Tài liệu .An ARCO Book ARCO is a registered trademark of Thomson Learning, Inc., and is used herein under pptx

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An ARCO Book
ARCO is a registered trademark of Thomson Learning, Inc., and is used herein under license by Peterson’s.
About Thomson Peterson’s
Thomson Peterson’s (www.petersons.com) is a leading provider of education information and advice, with
books and online resources focusing on education search, test preparation, and financial aid. Its Web site
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For more information, contact Peterson’s, 2000 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648;
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ISSN: International Standard Serial Number information available upon request.
ISBN 13: 978-0-7689-2312-4
ISBN 10: 0-7689-2312-3
Printed in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 08 07 06
Thirteenth Edition
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Petersons.com/publishing
Check out our Web site at www.petersons.com/publishing to see if there is
any new information regarding the test and any revisions or corrections to
the content of this book. We’ve made sure the information in this book is
accurate and up-to-date; however, the test format or content may have
changed since the time of publication.
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OTHER RECOMMENDED TITLES
Peterson’s MBA Programs
ARCO 30 Days to the GMAT
®
ARCO GMAT
®
Answers to the Real Essay Questions
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v
Contents
Before You Begin ix
How This Book is Organized ix
Special Study Features ix
About the CD x
You’re Well on Your Way to Success x
Give Us Your Feedback x
Top 10 Ways to Raise Your Score xii
Track Your Progress xiii
PART I: GMAT BASICS
1 All About the GMAT 3

What Is the GMAT? 3
What Is the CAT? 3
How Do You Register for the GMAT? 4
What Kinds of Questions Are on the Test? 4
How Is the Test Structured? 5
Can You Prepare for the GMAT? 5
What Is a GMAT Study Plan? 6
How Can You Tell If Your Work Is Paying Off? 6
How Is the Test Scored? 7
Can I Predict My GMAT Score? 7
What Smart Test-Takers Know 8
Summing It Up 12
2 GMAT Questions: A First Look 13
What Can You Expect on the Test? 13
How Does the GMAT Test Verbal Reasoning Ability? 14
How Does the GMAT Test Quantitative Reasoning Ability? 19
Summing It Up 22
PART II: DIAGNOSING STRENGTHS AND
WEAKNESSES
3 Practice Test 1: Diagnostic 29
Analytical Writing Assessment 29
Verbal Section 31
Quantitative Section 45
Answer Key and Explanations 54
PART III: GMAT VERBAL QUESTIONS
4 Reading Comprehension 75
What Is Reading Comprehension? 75
How Do You Answer Reading Comprehension Questions? 78
What Smart Test-Takers Know 86
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vi Contents
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Exercise 1 89
Exercise 2 103
Answer Key and Explanations 111
Summing It Up 126
5 Sentence Correction 127
What Is Sentence Correction? 127
How Do You Answer Sentence Correction Questions? 129
What Smart Test-Takers Know 130
Exercise 1 146
Exercise 2 154
Answer Key and Explanations 158
Summing It Up 164
6 Critical Reasoning 165
What Does Critical Reasoning Test? 165
How Do You Answer Critical Reasoning Questions? 168
What Smart Test-Takers Know 172
Exercise 1 182
Exercise 2 193
Answer Key and Explanations 201
Summing It Up 218
PART IV: GMAT QUANTITATIVE QUESTIONS
7 Problem Solving 221
What Is Problem Solving? 221
How Do You Answer Problem-Solving Questions? 223
What Smart Test-Takers Know 230
Exercise 1 240
Exercise 2 249
Answer Key and Explanations 253

