Free GMAT Flashcards

During my GMAT preparation, I made close to 300
flashcards to help me stay fresh on the strategies and

materials I had studied over the course of several months.
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Codes
On the top left corner of each flashcard, you will find a code. This code will help you
classify the information on each flashcard, telling you: which section of the GMAT the
information on the card pertains; the problem type; and the question type. For example, if
you were to encounter the following code:
V
SC Idiom
You would know that the information on the given flashcard pertains to the verbal section of
the GMAT, addresses a sentence correction problem type, and specifically relates to idiom
questions.
Abbreviations
V Verbal Section Q Quantitative Section
SC Sentence Correction DS Data Sufficiency
CR Critical Reasoning
RC Reading Comprehension
Symbols
Ex – Example
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V SC Agree V SC in that vs. because
Agree with another person. •  in that is usually a better choice than

because
Ex “I agree with Joey on this issue.”
Agree to something inanimate.
Ex “I agree to your proposal.”
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V SC Pronoun Errors V SC Misplaced Modifiers
Pronoun reference error INCORRECT: “Coming out of the

Ex shopping mall, Joan’s purse was
INCORRECT: “Jeanne and Gertrude
Ex stolen.”
went to the mall, but she couldn’t find
any outfits that she liked.” •  2 ways to fix this misplaced modifier:
Pronoun number error •  Change 2nd half of sentence.
INCORRECT: “The average waiter •  Change first half of sentence into
Ex expects a 15% tip from a restaurant adverbial clause, which contains its
patron, and they are usually own subject.
disappointed.”
V SC Parallel Construction V SC Tense
•  A sentence that begins in one tense

•  Series of actions set off by commas. should generally stay in that tense.
•  Spot these problems by finding a series •  Usually related to parallel construction
of actions, lists, or sentences divided questions.
into parts. •  EXCEPTION: Past perfect
•  Action set in the past perfect must have
another action that comes after it set in
the simple past.
“He had ridden his car for 1 hour when
Ex it ran out of fuel.”
V SC Idiom: Agree V SC Pronoun Errors
•  Agree with another person. •  Ambiguous pronoun reference

INCORRECT: “Fred and Vijay went
Ex “I agree with Fred on this issue.” to the soccer match, but he said that
Ex
he liked cricket better.”
•  Agree to something inanimate.
•  Singular/Plural subject agreement
INCORRECT: “The average dentist
Ex “I agree to your proposal.” Ex
expects patients to be on time, and
they are usually mistaken.”
V SC Ambiguous Gerundial Clauses V SC Ambiguous Gerundial Clauses
1 of 2 2 of 2
Ex •  INCORRECT: “Driving to holiday Ex •  INCORRECT: “Driving to holiday
dinner, Fred’s wallet was lost.” dinner, Fred’s wallet was lost.”
– 2 ways to fix: #1 – 2 ways to fix: #2
•  Rearrange sentence order and alter 2nd •  Change first half of sentence into
half of sentence so that inanimate adverbial clause, which clarifies the
object does not refer to action verb in subject of the sentence is that in the
first half of sentence. second phrase.
Ex “Fred lost his wallet as he drove to Ex “While driving to holiday dinner, Fred’s
holiday dinner.” wallet was lost.
V SC Parallel Construction V SC Verb Tense
•  A signal that you may have a parallel •  A sentence that begins in one tense
construction error is a group of should generally stay in that tense.
phrases set off by commas. Often related to parallel construction
Spot this problem by finding a series of questions.
actions, lists, or sentences divided into EXCEPTION: Past perfect
parts. Make sure that each list item An action set in the past perfect must
has similar structure (i.e., no one part of have another action that comes after it
the list is distinct from the others in set in the simple past.
terms of grammatical construction or
Ex “Bob was fired after he had worked at
length. the company for only two weeks.”
V SC Common Word Trap V SC Avoid Apples to Oranges
Comparisons
•  Politics – Singular word •  Compare nouns to like nouns:
“The flowers at Sarah’s wedding were
“Politics is not for the faint of heart.” Ex
Ex prettier than the orchids at Jane’s
wedding.”
(You are comparing flowers to a specific
•  People – Plural word
type of flower, but this is OK, as they are
Ex “People are often confused about in the same general category.)
grammatical issues that arise on the
•  Compare actions to like actions:
GMAT.”
Ex “Beeswax candles burn more cleanly
than synthetic candles.”
V SC Quantity Words and Idioms V SC Correct Sentences
Ex “On the flight to Chicago, Betty had to •  20% of SC sentences are correct as
choose between two drink options.” presented in the first instance on the
GMAT.
“On the flight back to New York, Betty
Ex had to choose among three dinner •  This is approximately three questions
options.” per test.
Countable Items Non- Countable Items
•  Fewer •  Less
•  Number •  Amount, quantity
•  Many •  Much
V SC 3-Step Method V SC Subject-Verb Agreement
1.  Read original sentence carefully. •  Beware collective nouns which are
2.  Scan answer choices for differences that actually singular: audience, committee,
help identify commonly-tested errors. everyone merit singular verbs
3.  Eliminate a choice as soon as you find an •  Either…or; neither…nor
error. Verbs agree with whatever follows or/nor
Ex “Neither the musicians nor the conductor
TIP: If you narrow a question down to two is from Dallas.”
possible “candidate” sentences, read each
one slowly and deconstruct each part of the “Neither the conductor nor the musicians
Ex
sentence until an error jumps out at you. are from Dallas.”

