that at least one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use, as previous studies Although this answer choice corrects the original Redundancy error by replacing the phrase one-third or even more than one-third with at least, it is grammatically incorrect. A comparative section beginning with as should always include a conjugated verb. The comparative section in this answer choice (As previous studies), however, does not include a verb. What helps us identify this question as a Comparative question as well as the mistake is the following Stop Sign: Like, unlike, than, as A new study estimates that at least one-third of all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are due to maternal tobacco use, as studies carried out before have implied Although this answer choice corrects the original Redundancy error by replacing the phrase one-third or even more than one-third with at least, it is redundant due to its use of the wordy phrase studies carried out before have implied.

1) If General Government Spending in 2011 was 630 million, and the 2012 General Government Spending is 5% less than 2011's, what is the value of Other Spending? 2.4 billion 2.6 billion 2.9 billion 3.1 billion 3.3 billion

C Incorrect. Do not waste time trying to read exact values from the chart. Ballpark! B Correct. 2011 General Government Spending = 630 million 2012 General Government Spending = 630 - 5 % of 630 10% of 630 is 63 so 5% of 630 is 31.5. Round 31.5 as 30 to keep your calculations simple. So, 2012 General Government Spending = 630 - 30 = 600 Given that General Government Spending and Other Spending in 2012 are 8% and 35% of Miscellaneous, we can estimate Other Spending as almost 36/8 = 4.5 times General Government Spending. So, Other spending = 4.5 (600) = 4(600) + 0.5(600) = 2400 + 300 = 2700 m = 2.7 billion

Is integer x divisible by 54? (1) x is divisible by 9. (2) x is divisible by 6. statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked; statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked; BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked; EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked; statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

C Incorrect. This is a DS Yes\No question. Answering a definite "Yes" or a definite "No" means Sufficient. If the answer is sometimes "Yes" and sometimes "No", it means Maybe, which means Insufficient. For each statement, plug in numbers in order to arrive at opposite answers. According to Stat. (1), x can be 9, which is not divisible by 54, or x can be 54, which is divisible by 9 and by 54. Stat.(1)->Maybe->IS->BCE. According to Stat. (2), x can be 6, which is not divisible by 54, or x can be 54, which is divisible by 6 and by 54. Stat.(2)->Maybe->IS->CE. According to Stat. (1+2), x can be 18, which is divisible by 6 and by 9, but is not divisible by 54, or x can be 54, which is divisible by 6, by 9 and by 54. Stat.(1+2)->Maybe->IS->E. E Correct. According to Stat. (1), x can be 9, which is not divisible by 54, or x can be 54, which is divisible by 9 and by 54. Stat.(1)->Maybe->IS->BCE. According to Stat. (2), x can be 6, which is not divisible by 54, or it can be 54, which is divisible by 6 and by 54. Stat.(2)->Maybe->IS->CE. According to Stat. (1+2), x can be 18, which is divisible by 6 and by 9, but is not divisible by 54, or it can be 54, which is divisible by 6, by 9 and by 54. Stat.(1+2)->Maybe->IS->E.

The management of the great Taj Mahal monument in India requests that visitors ☺not only remove their shoes before entrance to the premises but☺ keep their voices down. not only remove their shoes before entrance to the premises but not only removed their shoes before entrance to the premises but also not only remove their shoes before entrance to the premises but also remove their shoes before entrance to the premises but also not only removing their shoes before entrance to the premises but also

C Nice work! This answer choice correctly complements not only with but also. It also follows the Subjunctive rule by keeping the verb that comes after request that in base form (remove). ++++++++++++++ not only remove their shoes before entrance to the premises but This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. In the GMAT, not only must be complemented by but also, not just but. What helps us identify this question as a Parallelism question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: not only... but also... not only removed their shoes before entrance to the premises but also Although this answer choice corrects the original Parallelism error by inserting the word also so that we get the construction not only...but also, it is still grammatically incorrect. Request is one of the nine verbs to which the Subjunctive rule applies (if it is followed by that). This means that the next verb after request that should be in base form. However, removed is not in base form. What helps us identify this question as a Subjunctive question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: propose/recommend/require/request/insist/suggest/mandate/ask/demand that Whenever you come across this Stop Sign, make sure that the following verb is in its base form. remove their shoes before entrance to the premises but also This answer choice is grammatically incorrect and repeats the original mistake. In the GMAT, but also must be complemented by not only. What helps us identify this question as a Parallelism question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: not only... but also... not only removing their shoes before entrance to the premises but also Although this answer choice corrects the original Parallelism error by inserting the word also so that we get the construction not only...but also, it is still grammatically incorrect. Request is one of the nine verbs to which the Subjunctive rule applies (if it is followed by that). This means that the next verb after request that should be in base form. However, removing is not in base form. What helps us identify this question as a Subjunctive question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: propose/recommend/require/request/insist/suggest/mandate/ask/demand that Whenever you come across this Stop Sign, make sure that the following verb is in its base form.

Now, let's try another one: 2) The amount of money spent on Welfare is how many times the amount spent on Protection? 12/19 19/12 5/12 12/5 6/13

D Correct. Protection = 19% of 26% Keep things simple: Treat 19% of 26% as 20% of 25% which is 5%. Welfare = 12% So, Welfare is 12/5 times Protection.