Summing It Up 268
8 Data Sufficiency 269
What Is Data Sufficiency? 269
How Do You Answer Data Sufficiency Questions? 271
What Do the Answer Choices Mean? 273
What Smart Test-Takers Know 277
Exercise 1 284
Exercise 2 292
Answer Key and Explanations 296
Summing It Up 305
PART V: THE WRITING SECTION
9 Analytical Writing Assessment 309
What Is the Analytical Writing Assessment? 309
How Is the Assessment Graded? 310
How Do You Handle the Analytical Writing Assessment? 312
What Smart Test-Takers Know 312
Summing It Up 316
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Contents vii
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PART VI: GMAT MATH REVIEW
10 Arithmetic 319
Operations with Integers and Decimals 319
Exercise 1 322
Answers and Explanations 322
Operations with Fractions 323
Exercise 2 326
Answers and Explanations 327
Verbal Problems Using Fractions 328
Exercise 3 329

Answer Key and Explanations 332
Variation 333
Exercise 4 335
Answer Key and Explanations 337
Finding Percents 338
Exercise 5 343
Answer Key and Explanations 344
Verbal Problems Using Percent 345
Exercise 6 348
Answer Key and Explanations 350
Averages 352
Exercise 7 354
Answer Key and Explanations 356
11 Algebra 359
Signed Numbers 359
Exercise 1 360
Answer Key and Explanations 361
Linear Equations 362
Exercise 2 364
Answer Key and Explanations 366
Exponents 367
Exercise 3 368
Answer Key and Explanations 369
Quadratic Equations 370
Exercise 4 373
Answer Key and Explanations 374
Literal Expressions 375
Exercise 5 376
Answer Key and Explanations 378
Roots and Radicals 379

Exercise 6 381
Answer Key and Explanations 382
Factoring and Algebraic Fractions 383
Exercise 7 385
Answer Key and Explanations 387
Problem Solving in Algebra 388
Exercise 8 396
Answer Key and Explanations 398
Inequalities 399
Exercise 9 401
Answer Key and Explanations 403
Defined Operation Problems 404
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viii Contents
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Exercise 10 405
Answer Key and Explanations 406
12 Geometry 407
Area 407
Perimeter 409
Circles 409
Volume 411
Triangles 411
Right Triangles 412
Parallel Lines 413
Polygons 414
Similar Polygons 415
Coordinate Geometry 416
Exercise 417
Answer Key and Explanations 420

PART VII: FIVE PRACTICE TESTS
Practice Test 2 429
Analytical Writing Assessment 429
Verbal Section 431
Quantitative Section 445
Answer Key and Explanations 453
Practice Test 3 473
Analytical Writing Assessment 473
Verbal Section 475
Quantitative Section 490
Answer Key and Explanations 498
Practice Test 4 521
Analytical Writing Assessment 521
Verbal Section 523
Quantitative Section 538
Answer Key and Explanations 546
Practice Test 5 571
Analytical Writing Assessment 571
Verbal Section 573
Quantitative Section 587
Answer Key and Explanations 596
Practice Test 6 617
Analytical Writing Assessment 617
Verbal Section 619
Quantitative Section 633
Answer Key and Explanations 641
APPENDEXES
A Creating Your Business School Application 659
B The Personal Statement 673
ABOUT THE AUTHOR 681

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ix
Before You Begin
HOW THIS BOOK IS ORGANIZED
Taking the GMAT is a skill, so it shares some things in common with other skills
such as playing basketball or singing opera. These are skills that can be
improved by coaching, but ultimately improvement also requires practice. This
book gives you both.
• “Top 10 Ways to Raise Your Score” includes some of the most valuable
test-taking strategies to help you score high on the GMAT as well as a chart
to help you track your progress.
• Part I provides essential information about the GMAT, including where to
take it and how it is scored. You’ll also learn what subjects are covered and
what traps to watch out for.
• Part II is a full-length diagnostic test, which is your first chance to work
with samples of every GMAT question type. It can show you where your
skills are strong—and where they need some shoring up.
• Parts III through V are the coaching program. They analyze each question
type for you and give you powerful test-taking strategies. These strategies
are based on more than 20 years of careful study of the GMAT.
• Part VI is a full-scale review of GMAT mathematics. If your math skills are
rusty and need refreshing, this section is for you.
• Part VII contains five practice tests followed by detailed answer explana-
tions for each question. The answer explanations are very important
because it is there where you can learn from your mistakes.
• The Appendixes contain critical information on how to create a winning
business school application, including a before and after look at two personal
statements.
SPECIAL STUDY FEATURES
ARCO Master the GMAT is designed to be as user-friendly as it is complete. To