V SC Misplaced or Dangling V SC Pronoun
Modifiers
•  Modifiers should be as close as A pronoun must:
possible to the word or clause they
•  agree with its antecedent
modify.
•  refer to a specific antecedent without
INCORRECT: “Sarah Jane rarely
ambiguity
Ex sparked interest in men, though not a
plain girl.” •  Remember: that is singular and those is
plural
“Sarah Jane, though not a plain girl,
Ex rarely sparked interest in men.”
V SC Gerunds V SC Verb Tense – 3 Tips

(words that end with –ing) 1.  Make sure that the verb tense you choose
properly reflects the sequence of events.
•  When the GMAT gives you a choice
between one verb tense that uses an – 2.  Use Present Perfect (verb + -ing): to
ing form and another that does not, emphasize continuing nature of an action or
usually the –ing form is wrong. that two or more actions are occurring
simultaneously.
“I have been correcting Raul’s GMAT
grammar constantly.”
Ex “I was walking and chewing gum when I
collided with a lamppost.”
3.  Avoid Passive Voice
Use simple past tense instead of had + past
tense.
V SC Similar Items V SC Like Things
•  Similar elements with the same •  Compare like things only.

importance and function should be
expressed in the same grammatical
form. •  Comparison words: like, as, compared
to, less than, more than, other, that of,
•  Compare people to people, groups to
those of.
groups, attributes to attributes.
•  Parallel similar elements in a sentence.

V SC like, such as V SC like, as
•  like = “similar to” •  Use like for comparing nouns.
Ex “Her graceful comportment made her •  Use as for comparing actions.

seem like a dancer, although she had
never set foot on a stage.”
•  such as = “for example”
Ex “I enjoy activities such as skydiving,
heliskiing and scuba diving.”
V SC Idioms involving as V SC None/No one
Memorize: •  None should be singular, even when,

to your ear, it seems as though it
•  as is usually preferred to like
should be plural.
•  regarded as (don’t use to be)
Ex “None of the boys enjoys camping as
•  as long as he does.”
•  such questions as •  No one is always singular.
•  plays as Ex “No one enjoys camping as much as he
does”
V SC Passive vs. Active Verb Tense V SC Idiom
•  Avoid passive verb tenses! These •  Agree that

are usually present or past perfect
forms of verbs.
•  Have/Had + VERB + -ing is rarely the
correct choice.
•  Active tense is preferred in sentence
correction questions.
•  “by” is often an indication of the passive
voice.
V SC Idiom: between, and V SC Idiom: to be
•  Distinguish between X and Y. •  Likely to be

I”n order to distinguish between grizzly
Ex
bears and black bears with the greatest
accuracy, one should examine the coat
color.”
V SC Idiom: same to, as to V SC Greater than/More than
•  Same to X as to Y. •  Greater than is appropriate when

describing numbers alone.
Ex “Greater than 100…”
•  More than should be used when

describing the numbers of objects or
when making comparisons.
Ex “More than 100 fish.”
V SC Idiom: rates for V SC Subordination, Coordination
•  When rates refer to the “price charged,” •  Coordination

it should be followed by for
•  Equal emphasis – and, or, but
Ex “Rates for telephone service have
increased in recent years.”
•  Subordination
•  Emphasize other part – although, while,
since