Twin Brooks Hotel and Casino is having trouble with its casino operations. On Thursday, it lost five employees who were desperately needed for the weekend rush. A local temp service that rehabilitates people with various impairments sent Marianne, Oswald, Trish, Harrison, and Sylvester to cover the roulette wheel, the house poker table, the craps table, the slot machine area, and the blackjack table (not necessarily in that order). Marianne and Oswald both suffer from migraine headaches, so they cannot stand the spinning of the roulette wheel or the slot machines. Trish has a computational learning disability which prevents her from working the blackjack or craps tables. Harrison has acute paranoia which makes him suspicious that all the card-playing customers are counting cards and trying to get him fired. Finally, Sylvester has monochromacy (color blindness), so he cannot tell the black numbers from the red ones on the roulette wheel. If the female temp at the roulette wheel calls in sick, which temp can cover for her? Then, who amongst the remaining temps is able to cover the slot machine area? Note down your answers for both of the questions above before continuing, and then enter your answers one after the other. Let's start with your answer for the first question: 1) Who can cover for the woman at the roulette wheel? Marianne Oswald Trish Harrison Sylvester

D Correct. Since neither Marianne, nor Oswald, nor Sylvester is able to work the roulette wheel, and Trish is the only woman who can, Harrison is the employee who can cover for her if she is out. Now for: 2) Who amongst the remaining temps can then cover the slot machine area? Marianne Oswald Trish Harrison Sylvester C Incorrect. If Trish, the woman who is normally assigned to the roulette wheel, is out sick, then she is unavailable to cover the slot machine area. First notice that the answer to the second question is dependent upon the answer to the first, but they are not interdependent upon one another. This indicates that the two answers should be found separately, one after the other. Do not get confused by the overwhelming amount of data. Sort it all out with a 5×5 table as follows: Mark through the stations that cannot be manned by the various temps, and then answer the questions accordingly. E Correct. Marianne and Oswald have migraines that prevent them from ever covering the slot machine area. If Trish is out sick, then she is unavailable to cover the roulette wheel, and Harrison is the only temp who can take her place. Neither is then available to cover the slot machine area. This leaves Sylvester as the correct choice.

Dudley Moore and Peter Cook ☺not only wrote the 1960s BBC comedy "Not only...But also" but also presented the show, along with contributing guests like☺ John Lennon and Peter Sellers. not only wrote the 1960s BBC comedy "Not only...But also" but also presented the show, along with contributing guests like wrote the 1960s BBC comedy "Not only...But also" but also presented the show, along with contributing guests such as not only wrote the 1960s BBC comedy "Not only...But also" but presented it too, along with contributing guests such as not only wrote the 1960s BBC comedy "Not only...But also" but also presented the show, along with contributing guests such as not only wrote the 1960s BBC comedy "Not only...But also" but also the show's presentation, along with contributing guests such as

D Great work! This answer choice corrects the original stylistic mistake by replacing like with the more appropriate such as. It also makes correct use of the structure not only...but also. ++++++++

What's left is E-65/P-92, E-65/P-93, E-92/P65, and E-93/P-65. You can use creative tactics to narrow these down, but it would probably be more straightforward to just calculate the weighted averages for these. Now, back to the question: Tasha is taking a business course at South Hill Community College. Her final grade will be the average of her scores on exams and projects as follows: Final Average = 0.55E + 0.45P, where E is her Exam Average and P is her Project Average. Select an Exam Average and a Project Average which will give her a Final Average between 80% and 85%. A - 52 B - 65 C - 87 D - 92 E - 93 --------------------- E-65, P-87 E-65, P-92 E-65, P-93 E-92, P-65 E-93, P-65

D Incorrect. 0.55×92 + 0.45×65 = 79.05 Almost there... E Correct. 0.55×93 + 0.45×65 = 80.4 Therefore, Tasha's Exam Average would have to be 93%, and her Project Average would have to be 65%.

Now, let's try an example where the answers should be found separately: The annual subscription of a magazine decreased by F% from 2002 to 2003, and further decreased by T% from 2003 to 2004. If the magazine had S subscribers in 2004, how many subscribers did the magazine have in 2002 and 2003? The question asks you to find two quantities: 1) Subscribers in 2002 2) Subscribers in 2003 Let's find 1) first and then attack 2). 100S / (100 - T) 100T / (100 + S) 10,000S / ((100 - T ) (100 - F)) 10,000F / ((100 - T ) (100 + S)) 1,000 S / ((100 - T ) (100 - F))

D Incorrect. Plug in the following values: T = 10, F = 20 and 2002 subscription = 100 C Correct. Plug in the following values: T = 10, F = 20 and 2002 subscription = 100 So, 2003 subscription = 80 and 2004 subscription = S = 72 Now, use 100 and 80 as your goal for the answer choices and eliminate answers. (1) 100S / (100 - T) = 7,200 / 90 = 720 / 9 = 80. This is the number of subscribers in 2003. (2) 100T / (100 + S) = 1,000 / 172 Do not solve further as you know 1000/172 will not equal 100 or 80. (3) 10,000S / ((100 - T ) (100 - F)) = 720,000 / ((90)(80)) = 720,000 / 7,200 = 100. Bingo! This is the number of subscribers in 2002.