this end, it includes several features to make your preparation easier.
Overview
Each chapter begins with a bulleted list of topics that will be covered in the
chapter. You know immediately where to look to find a particular area of
interest.
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x Before You Begin
www.petersons.com
Summing It Up
Each chapter ends with a point-by-point summary that captures the most important
topics. The summaries are a convenient way to review the content of a chapter.
In addition to the above features, be sure to look in the margins of the book for extra
information and advice, including:
Bonus Information
Note
Notes highlight critical information pertaining to the GMAT.
Tip
Tips draw your attention to valuable concepts and advice for tackling all types of GMAT
questions.
Alert!
Alerts do just what they say—alert you to common pitfalls you might encounter while
preparing for and taking GMAT.
ABOUT THE CD
The CD accompanying this book puts at your disposal the latest computer-adaptive
testing software, which closely replicates the testing experience you will encounter on
the GMAT. The software was developed by Thomson Learning and the practice test
content was created by the test prep experts at Thomson Peterson’s. The CD contains
three computer-adaptive practice tests along with access to the Private Tutor Lecture
Series. This tool offers advanced strategies that are sure to help you reach your score
goal. Finally, you can log on to Petersons.com and research thousands of graduate

programs and financial aid opportunities.
YOU’RE WELL ON YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS
You’ve made a decision to apply to graduate school. ARCO Master the GMAT will
prepare you for the steps you’ll need to take to achieve your goal—from scoring high
on the test to being admitted to the graduate program of your choice.
GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK
Thomson Peterson’s publishes a full line of resources to help guide you through the
graduate school admission process. Peterson’s publications can be found at your local
bookstore, library, and high school guidance office, and you can access us online at
www.petersons.com.
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Before You Begin xi
www.petersons.com
We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have about this publication and
invite you to complete our online survey at www.petersons.com/booksurvey. Your
feedback will help us to provide personalized solutions for your educational
advancement.
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xii Before You Begin
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TOP 10 WAYS TO RAISE YOUR SCORE
When it comes to taking the GMAT, some test-taking skills will do you more good than
others. There are concepts you can learn, techniques you can follow, and tricks you can
use that will help you to do your very best. Here’s our pick for the top 10 ways to raise
your score:
1. Create a study plan and follow it. The right GMAT study plan will help you get
the most out of this book in whatever time you have. See chapter 1.
2. Don’t get stuck on any one question. Since you have to answer questions in order
to keep moving, you can’t afford to spend too much time on any one problem. See
chapter 2.

3. Learn the directions in advance. If you already know the directions, you won’t
have to waste your precious test time reading them. You’ll be able to jump right in
and start answering questions as soon as the test clock starts. See chapter 3.
4. Read passages for structure, not details. When you read GMAT passages, don’t
stop for details. Most of the questions will ask about the structure of the passage
rather than specific facts. See chapter 4.
5. In sentence corrections, save time by skipping the first choice. It always
repeats the original sentence, so there’s no point in reading it. See chapter 5.
6. In critical reasoning questions, start by finding the conclusion. Since the
conclusion is the main point of the argument, it’s the key to answering every question
of this type. See chapter 6.
7. If a problem-solving math question stumps you, work backward from the
answers. The right answer has to be one of the five choices. Since the choices are
arranged in size order, starting with choice (C) results in the fewest calculations. See
chapter 7.
8. Do only as much work as you have to for data sufficiency questions. Your
task is only to decide if you have enough information to answer the question. You
don’t have to solve it. See chapter 8.
9. Use the “three main points” approach in the analytical writing assessment.
This plan will give your essay structure and strength. See chapter 9.
10. Polish up rusty math skills with the GMAT Math Review. If your math skills
need some shoring up, the Math Review covers all the basic concepts of arithmetic,
elementary algebra, and geometry that you’re likely to encounter on the GMAT. See
chapters 10, 11, and 12.
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Before You Begin xiii
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For each exam:
1. Enter the number of questions that you answered correctly in each part (Verbal and
Math) in the appropriate rows. (Ignore incorrect responses.)