V SC Ellipsis V SC Participles
•  Put omitted pieces back into sentence •  Participles are sentence fragments.
to see if it makes sense. They are often adjectives formed from
verbs. They are often grammatically
ambiguous, and cause problems due to
this ambiguity.
“Peter, distracted by his cat and
Ex
wanting to do his work…”
V SC Less V SC Passive
•  Less is a word used to describe non- •  The passive voice is not grammatically
count nouns, but also used for sums of incorrect, but the GMAT considers it
money, periods of time and distance, and stylistically inferior to the active voice.
citations of numerical/statistical data.
•  Eliminate passively worded choices if
Ex
“It’s less than 35 miles to San Francisco.” there is a grammatically correct
alternative in the active voice.
Ex “We spent less than $100.”
“The town spent less than 95% of its
Ex budget.”
V SC One of the… V SC Consider
•  One of the + PLURAL NOUN + that/ •  When consider means “regard as,” as
who + SINGULAR VERB should not be present with consider in
Ex the sentence. Consider is also not
“He is one of the persons who bakes
followed by an infinitive like to be.
spectacular cakes.”
Ex INCORRECT: “Scientists consider
“This is one of the cars that runs on Ex control factors to be an integral
LPG.”
element…”
•  Note that “of the PLURAL NOUN” is a
“Scientists consider control factors an
prepositional phrase, but the singular Ex integral element…”
verb modifies one which is singular.
V SC Idiom V SC Idiom: just as, so
•  Deciding that •  Just as…so

“Deciding that the best course was to “Just as gills are to fish, so lungs are to
Ex continue, the Donner Party fatefully Ex humans.”
elected to continue their long journey.”
V SC Idiom: not so much, as V SC Strategy
•  Not so much…as •  When the entire sentence is underlined

in the question, the answer has a
“Not so much to show Jane up as to
Ex higher probability of being ‘D’ or ‘E’.
make her appear foolish, Sarah pointed
out Jane’s error to their supervisor.”
V SC Ellipsis V SC Idiom: Forbid vs. Prohibit
•  X forbids Y to do Z
•  Most of the time when we use a
comparison using than or as, we omit “Sarah’s father forbids her to date
Ex
verb comparators, as they are implied. Josh.”
Ex “He is shorter than she.”
(Note the omission of “is” at the end.)
•  X prohibits Y from + VERB + ing
Ex “He is as depressed as they, but he
soldiered onward anyway.” Ex “Sarah’s father prohibited Sarah from
(Note the omission of “are”) going out with Josh.”

V SC Singular or Plural V SC Less, Fewer
The following are always plural pronouns •  Less = “not as much”

when used as the subject of a sentence:
•  Fewer = “not as many”
•  Some
•  More
•  Most
•  All
V SC Compare V SC Comparison Words
•  Like – used to express similarity,

•  Use compare to for unlike things normally between two nouns
Ex “He compared her to an evil shrew.” Ex “Tangerines are like mandarins.”
•  As – normally used to compare two
clauses, NOT two nouns
•  Use compare with for like things
Ex “He looks as though he is drunk.”
Ex “The paralegal compared the copied
•  Such as – normally used to give
signature with the original.”
examples.
Ex “Investment banking has taught me skills
such as discounted cash flow modeling.”
V SC If / Whether V SC Number
•  Whether is correct when you’re •  A number requires a plural verb.

discussing two options.
“A number of people are queuing to
Ex Ex
“I could not decide whether to go to enter the Tate.”
work or to take a sick day.”
•  The number requires a singular verb.
•  If is correct for more than 2 options.
“The number of people in line is
Ex “José could not decide if the best Ex decreasing.”
course was to continue with the status
quo, increase the inventory by 10% or
increase the inventory by 20%.”
V SC Idiom: same as, as to V SC Idiom: so, as to be
•  Same as X as to Y •  So X as to be Y
Ex “He was so jovial as to be practically
silly.”
V SC Infinitives to Avoid V SC Idiom: just as, so too
•  To include + list is usually incorrect, •  Just as…so too

while including + list is more often
Ex “Just as stealing is frowned upon, so
correct.
too is cheating.”
•  To implement is usually incorrect, while
implementing is more often correct.
V SC being, to be V SC Pattern to Avoid
•  Avoid being and to be, if possible. •  Avoid any sentence construction with:
PREPOSITION + NOUN +
•  Both forms are considered passive
PARTICIPLE
Ex INCORRECT: “…with shower facilities
included.”