Now try to find an answer for the second part of the question: 2) What was the number of subscribers in 2003? Since you already have a target of 80 for the number of subscribers in 2003, plug in the same values as before and you will find the answer. Now you see how solving one part helps you get closer to finding the answer for the other part of the question. 100S / (100 - T) 100T / (100 + S) 10,000S / ((100 - T ) (100 - F)) 10,000F / ((100 - T ) (100 + S)) 1,000 S / ((100 - T ) (100 - F))

D Incorrect. Plug in the following values: T = 10, F = 20 and 2002 subscription = 100 So, 2003 subscription = 80 and 2004 subscription = S = 72 Now, use 100 and 80 as your goal for the answer choices and eliminate answers. B Incorrect. Plug in the following values: T = 10, F = 20 and 2002 subscription = 100 So, 2003 subscription = 80 and 2004 subscription = S = 72 Now, use 100 and 80 as your goal for the answer choices and eliminate answers. C Incorrect. Plug in the following values: T = 10, F = 20 and 2002 subscription = 100 So, 2003 subscription = 80 and 2004 subscription = S = 72 Now, use 100 and 80 as your goal for the answer choices and eliminate answers. E Incorrect. Plug in the following values: T = 10, F = 20 and 2002 subscription = 100 So, 2003 subscription = 80 and 2004 subscription = S = 72 Now, use 100 and 80 as your goal for the answer choices and eliminate answers. A Correct. Plug in the following values: T = 10, F = 20 and 2002 subscription = 100 So, 2003 subscription = 80 and 2004 subscription = S = 72 Now, use 100 and 80 as your goal for the answer choices and eliminate answers. (1) 100S / (100 - T) = 7,200 / 90 = 720 / 9 = 80. This is the number of subscribers in 2003.

☺Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist, started the Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than any religious doctrine is.☺ Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist, started the Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than any religious doctrine is. The Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than any religious doctrine is, was started by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist, started the Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than that of any religious doctrine. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist, started the Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than any religious doctrine. The Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than that of any religious doctrine, was started by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist.

D You slightly underestimated the time this question took you. You actually solved it in 2 minutes and 24 seconds. Incorrect. This answer choice repeats the original Comparative mistake. In a comparative construction the items compared should be logically and grammatically parallel. This sentence, however, compares the importance with any religious doctrine; although these are both nouns and, therefore, grammatically parallel, they are not logically parallel. The intention of this sentence is to contrast the importance of intuition with the importance of any religious doctrine. In addition, this answer choice creates a stylistic flaw by omitting the conjugated verb from the second part of the comparison. Stylistically preferable: Intuition is more important than doctrine is. Stylistically inferior: Intuition is more important than doctrine. What helps us identify this question as a Comparative question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: Like, unlike, than, as C Well done! This answer choice corrects the original Comparative mistake by adding the word that in the second part of the comparison The original sentence illogically compared the importance of ... intuition with any religious doctrine, but importance and doctrine are not logically parallel and are thus not comparable. This answer choice corrects the mistake by changing the second part of the comparison to that of any religious doctrine. Since that refers to importance, the result is a correct comparison between the importance of intuition and the importance of any religious doctrine. ++++ Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist, started the Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than any religious doctrine is. Incorrect. This answer choice is illogical. In a comparative construction the items compared should be logically and grammatically parallel. This sentence, however, compares the importance with any religious doctrine; although these are both nouns and, therefore, grammatically parallel, they are not logically parallel and cannot be compared. The intention of this sentence is to contrast the importance of intuition with the importance of any religious doctrine. The Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than any religious doctrine is, was started by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist. Incorrect. This answer choice repeats the original Comparative mistake. In a comparative construction the items compared should be logically and grammatically parallel. This sentence, however, compares the importance with any religious doctrine; although these are both nouns and, therefore, grammatically parallel, they are not logically parallel. The intention of this sentence is to contrast the importance of intuition with the importance of any religious doctrine. In addition, this answer choice is stylistically flawed. Changing the sentence from active to passive creates redundancy. Original sentence - active (more concise): Emerson started the movement. Corrected Sentence - passive (less concise): The movement was started by Emerson. The Transcendentalism movement, which claimed that the importance of one's personal intuition in the attempt to experience the divine is greater than that of any religious doctrine, was started by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher, poet, and essayist. Although it corrects the original Comparative mistake, by inserting the word that in the second part of the comparison this answer choice is stylistically flawed. Changing the sentence from active to passive creates redundancy. Active (more concise): Emerson started the movement. Passive (less concise): The movement was started by Emerson.

Maybe is considered too simple for the GMAT. It is OK for spoken English, but in standard, written English it is preferable to use perhaps, possibly or probably. Example: Incorrect: John thinks that maybe Jane will arrive home late today. Correct: John thinks that perhaps Jane will arrive home late today. Correct: John thinks that Jane will possibly/probably arrive home late today. Thus, whenever you see the word maybe in a Sentence Correction question, eliminate all answer choices that include it, and choose answer choices that use perhaps, possibly or probably instead. Also, when you write the essays, remember not to use maybe but one of the other words: perhaps, possibly, probably.

Do not confuse the word maybe with the words may be, which are fine to use in the GMAT.