2. Enter the total number of questions that you answered correctly for both the Verbal and
Math parts for that exam in the “TOTAL” row.
3. Enter your Verbal and Math subscores using the table provided on page 8.
4. To keep track of your progress in each of the content areas, enter the number of items
of each type that you answered correctly into the appropriate row.
5. Enter your overall (3-digit) score using the table provided on page 8.
6. Note: Exercise caution in interpreting the data. Because a book-based exam cannot
simulate in every respect a computer-based exam, results tend to be volatile. Do not
place too much emphasis on small differences in performance.
Diagnostic Practice Practice Practice Practice Final
Test Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5 Practice Test
GMAT Score Tracker
Verbal
Math
TOTAL
Verbal Subscore
Sentence Correction Subtotal
Critical Reasoning Subtotal
Reading Comp. Subtotal
Math Subscore
Problem Solving
Data Sufficiency
OVERALL SCORE
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
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P
ART I
GMAT BASICS
CHAPTER 1 All About the GMAT

CHAPTER 2 GMAT Questions: A First Look
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chapter 1
3
All About the GMAT
OVERVIEW
• What is the GMAT?
• What is the CAT?
• How do you register for the GMAT?
• What kinds of questions are on the test?
• How is the test structured?
• Can you prepare for the GMAT?
• What is a GMAT study plan?
• How can you tell if your work is paying off?
• How is the test scored?
• Can I predict my GMAT score?
• What smart test-takers know
• Summing it up
WHAT IS THE GMAT?
T
he letters GMAT stand for Graduate Management Admission Test, which is a
standardized exam given at various locations in the United States and Canada
and around the world. Throughout North America and in many international
locations, the GMAT is administered only via computer. In those international
locations where an extensive network of computers has not yet been established,
the GMAT is offered either at temporary computer-based testing centers on a
limited schedule or as a paper-based test (given once or twice a year) at local
testing centers.
WHAT IS THE CAT?

The computer-based version of the GMAT is called a Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT).
The CAT differs from the old paper-based GMAT in that a computer program chooses
problems based on a candidate’s responses to previous questions. Thus, the CAT is
“adaptive” or “interactive.” Whereas candidates taking the old paper-based test were
presented with a range of questions (including easy, moderately difficult, and difficult
items), the CAT selects questions according to each candidate’s ability. During a CAT,
the computer controls the order in which test items appear, basing its selection on the
candidate’s responses to earlier items.
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4 PART I: GMAT Basics
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At the risk of oversimplifying, the testing procedure can be described as follows. The
computer has access to a large number of test items classified according to question type
(sentence correction, reading comprehension, critical thinking, problem solving, and
data sufficiency—the question types that you will study below) and arranged in order
of difficulty. At the outset, the computer presents you with one or two “seed” questions,
items of average level of difficulty. If you answer those successfully, the program selects
for the next question an item of greater difficulty; if you do not answer the “seed”
questions correctly, the program lowers the level of difficulty. This process is repeated,
with the program continuing to adjust the level of difficulty of questions, until you have
provided all the answers that the computer needs to calculate your score.
HOW DO YOU REGISTER FOR THE GMAT?
You can register in either of the following two ways:
• Online at www.mba.com if you have a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card.
• By calling one of the hundreds of test centers listed on www.mba.com.
To schedule your test, you must contact one of the designated test centers and make
an appointment. While it is possible to make the appointment even just a few days
before you would like to take the test, it is better to schedule a few weeks in advance
to ensure that you get an appointment that is convenient for you.
WHAT KINDS OF QUESTIONS ARE ON THE TEST?