V SC Target V SC Idiom – Paired Coordinates
•  Target to •  Not X, but rather Y

Ex “The chocolate company targeted its Ex “It was not a bird, but rather, a plane.”
advertising to single women.”
V SC they V SC Idiom: between, and
•  Always be suspicious of the •  Between…and

pronoun they.
Ex “She was between a rock and a hard
•  A common trap is for they to refer to a place.”
singular subject noun.
Ex “He couldn’t decide between one and
the other.”
V SC Pronoun Rules V SC Comparison of actions
•  Watch out for comparison of actions /

•  Each pronoun must agree in number inanimate objects performing compared
(plural or singular) with the noun it actions:
replaces. Ex “French wines taste better than Australian
•  Each pronoun must refer directly and wines.” (Incorrect, implies wines are tasting.)
unambiguously to the noun it replaces. Ex “French wines taste better than Australian
wines do.” (Correct)
“French wines taste better than Australian
Ex
wines taste.” (Correct)
“French wines taste better than do
Ex Australian wines.” (Correct)
V SC Gerunds (verb + -ing) V SC Numbers Greater than 1
•  The –ing (present participle) form •  Numbers greater than 1 are plural.
introduces an action that is
Ex “Two out of every three dog owners in
simultaneous with the action of the
the US also own a cat.”
main clause.
“While watching for pedestrians, Jane
Ex made a left hand turn through the
crosswalk.”
V SC Idiom: During V SC Quantifiers
•  During + defined TIME PERIOD is •  With fractions, percentages, and

wrong. indefinite quantifiers, the verb should
Ex INCORRECT: “During two hours, I felt agree with main subject of the
sentence, not the noun contained
sleepy.”
within the prepositional phrase.
Ex During the past two hours, I felt sleepy. Ex “Thirteen percent of Cleveland’s teens are
pregnant.” (Note that “of Cleveland’s
teens” is NOT the subject!)
•  With singular or non-count nouns or
clauses, use a singular verb.
V SC Phrase, Clause V SC Hopefully
•  You can change a dangling participle into •  Hopefully is nearly always wrong on
a proper clause by adding a subject or the GMAT.
verb or both.
•  Avoid sentence choices with this word.
Ex “Sarah’s camera was lost while skiing to
the base, .” (Incorrect, underlined portion
is a dangling participle (it’s hanging.))
Ex “As she was skiing to the base, Sarah’s
camera was lost.” (Correct, underlined
portion is a clause with a subject and
verb.)
V SC Thinking Words V SC Idiom: Credit
•  Thinking words such as theory, •  Credit A with B: give responsibility for

belief or believe are often by Ex “Bell is credited with inventing the
followed by that telephone.”
“Lucy’s belief that the Holocaust did not •  Credit X to Y: give money or credit to
Ex
occur is misguided.” Ex “The bank credited $4 million to his
INCORRECT: “Lucy’s belief of…” account.”
Ex
•  Credit for (noun): money received for
or in exchange for something
Ex “The power customer received a $20
credit for an interruption of service.”
V SC Helping verbs: Might/May V SC Number
•  Might is the past tense of may. •  A number of always takes plural

verbs.
Ex “She may arrive this evening.”
Ex “A number of birds have migrated…”
“She might have arrived yesterday
Ex •  The number of always takes singular
evening.”
verbs.
Ex “The number of warblers has
increased…”
V SC Having V SC Plural/Singular
•  Having + past participle is used to •  QUANTIFIER + of + NOUN + VERB

express actions that are finished and
•  The noun determines whether verb
to convey order of occurrence.
is singular or plural.
“Having eaten a huge Thanksgiving Ex “Most of the students are…”
Ex dinner, Elliot loosened his belt one
more notch.” Ex “Most of the school is…”