The pictograph represents retirement data gathered in 1978 of the workforce in a city. The city counts all working and retired citizens older than age 18 and younger than age 75 in the workforce. 1) If Sylvia is a 50 year old member of the workforce, the chance that she is retired is 1 / 7 5 / 34 1 / 17 8 / 17 5 / 7

E Correct. Count the number of symbols in the circle representing women of age 50 or more. Note that out of the 7 women belonging to this group 5 are retired. So, the chance that Sylvia is retired is 5 out of 7 = 5 / 7 Now, let's try another one: 2) If Mary and Samuel are both 62 years of age, the chance that they are both working is 8/77 8/35 40/77 34/35 34/77 A Correct. The chance that Mary is working = 2/7 The chance that Samuel is working = 4/11 The chance that both are working = 2/7 and 4/11 = 8/77 Now, let's try another one: 3) If a member of the workforce is chosen randomly, the chance that the chosen member will be a working woman younger than 50 years of age is 16/67 20/67 8/17 10/17 4/5 C Incorrect. A Correct. Working women under age 50 = 16 Total workforce = 67 Chance that a member of the workforce chosen randomly is a working woman under age 50 = 16/67

The reason that people often develop their own ☺superstitions is because they make over-simplified and unfounded conclusions about coincidental events that they cannot explain☺ with personal knowledge. superstitions is because they make over-simplified and unfounded conclusions about coincidental events that they cannot explain superstitions is that they make over-simplified as well as unfounded conclusions about coincidental events that they cannot explain superstitions, making over-simplified and unfounded conclusions about coincidental events, is that they cannot explain them superstitions are over-simplified and unfounded conclusions that they make about coincidental events that they cannot explain superstitions is that they make unfounded and over-simplified conclusions about coincidental events that they cannot explain

E Good! +++++++++ superstitions is because they make over-simplified and unfounded conclusions about coincidental events that they cannot explain This answer is stylistically flawed. Using both The reason and because is redundant. What helps us identify this question as a redundancy question as well as identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: the reason + because superstitions is that they make over-simplified as well as unfounded conclusions about coincidental events that they cannot explain While this answer choice corrects the original redundancy, it creates a new one by replacing the single word and with the three-word phrase as well as. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: as well as superstitions, making over-simplified and unfounded conclusions about coincidental events, is that they cannot explain them While this answer choice corrects the original redundancy, it is still stylistically flawed. The pronoun them is ambiguous. It agrees with superstitions, conclusions and events and it is unclear to which of the three it refers. superstitions are over-simplified and unfounded conclusions that they make about coincidental events that they cannot explain While this answer choice corrects the original redundancy, it is grammatically incorrect. The singular subject The reason does not agree with the plural verb are.

Differential diagnosis must be the basis for treatment of epilepsy, since ☺there are symptoms of brain trauma, such as seizure-like neurological events, behavior changes, or memory problems that may mimic this condition.☺ there are symptoms of brain trauma, such as seizure-like neurological events, behavior changes, or memory problems that may mimic this condition seizure-like neurological events, behavior changes, or memory problems, which are symptoms of brain trauma, may mimic this condition symptoms of brain trauma, such as seizure-like neurological events, behavior changes, or memory problems may mimic epilepsy symptoms of brain trauma, like seizure-like neurological events, behavior changes, or memory problems may mimic epilepsy this condition may be mimicked by symptoms of brain trauma, such as seizure-like neurological events, behavior changes, or memory problems

E Incorrect. While this answer choice corrects the Ambiguity mistake in the original question by placing this condition at the beginning of the underlined part so that it refers exclusively to epilepsy, it is stylistically flawed. Using the passive form (may be mimicked) creates redundancy. Since there is another grammatically correct answer choice that does not use the passive form, it is preferable to this one. A Incorrect. This answer choice is stylistically flawed. The pronoun this is ambiguous because it can refer either to brain trauma or epilepsy. What helps us identify Pronoun mistakes is the following Stop Sign: Every pronoun in the underlined part of the sentence or after it In addition, the phrase there are is unnecessarily wordy. C Well done! This answer choice corrects the Ambiguity mistake in the original question by changing this condition to epilepsy.

Although dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans; nevertheless, like other social animals, they enjoy interacting with members of the same species. Although dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans; nevertheless, like other social animals, they enjoy interacting with members of the same species Although dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans, like other social animals do, they enjoy interacting with members of the same species Dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans; nevertheless they enjoy interacting with members of the same species, like other social animals do Dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans, although like other social animals do, they enjoy interacting with members of the same species Dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans; nevertheless they enjoy interacting with members of the same species, like other social animals

E Right on! This answer choice corrects the original Redundancy by using only one conjunction (nevertheless) to represent the relationship between the two parts of the sentence. It also correctly refrains from using a conjugated verb in the like section of a comparative (like other social animals). +++++++ Although dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans; nevertheless, like other social animals, they enjoy interacting with members of the same species This answer choice is stylistically flawed. Both Although and nevertheless describe a negation relationship between the two parts of the sentence, and we only need one negation conjunction to express that relationship, so using both is redundant. The use of a Double conjunction is one of the specific redundancies that should always be corrected. What helps us identify this Redundancy is the following Stop Sign: Though/Although/Even though/Despite/In spite of... later followed by but/yet/however/still/nevertheless Although dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans, like other social animals do, they enjoy interacting with members of the same species Although this answer choice corrects the original Redundancy error by not using two negation conjunctions to describe a relationship between the two parts of the sentence, it is grammatically incorrect. The like section of a comparative should not include a conjugated verb. In this answer choice, however, the like section includes a conjugated verb (like other social animals do). What helps us identify this question as a Comparative question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: Like, unlike, than, as Dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans; nevertheless they enjoy interacting with members of the same species, like other social animals do Although this answer choice corrects the original Redundancy error by not using two negation conjunctions to describe a relationship between the two parts of the sentence, it is grammatically incorrect. The like section of a comparative should not include a conjugated verb. In this answer choice, however, the like section includes a conjugated verb (like other social animals do). What helps us identify this question as a Comparative question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: Like, unlike, than, as Dogs feel comfortable in the presence of humans, although like other social animals do, they enjoy interacting with members of the same species Although this answer choice corrects the original Redundancy error by not using two negation conjunctions to describe a relationship between the two parts of the sentence, it is grammatically incorrect. The like section of a comparative should not include a conjugated verb. In this answer choice, however, the like section includes a conjugated verb (like other social animals do). What helps us identify this question as a Comparative question as well as identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: Like, unlike, than, as