Verbal Questions
There are three types of verbal questions:
• Sentence Correction. This tests grammar and expression. Sentence correction
items consist of a sentence, all or part of which has been underlined, with five
associated answer choices. You must choose the best way of rendering the under-
lined part. This question type tests your ability to recognize standard English.
• Critical Reasoning. This tests logical thinking. Critical thinking items present
an argument that you are asked to analyze. Questions may require you to draw a
conclusion, to identify assumptions, or to recognize strengths or weaknesses in the
argument.
• Reading Comprehension. This tests your ability to read critically. Reading
comprehension questions relate to a passage that is provided for you to read. The
passage can be about almost anything, and the questions about it test how well you
understand the passage and the information in it.
TIP
You can get up-to-
the-minute GMAT
information on the
World Wide Web at
www.mba.com.
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Chapter 1: All About the GMAT 5
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Quantitative Questions
There are two types of quantitative questions:
• Problem Solving. This tests your quantitative reasoning ability. Problem-
solving questions present multiple-choice problems in arithmetic, basic algebra,
and elementary geometry. The task is to solve the problems and choose the correct
answer from among five answer choices.
• Data Sufficiency. This tests your quantitative reasoning ability using an unusual

set of directions. You are given a question with two associated statements that
provide information that might be useful in answering the question. You then have
to determine whether either statement alone is sufficient to answer the question;
whether both are needed to answer the question; or whether there isn’t enough
information given to answer the question.
There is also an essay component. The essay component is called the Analytical Writing
Assessment or AWA. The AWA consists of two 30-minute writing exercises:
• One “prompt” or topic asks you to analyze an issue.
• A second “prompt” or topic asks you to analyze an argument.
HOW IS THE TEST STRUCTURED?
The following chart shows the structure of a typical GMAT Computer-Adaptive Test.
ANATOMY OF A TYPICAL GMAT
Number of
Section Questions Time
Warm-up Period —
Analytical Writing Assessment
Issue Topic 30 min.
Argument Topic 30 min.
(optional break) 5 min.
Quantitative Section 37 75 min.
(optional break) 5 min.
Verbal Section 41 75 min.
The warm-up period is untimed and contains no questions that count toward a score.
Instead, the warm-up period allows you to become familiar with the computer (the
mouse and scroll bar functions in particular) and with the peculiarities of the program
itself.
CAN YOU PREPARE FOR THE GMAT?
This is the question of the day. Can you indeed prepare for a test that purports to test
your aptitude for success in business school rather than your mastery of any particular
subject? Of course you can. The GMAT is long, and some of its questions are tough, but

it’s not unconquerable.
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6 PART I: GMAT Basics
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There are many ways to prepare and many tricks and tips to learn. One of the most
important things to learn is to think like the test makers so you can find the answers they
have designated as best. Once you learn “GMAT thinking,” you’ll be more likely to pick
the best answer—and up will go your scores.
WHAT IS A GMAT STUDY PLAN?
As you can tell, this book contains a lot of information about the GMAT, and you’ll need
a plan for getting through it. The right study plan will help you manage your time so that
you get the most out of this book whether you have three months, three weeks, or only
three days to prepare. It will help you work efficiently and keep you from getting
stressed out.
Choose the Plan That’s Right for You
To decide on your study plan, answer these two questions: (1) How long do you have until
the test? (2) How much time can you devote to GMAT study?
Here are some suggestions to make your job easier. If you are starting early and the
GMAT is two or three months away, you can do it all. You can study from beginning to
end, you can use the tests on the CD, and you can take advantage of the valuable Private
Tutor Lecture Series on the CD, an exclusive author presentation that offers advice to
help you score higher. Finally, you can visit the Author’s Edge at www.petersons.com/
authorsedge/gmat to get even more study materials and help. If the GMAT is a month
or less away and you need a more concentrated course, take the diagnostic test and tailor
your study plan to your areas of weakness, and cover those parts of the book that will
be of most value to you.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR WORK IS PAYING OFF?
Again, no matter how much time you have to prepare, you should start by taking the
diagnostic test. After you score it, you’ll be able to see where you need to concentrate your
efforts.

