What does the GMAT test?

Last updated: 7 Aug 2008

The GMAT is split into three sections, quantitative, verbal and an analytical writing assessment.

The quantitative area tests your ability in basic high school mathematics.

The verbal area focuses on your English grammar, reading comprehension and understanding of written arguments.

Finally the essay writing section examines your basic writing skills.

We will look at each of these sections in more detail later in this tutorial.

Format of the GMAT

The test always begins with the two analytical writing sections, followed by an optional 5 minute break and the the quantitative and verbal sections.

Section	Questions	Timing
Analytical Writing Analysis of an Issue Analysis of an Argument	1 1	30 mins 30 mins
Optional break	-	5 mins
Quantitative Problem solving Data sufficiency	37	75 mins
Optional break	-	5 mins
Verbal Reading comprehension Critical reasoning Sentence correction	41	75 mins

Next page: Analytical writing assessment