John and Jane have been sleeping with the light on since a burglar broke and entered their home a few weeks ago. have been sleeping with the light on since a burglar broke have been sleeping with the light on since burglars broke has been sleeping with the light on since a burglar broke into has been sleeping with the light on since a burglar broke have been sleeping with the light on since a burglar broke into

E Well done! The verb broke requires a preposition in order to be logically connected to their home. To break something is to damage it, while to break into something means to get into it by unusual, often illegal, ways. A burglar breaks into someone's home. What helps us identify this question as a Split Construction question and identify the mistake is the following Stop Sign: A split construction: Verb A + and/or + Verb B + object This answer choice corrects the original Split Construction mistake by adding the required preposition into after the verb break. ++++++++++ have been sleeping with the light on since a burglar broke This answer choice is grammatically incorrect. have been sleeping with the light on since burglars broke This answer choice repeats the original mistake. Also, replacing a burglar with burglars changes the meaning of the original meaning. has been sleeping with the light on since a burglar broke into While this answer choice corrects the original Split Construction mistake, it is grammatically incorrect. The plural subject John and Jane does not agree with the singular verb has. has been sleeping with the light on since a burglar broke This answer choice repeats the original mistake. In addition, this answer choice is grammatically incorrect. The plural subject John and Jane does not agree with the singular verb has.

Despite substantial losses incurred by the company last year, after its investment in new R&D and marketing departments amounted to ☺a sum of one million dollars, still the company☺ managed to survive until revenues from selling new groundbreaking products came through in the first quarter of this year. a sum of one million dollars, still the company one million dollars, still it one million dollars, still the company a sum of one million dollars, it one million dollars, the company

E You overestimated the time this question took you. You actually solved it in 54 seconds. Very good! This answer choice resolves both redundancies issues without creating ambiguity. +++++++++ a sum of one million dollars, still the company This answer choice contains two redundancies. The first is using both amounted to and a sum; the second is using both Despite and still. As both these words are opposition words, using one of them is enough to express the opposition relation between the two parts of the sentence. Using both is redundant. What helps us identify the first redundancy is the following Stop Sign: amount to a sum What helps us identify the second redundancy is the following Stop Sign: Though/Although/Even though/Despite/In spite of... later followed by but/yet/however/still/nevertheless one million dollars, still it Although it corrects one of the two original redundancies, this answer choice still contains two stylistic flaws. The first is the use of both despite and still, creating redundancy. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: Though/Although/Even though/Despite/In spite of... later followed by but/yet/however/still/nevertheless The second stylistic flaw in this answer choice is ambiguity. The pronoun it is ambiguous as it agrees with both company and investment. What helps us identify this ambiguity is the following Stop Sign: Every pronoun in the underlined part of the sentence or after it one million dollars, still the company Although this answer choice corrects one of the two original redundancies, it repeats the other: using both despite and still is redundant. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: Though/Although/Even though/Despite/In spite of... later followed by but/yet/however/still/nevertheless a sum of one million dollars, it Although this answer choice corrects one of the two original redundancies, it repeats the other: using both amounted to and a sum creates redundancy. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: amount to a sum In addition, this answer choice is ambiguous. The pronoun it is ambiguous as it agrees with both company and investment. What helps us identify this mistake is the following Stop Sign: Every pronoun in the underlined part of the sentence or after it

Why are there experimental questions on the GMAT?

Each GMAT question is assigned a difficulty level. If you get a sequence of questions wrong, you'll notice that the difficulty level of the next question is lower, and vice versa. If you get the first 7-8 questions right, you'll find the next ones harder. However, in order to determine a question's difficulty level, GMAC needs to check what percentage of test takers solve it correctly. The higher this percentage, the easier the question. That's why newly-written questions are placed in the experimental pool. These questions will pop up at random on numerous GMATs. Eventually, a large population will have seen and attempted these questions, and GMAC will have an accurate measure of their difficulty levels. This means that the existence of experimental questions can explain sudden fluctuations in difficulty levels. For example, a weak test-taker can suddenly get a question that's really hard, not because he or she have been doing well so far but because everybody tested that day got the same experimental question. Therefore, do not treat much easier/harder questions as an indication of your success/failure.

Table 2 For each of the following statements, select Yes if the statement can be shown to be true based on the information in the table. Otherwise select No. 1) The percentage share of live births by mothers under age 15 doubled over the ten year period represented in the table. 2) The dominant age group holding the highest percentage share of live births has stayed the same throughout the ten year period shown. 3) Age group 45+ shows the greatest change in its percent share of live births in California from 2001 to 2010. Note down your answers for ALL 3 of the statements, and then enter your answers one after the other.