The next step is to see how you do with the exercises at the end of each chapter. Compare
your scores to your results on the diagnostic test. Have you improved? Where do you still
need work?
After you score a practice test, make another comparison to the chapter exercises and
to the diagnostic test. This will show you how your work is paying off.
TIP
To make the most of
your study time, study
the difficult sections
first. If you run out of
time later, you can
just skim the sections
that are easy for you.
NOTE
There’s no secret to
preparing for the
GMAT, but you have
to have a plan. You
can follow one of the
plans here or create
your own. Either way,
a plan will keep you
on track.
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Chapter 1: All About the GMAT 7
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HOW IS THE TEST SCORED?
The multiple-choice parts of the test are not scored in the traditional way; that is, a
grader does not compare a completed answer document to a key in order to calculate
a final score based upon total performance. Rather, the computer “builds” your score

as you work your way through the questions.
Initially, the computer knows nothing about your quantitative or verbal skills, so it
“assumes” that you are average and gives you a question of average level of difficulty.
Based upon your response, the computer adjusts the initial assumption either in the
direction of “above average” or “below average” and fires off another question. Then,
based upon your first two responses, the computer readjusts the assumption and gives
you a third question. The process continues until the computer has “built” a score
for you.
A word of caution. Your final score is not based solely on the last question that you
answer. The algorithm used to build a score is more complicated than that. This means
that you can make a silly mistake and answer incorrectly and that the computer will
recognize that item as an anomaly. In other words, don’t worry that if you miss the first
question that your score will fall somewhere in the bottom half of the range. However,
the first 5 questions are important as a whole, because they go a long way to
determining your score potential.
Each of the two essays in the Analytical Writing part of the test is graded on a scale of
0 (the minimum) to 6 (the maximum):
0—An essay that is totally illegible or obviously not written on the assigned topic.
1—An essay that is fundamentally deficient.
2—An essay that is seriously flawed.
3—An essay that is seriously limited.
4—An essay that is merely adequate.
5—An essay that is strong.
6—An essay that is outstanding.
Each essay will be given two grades, one of which may be generated by an E-rater
®
. The
E-rater is an electronic system that evaluates more than 50 linguistic and structural
features.
CAN I PREDICT MY GMAT SCORE?

The use of computer-adaptive testing technology makes it difficult to predict your
actual GMAT score based on your performance on a paper-and-pencil practice test. We
have tried, however, to develop a scoring table that provides a general idea of your
performance at this point in your preparation. To predict your score on the practice
tests in this book, count the correct answers in each section and find that number in the
left column of the charts below. The corresponding number in the right column
represents an approximation of your GMAT test score.
NOTE
Why does the GMAT
use scaled scores?
Quite frankly, be-
cause they are
convenient. They are
the “bar codes” of
business school
admissions.
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8 PART I: GMAT Basics
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VERBAL SUBSCORE (C = CORRECT; S = SCORE)
CS CS CS CS CS CS
41 60 34 48 27 34 20 20 13 6 6 0
40 60 33 46 26 32 19 18 12 4 5 0
39 58 32 44 25 30 18 16 11 2 4 0
38 56 31 42 24 28 17 14 10 0 3 0
37 54 30 40 23 26 16 12 9 0 2 0
36 52 29 38 22 24 15 10 8 0 1 0
35 50 28 36 21 22 14 8 7 0 0 0
MATH SUBSCORE (C = CORRECT; S = SCORE)
CS CS CS CS CS