Let's start with your answer for the first statement: 1) The percentage share of live births by mothers under age 15 doubled over the ten year period represented in the table. Yes No A Incorrect. Pay attention to how data is organized in the given table. Read the vertical and horizontal headings carefully. Percent share of live births by mothers under age 15 in 2001 = 0.16% Percent share of live births by mothers under age 15 in 2010 = 0.08%. The percent share of live births by mothers under age 15 halved, not doubled, from 2001 to 2010. Now for: 2) The dominant age group holding the highest percentage share of live births has stayed the same throughout the ten year period shown. Yes No B Incorrect. Age group 25-29 is the highest percent shareholder throughout the decade of 2001-2010. And finally: 3) Age group 45+ shows the greatest change in its percent share of live births in California from 2001 to 2010. Yes No B Correct. The greatest change in percent share is seen in age group 20-24. Percent share of live births by mothers in age group 20-24 in 2001 = 24.16% Percent share of live births by mothers in age group 20-24 in 2010 = 21.11%. The change in percent share from 2001-2010 for this age group = (21.11 - 24.16)% = -3.05% (a decrease of more than 3%), whereas the change in percent share for age group 45+ = (0.32-0.19)% = 0.13%.

Table 3 For each of the following statements, select Yes if the statement can be shown to be true based on the information in the table. Otherwise select No. 1) The relative rank of all the regions shown in the table stayed the same throughout the 10 year period from 2000 to 2010. 2) The percentage increase in the average wage/salary disbursement in Montana is equal to that of Colorado from 2000 to 2010. 3) Regions located in the Northeastern United States have the highest average wage/salary disbursements shown in the table. Note down your answers for ALL 3 of the statements, and then enter your answers one after the other.

Let's start with your answer for the first statement: 1) The relative rank of all the regions shown in the table stayed the same throughout the 10 year period from 2000 to 2010. YES NO A Incorrect. Do not waste time trying to read exact values from the table. Ballpark! Even though the table only provides information for 3 years, which ordinarily would not be enough information to answer the question conclusively, you can see that Alaska and Colorado switched ranks in 2010. Therefore, the answer is NO. Now for: 2) The percentage increase in the average wage/salary disbursement in Montana is equal to that of Colorado from 2000 to 2010. YES NO B Correct. Percentage increase for Montana ≈ 100 (35,000 - 24,000) / 24,000) = 100 (11,000 / 24,000) which is close to 50% Percentage increase for Colorado ≈ 100 (49,000 - 37,000) / 37,000 = 100 (12,000 / 37,000) which is close to 33% So, the answer is NO. Now for: 3) Regions located in the Northeastern United States have the highest average wage/salary disbursements shown in the table. YES NO B Incorrect. The regions located in the Northeastern United States are Washington DC, New York, and New Jersey. These regions have the top three average wage/salary disbursements in the table, respectively. Therefore, the answer is YES.

Sentence Correction questions test the correct use of not only English grammar, but also style. Stylistic errors in the GMAT are often words or phrases that we might hear or use in everyday spoken English. In the GMAT, however, standard written English is used, and these words or phrases are considered too simple. They are used to add flaws to certain answer choices. Remember when judging the correctness of a sentence that grammar always comes before style.

Let's take a look at one such stylistic error. Like vs. Such as It's important to know exactly when these two words/phrases should be used. Fill in the blank: John enjoys many activities ________ swimming, dancing and reading. In cases like this, it's acceptable to use the word like in everyday English, but not on the GMAT. Using like in this sentence makes it stylistically flawed even though it is grammatically correct. When to use what Follow these simple rules and you won't go wrong: such as - used to introduce an example. Example: John cooks interesting dishes, such as malai kofta, lasagne and sushi. like - used only in comparatives and idioms Example: Like John, Jane is a human being. John looks like a movie star.

From 5th June 2012, GMAT includes an IR (Integrated Reasoning) section that replaces the AWA Issue Analysis Essay that was part of the test before. The IR section will be graded on a scale of 1 to 8 with score intervals of 1. This score will be reported separately from the 800 Verbal and Quantitative score and the Essay score. The IR section contains 12 questions, and is 30 minutes long. Thus, the total duration of the GMAT is still 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Let's talk about the types of questions included in the IR section. The IR section contains questions from 4 categories: 1) Table Analysis 2) Graphic Interpretation 3) Two Part Analysis 4) Multi-Source Analysis. How do you feel about the categories listed above? Do not be deceived by the fancy names or the scary looking tables and graphs that accompany some of the questions in the IR section. It is all old stuff that you already know packaged in a different way. You have already learned more than 90% of what you need to know for the IR section while preparing for the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT. Think of the IR section as recycled content in a new package.

The monthly sales during the years 2002-2005 for Reading Matters, a publishing company, are recorded in the table above. Reading Matters' fiscal year is the regular calendar year. For each of the following statements, select Yes if the statement can be shown to be true based on the information in the table. Otherwise select No. 1) Each quarter in the year 2004 had higher sales than the comparable quarter in the year 2005. 2) The greatest percentage change in annual sales is from 2003 to 2004. 3) The greatest percentage change in monthly sales from one year to another is from Apr. 2003 to Apr. 2004. Note down your answers for ALL 3 of the statements, and then enter your answers one after the other. Let's start with your answer for the first statement: 1) Each quarter in the year 2004 had higher sales than the comparable quarter in the year 2005. YES NO

NO Correct. Do not waste time adding and comparing numbers. Glance through the rows to note where differences lie. Glance through columns 2004 and 2005 to see where the differences lie. 2005 sales were greater than those in 2004 in Jan., Feb., May, Sept. and Dec. Since Jan. and Feb. lie in the same quarter (Q1) take a look at Q1 months again. Q1 sales in 2005 were greater than Q1 sales in 2004 so the answer is No. Now for: 2) The greatest percentage change in annual sales is from 2003 to 2004. YES Correct. This one is pretty simple. You should be able to spot it by just looking at annual sales values. Here is the calculation just in case. The percentage change from 2002 to 2003 is about 25% (1.5 million - 1.2 million / 1.2 million = 0.3 / 1.2 = 1/4 = 25%) The percentage change from 2003 to 2004 is about 80% (2.7 million - 1.5 million / 1.5 million = 1.2 / 1.5 = 4/5 = 80%) The percentage change from 2004 to 2005 is about 12.5% (2.4 million - 2.7 million / 2.4 million = -0.3 / 2.4 = -1/8 = -12.5%) Now for: 3) The greatest percentage change in monthly sales from one year to another is from Apr. 2003 to Apr. 2004. NO Correct. Glance through the columns and compare values. Take a note of the ones greater than 100%. Also, start by comparing monthly sales for 2003 with those for 2004 as you know that 2004 generated greatest sales. The percentage change from Jan. 2003 to Jan. 2004 is over 200%!

For each of the following statements, select Yes if the statement can be shown to be true based on the information in the table. Otherwise select No. 1) In 1994 more than two times as many jobs were created in the private sector than in the government sector. 2) The number of jobs in the Information sector changed from year to year more often than the number of jobs in any other sector. 3) The job market for the Mining & Logging sector is the most static as compared to other sectors shown in the 6 year period. Note down your answers for ALL 3 of the statements, and then enter your answers one after the other. Let's start with your answer for the first statement: 1) In 1994 more than two times as many jobs were created in the private sector than in the government sector. YES NO

NO Correct. Pay attention to how data is organized in the given table. Read the vertical and horizontal headings carefully. The table only provides information in terms of percentage change and not actual values. Based on this you cannot determine if the number of jobs created in the private sector was twice of those created in the government sector. Now for: 2) The number of jobs in the Information sector changed from year to year more often than the number of jobs in any other sector. YES Incorrect. For 3 out of the 6 years shown in the table, the number of jobs in the Information sector experienced a 0% change. This is less often than other sectors where there was an annual increase or decrease. Now for: 3) The job market for the Mining & Logging sector is the most static as compared to other sectors shown in the 6 year period. YES Correct. A static job market is characterized by lack of activity or change. Glance through the rows to spot the sector with the maximum number of 0% entries. Mining & Logging has more than any other (4 entries of 0%). Also notice that during the period between 1991 and 1993, Mining & Logging has a decline of 6.67% and a subsequent increase of 7.14%. This brief movement averages out to a net change of less than 1%, so the answer is YES.

Consider each of the following statements. Does the information in the three articles support the inference as stated? 1) Fish consumption will likely increase if consumers were assured that the fish they eat is free of toxins. 2) Many people do not eat fish because they believe that consuming farm raised fish does not bring the benefits commonly associated with fish consumption. 3) The primary reason fish should be part of a healthy diet is that it contains omega-3 fatty acids which are important for heart health. Note down your answers for all of the questions above before continuing, and then enter your answers one after the other. Let's start with your answer for the first question: 1) Fish consumption will likely increase if consumers were assured that the fish they eat is free of toxins. YES NO

NO Incorrect. Go by what is stated in the given articles. Do not make assumptions that cannot be supported by information stated in the articles. The last paragraphs of the first and second articles list fear of contamination as a reason that keeps people from eating fish. Now for: 2) Many people do not eat fish because they believe that consuming farm raised fish does not bring the benefits commonly associated with fish consumption. YES NO B Correct. None of the articles discusses the differences between benefits of farm and wild fish so the articles do not provide enough information to support or challenge this assertion. Now for: 3) The primary reason fish should be part of a healthy diet is that it contains omega-3 fatty acids which are important for heart health. YES NO B Correct. Beware of strong statements and hasty generalizations. For example, the second article begins with the qualifier, "if you're worried about heart disease." There are likely to be many people in the world who are NOT worried about heart disease. Their "primary" reason for eating fish may be that it is a low-calorie protein source, as stated in the first article. Also, note the wording in article 3, for example: "....which....may lower your cholesterol...." "....the main beneficial nutrient appears to be omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish..." ".... one to two servings a week of fish....appears to reduce the risk of heart disease...." The words in bold indicate a degree of uncertainty about the actual benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish. Nothing is mentioned in the articles about just how important omega-3 fatty acids are for heart health. Close examination of the wording in the articles reveals the fact that they do not support the assertion in Statement 3.