37 60 29 46 21 30 13 14 5 0
36 60 28 44 20 28 12 12 4 0
35 58 27 42 19 26 11 10 3 0
34 56 26 40 18 24 10 8 2 0
33 54 25 38 17 22 9 6 1 0
32 52 24 36 16 20 8 4 0 0
31 50 23 34 15 18 7 2
30 48 22 32 14 16 6 0
GMAT SCORE (C = CORRECT; S = SCORE)
CS CS CS CS CS
78 800 62 660 46 500 30 340 14 200
77 800 61 650 45 490 29 330 13 200
76 800 60 640 44 480 28 320 12 200
75 790 59 630 43 470 27 310 11 200
74 780 58 620 42 460 26 300 10 200
73 770 57 610 41 450 25 290 9 200
72 760 56 600 40 440 24 280 8 200
71 750 55 590 39 430 23 270 7 200
70 740 54 580 38 420 22 260 6 200
69 730 53 570 37 410 21 250 5 200
68 720 52 560 36 400 20 240 4 200
67 710 51 550 35 390 19 230 3 200
66 700 50 540 34 380 18 220 2 200
65 690 49 530 33 370 17 200 1 200
64 680 48 520 32 360 16 200 0 200
63 670 47 510 31 350 15 200
WHAT SMART TEST-TAKERS KNOW
Each essay will be graded by two readers, one of which may be an E-rater, and in most
cases, the final score will be the average of the two scores awarded. Thus, if an essay
receives a 3 from one reader and a 4 from the other, the final score for that essay is 3.5.

In the event that the individual graders assign scores that are more than one point
apart, e.g., 2 and 4, then the essay is graded by a third reader.
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Chapter 1: All About the GMAT 9
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YOU CAN ENJOY THE “BUTTERFLIES”
Taking the GMAT is an anxiety-generating experience. Fortunately, “butterflies” are
just a symptom of performance anxiety—a kind of adrenaline rush. This was true even
of the paper-based version of the GMAT. The “butterflies” are nature’s way of saying
that you are raring to go.
YOUR JOB IS TO FOCUS ON THE TASK
When placed in a strange and stressful situation, it is natural to worry—sometimes
about the wrong things because their significance is not clear. In order to make the CAT
experience as non-stressful as possible, the testing authority has gone to great pains
to create a detailed list of “specs” to which each computerized testing center must
conform—right down to the number and size of the storage lockers that are available
for personal items not permitted in the testing room. You should be concerned only
about things that will make a difference in your score.
YOU SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON FLYING THE PLANE; THE COMPUTER IS
YOUR NAVIGATOR
Don’t worry about where you are going. The computer will take care of the navigation,
moving you up or down the algorithmic ladder of difficulty until you arrive at the
appropriate score—which is your final destination. If you try second-guessing the
computer (am I moving up or down?), then you are wasting mental energy that is
needed to answer questions.
IF YOU ARE COMPUTER CHALLENGED, YOU SHOULD BUY, BEG, BORROW, OR RENT ONE
Now, first of all, you are not a “complete dummy” even if you have never used a
computer. You’ve certainly seen them in a bank, or a grocery store, or at a friend’s home,
so you have some idea of what one looks like and what it is supposed to do. But there
is a big difference between knowing what a car looks like and knowing how to drive one.

If you have to, go down to your local office service store or local library and buy an hour
or two of time on a computer. Play with the machine. If you purchased the book/disk
version of this guide, take your disk with you. A technical support rep will help you load
it onto the computer so that you can practice taking a CAT.
Then, during the Warm-up period at the testing center, do the tutorial three or four
times, so that you are confident that you feel comfortable with the particular machine
that you are using.
IF YOU ARE A “COMPUTER WHIZ,” YOU CAN USE THE “PLUS 10” SYSTEM DURING THE
WARM UP
Take time to learn how to manipulate the devices—even if you use a mouse every day.
In fact, if you use a computer frequently, you probably have grown used to your
particular piece of hardware and find it comfortable. A different physical shape may
take some getting used to. In addition, although you may be familiar with each of the
individual functions of the testing program, e.g., the need to confirm a choice, the
function may not work in exactly the way that you expect. Plus, the unusual combina-
tion of functions may cause some confusion. When you finally say to yourself “I can
handle this,” spend 10 more minutes playing around.
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10 PART I: GMAT Basics
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IF YOU KNOW THE DIRECTIONS IN ADVANCE, YOU WON’T HAVE TO WASTE TIME
READING THEM
Your allotted time is all the time you get for a section. No additional time is given for
reading instructions. If you spend a minute or two reading directions, you are losing
points because you could be spending more time analyzing the questions. The solution
to this problem is to be thoroughly familiar with the directions for each question type
before you go for your appointment to take the exam.
THE ANSWERS ARE ON THE SCREEN
Because of the multiple-choice format, you have a real advantage—correct answer is
always right there on the screen. To be sure, it’s surrounded by wrong choices, but it

may be possible to eliminate one or more of those other choices as non-answers. Look
at the reading comprehension question below.
The author argues that the evidence supporting the new theory is
(A) hypothetical
(B) biased
(C) empirical
(D) speculative
(E) fragmentary
You might think that it is impossible to make any progress on a reading comprehension
question without the reading selection, but you can eliminate three of the five answers
in this question as non-answers. How? Read on.
Study the question stem. We can infer that the author of the selection has at least
implicitly passed judgment on the evidence supporting the new theory. What kind of
judgment might someone make about the evidence adduced to support a theory? (A),
(C), and (D) all seem extremely unlikely. As for (A), while the theory is itself a
hypothesis, the evidence supporting the theory would not be hypothetical. As for (C),
evidence is empirical by definition. So it is unlikely that anyone would argue “This
evidence is empirical.” And (D) can be eliminated for the same reason as (A).
Admittedly, this leaves you with a choice of (B) or (E), a choice that depends on the
content of the reading selection; but at least you have a 50–50 chance of getting the
question correct—even without reading the selection.
YOU MUST ANSWER QUESTIONS IN THE ORDER PRESENTED
On a CAT exam, you must answer every question in the order presented. Since the
exam adapts itself in response to your answers, you cannot skip and later return to any
questions. And, you cannot rethink and change your answer at a later time. You cannot
seek out and answer the easier question styles first. In other words, you must do the
best you can to answer each question. Choose the answer that you have determined is
best, confirm your choice, and move on to the next question.
02_chap1b.pmd 5/9/2006, 4:39 PM10
Chapter 1: All About the GMAT 11

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“TO GUESS OR NOT TO GUESS” IS NOT AN ISSUE
With a paper-based test, there is always the issue of whether it is a good idea to guess
or not. With the GMAT CAT, the question is simply irrelevant. You have to answer one
item before the computer will let you move onto the next. So even if you don’t have any
idea of how to solve the problem, you still have to “click” on an oval and confirm it as
your response. Is that guessing, or is that answering in a state of ignorance out of
necessity? Who cares? Just do it.
YOU MUST ANSWER EVERY QUESTION
“Algorithm” is the fancy name that the test designers use to describe the way that the
computer moves you up or down the ladder of difficulty. The algorithm is apparently
enormously complex and is proprietary, that is, it belongs to the GMAT people and they
are not sharing it with anybody else. You don’t need to worry about how it works, but
you do need to know one thing: You must answer every question. (If you want more on
this, consult the GMAT Bulletin.)
YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO GET BOGGED DOWN ON ANY ONE QUESTION
Your average time per question on the CAT is between one and three-quarters and two
minutes. Because you have to answer each question in order to move on, you can’t afford
to get bogged down on any one item. If after a minute and a half, you see that you’re
going nowhere, take your best guess and click on an answer. Your time will probably
be better spent on other questions later in the section.
THE OPTIONAL BREAKS ARE MANDATORY
You will be given the option of taking five-minute breaks between sections. These
breaks are mandatory. After you finish one part of the test, you may feel that you are
really on a roll and have the energy to push right on through the next part. But
remember, the next part is 75-minutes long. What if you have overestimated your “fuel
reserve”? You cannot stop in the middle of the next section to take a five-minute break
without losing points. So, make the scheduled pit stop.
BIORHYTHMS COUNT
We all have biorhythms. Some of us are morning people, some afternoon. Schedule your

appointment for the GMAT for a time when you are likely to be at your peak.
TIP
When you’re guess-
ing, play the odds.
If you can eliminate
one answer choice,
your guess has a
25% chance of being
right. Eliminate two
choices, and you
have a 33
1
3
%
chance. Eliminate
three choices and
you have a 50%
chance of guessing
correctly.
02_chap1b.pmd 5/9/2006, 4:39 PM11