Integrated Reasoning - Two Part Analysis questions present you with two questions that share information and answer choices. It is possible for both questions to have the same or different answers. Most of the Two Part Analysis questions on the GMAT can be solved by finding each answer separately. The answers you seek may be completely independent of one another or one may be dependent upon the other. However, sometimes the answers may be interdependent. In this case, you must consider them together. A preliminary scan of the question should be enough to determine whether you should find each answer separately or address them together.

One such case is where the questions ask you to solve for the values of particular variables, but there is insufficient information to solve for them independently using algebra. In this case you must find the relationship between the variables and then plug-in the answer choices, two at a time, until you satisfy the relationship.

Let's try another example: Most states held the same rank for at least two consecutive years.

TRUE FALSE A Correct. Good job! More than half of the states held the same rank for two consecutive years.

Let's try another example: With the exception of North Dakota, the rank of no state changed by more than 2 spots from one year to another.

TRUE FALSE B Correct. Glance through the rows only looking at the 3 values for a state's rank over 3 years. You want to spot a state other than North Dakota that had a significant change in rank. Colorado had a 3 spot shift from 2009 to 2010.

What do you say now? Information Analysis?

Think about what you do everyday. Base your decisions on available information. No matter what you are doing, you are constantly absorbing and analyzing information. Think about what you are doing right now! Analyzing what you are reading. So, what's scary about Information Analysis? Remember, you already know more than 90% of what you need to know to tackle IR questions. Practice IR questions to further hone those skills, and you will nail this section. Good luck!

Let's try an example: Tasha is taking a business course at South Hill Community College. Her final grade will be the average of her scores on exams and projects as follows: Final Average = 0.55E + 0.45P, where E is her Exam Average and P is her Project Average. Select an Exam Average and a Project Average which will give her a Final Average between 80% and 85%. A - 52 B - 65 C - 87 D - 92 E - 93

This problem has one equation, and you are asked to find the two unknowns. Therefore, you will have to consider the answers together. Now, what should you do next? There's GOTTA be an easier way... You know it! Plugging-in all twenty-five combinations would, indeed, take you forever. Fortunately, you also have ballparking and POE in your GMAT toolkit. What we have here is a weighted average, where the Exam Average weighs a bit more than the Project Average. At first glance, you can POE thirteen different combinations whose averages, weighted or otherwise, will not give you a final average between 80% and 85%. Since none of the averages is itself between 80 and 85, you can POE all five of the combinations where E and P are the same. Next, both combinations of 52 and 65 will give you an average that is too small, and all six of the combinations of 87, 92, and 93 will give you one that is too large. But what about the ones in the middle and combinations of large and small averages? Good question. This is where ballparking will save the day. Notice that the exams carry a weight of 55%, and the projects carry a weight of 45%. These weights are close enough to 50% to allow you to use the simple average of (E+P)/2 to POE the vast majority of the other combinations. Show me how. Let's start from the extremes and work our way in. (52+93)/2 = 72.5. That's much too small. Thus, 52 combined with any other number will be too small, so six more combinations are eliminated. What about 65? Well, (65+93)/2 = 79. Oooh, that's close. We'd better save that one for further review. Coming from the other end, (65+87)/2 = 76. this eliminates the two combinations of 65 and 87.

Great. Then I won't spend precious time on these questions and simply guess them.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to identify experimental questions, so you should treat ALL questions the same way: seriously! The only assumption you can make regarding experimental questions is that the first question in each section (i.e., the Quantitative Section and the Verbal Section) is not likely to be an experimental question.

Conjunctions that belong to the category of Conclusion appear between the two sentences they connect. Using them informs the reader that the second sentence is a conclusion based on the first sentence. Example: 1. Jane and John love Italian food. 2. John often cooks pasta for dinner. Jane and John love Italian food. Therefore, John often cooks pasta for dinner.

What other conclusion words are there besides Therefore? Here are the most common conclusion words: therefore (which we have just learned) John is sick. Therefore, he stayed at home. so John is sick, so he stayed at home. as a result John is sick. As a result, he stayed at home. consequently John is sick. Consequently, he stayed at home. thus John is sick and thus stayed at home. hence John is sick and hence stayed at home.

Consider the following statement. Does the information in the three articles support the inference as stated? Most internet users are aware that there is no such thing as privacy in cyber space and are indifferent to information sharing and disclosure over the internet. In order to answer this question, you need to consider both parts of the statement. If you can eliminate one part or the other, then the answer is "no" for the entire statement. Read the articles now looking for information relevant to this statement. YES NO

YES Think again. This statement makes quite a generalization "most internet users are aware." In addition, this statement suggests indifference which is rather harsh. Lastly, the passage does not state or imply that internet users are aware that there is no such thing as online privacy and are indifferent towards lack of online privacy. Let's try another example: Companies eavesdrop on their employees' online activity in order to ensure that any lack of discretion on the employee's part does not cause damage to the employer. YES NO B Incorrect. Read Article 3 - pay attention to the last paragraph. What if the statement was rephrased as follows: Companies eavesdrop on their employees' online activity only in order to ensure that any lack of discretion on the employee's part does not cause damage to the employer. Do the three articles still support the inference above? YES NO B Correct The last paragraph of the third article mentions safeguarding their own interests as a reason employers track the online activities of their employees. While this reason is stated in the passage, there is no reason to believe that it can be the only cause. Therefore, it is NOT supported by the articles. The word 'only' makes the statement too specific and certain. The likelihood of a statement's being true is rather low. Watch out for such traps on the GMAT.