V SC Just as V SC like vs. as
•  Just as can replace in the same way •  Use like when you want to focus on two
that. nouns.
Ex “Just as Elvis changed the face of rock •  Use as when you want to focus on two
n’ roll, Hawking changed the face of nouns doing two actions.
astrophysics.”
V SC Strategy V SC to be – verb
•  Whenever you narrow candidate •  NOUN + TO BE verb + NOUN/ADJECTIVE

answers to two options that are both is an acceptable construction.
grammatically correct, but one involves
Ex “The change was good for me.”
a change in meaning from the original
sentence, choose the answer which INCORRECT: “The biggest change was
preserves the uncorrected sentence’s when I emigrated to Russia.” (Use “changed
original meaning. occurred” instead.)
V SC Majority V SC Pronoun
•  Majority should be used with count nouns •  When you see a pronoun, especially it
only. or they, immediately check the
antecedent.
INCORRECT: “The majority of the talk…”
Ex “The greater part of the talk…”
“The majority of the people…”

V SC Idiom: Concern V SC Whether vs. If
•  Concerned for = “worried, anxious” •  Whether is nearly always a better

answer choice than if when choosing
Ex “I am concerned for her safety.”
among alternatives.
•  Concerned with = “related to”
Ex “This matter is concerned with the
Smith case.”
V SC Each V SC Compare
•  Compare to compares UNLIKE things,

•  Each is usually singular. But when whereas compare with compares LIKE
each follows a plural subject, the verb things. Compare to is used to stress
and subsequent pronouns remain in the resemblance.
plural.
Ex “She compared the evening gown to the
Ex “Three cats each chase birds.” cocktail dress. “
“Three cats, each of which chases •  Compare with can be used to show
Ex birds….” either similarity or difference (usually
difference).
Ex “When compared with Laura’s work product,
Jim’s showed a world of difference.”
V SC Idiom V SC Due to
•  The best meaning for due to is

•  For = “despite”
“caused by.”
•  Along with = “in addition to” •  Due to should not be used to mean
“on account of.”
Ex INCORRECT: “The game was
postponed due to rain.”
Ex “The game was postponed on account
of rain.”
Ex “The game’s postponement was due to
rain.”
V SC Rather than V SC Not, But
•  Use rather than to express a •  Use not / but to join linguistically

preference. equivalent things.
Ex “I would prefer nonfat milk rather than Ex “Blake is not a golfer but a tennis
cream in my coffee.” player.”
V SC So as to V SC Guessing
•  Use So + ADJECTIVE + as to + VERB •  When in doubt, choose the most

as a comparator. concise answer.
Ex CORRECT: “Her debts are so extreme
as to threaten her company.”
•  Do not use it to substitute for “in
order to”
Ex INCORRECT: “He exercises everyday
so as to build his stamina.”
V SC Idiom: Target at V SC Between…and
•  Targeted at – CORRECT •  In a list situation, and should always

follow between
•  Targeted to – INCORRECT
Ex “Between pay freezes and salary
cuts…”

V SC Modifiers V SC END OF SC FLASHCARDS
•  Place modifiers as close as possible to

what they are modifying.
V SC Idiom V SC
•  In contrast to
“In contrast to most parents, Jimmy’s
Ex
parents let him stay out all night.”
•  Similar to
Ex “Theresa’s parenting style is similar to

Christine’s.”
V SC Whether/If V SC
•  Whether is correct when a sentence

describes alternatives.
Ex “Whether to vote or not.”
•  If is correct when a sentence
describes a hypothetical situation.
Ex “If he were to participate, he would…”

Critical Reasoning
Flashcards
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These flashcards are free and updated frequently.
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V CR Scope V CR Find the Conclusion
•  Stay within the scope of the •  The conclusion is often found in the
argument. first or last sentence of the passage.
•  If your rationale seems farfetched, or •  Look for conclusion signposts:
you bring in outside knowledge to solve therefore, hence, thus, etc.
a question, most likely you are
•  Premise clauses usually show
overreaching.
support or offer evidence.
•  The harder you have to work to justify
•  Example premise signposts: because,
an answer choice, the less likely it is
since, in view of, given that, etc.
that the choice is correct.
V CR Supply your own Conclusion V CR Assumptions – 1
•  In “supply your own conclusion” •  An assumption is merely an unstated

questions, the conclusion must be (implied) premise.
supported by ALL premises—not just
•  In logically correct arguments which
one.
contain an assumption, the premise +
•  Be on the lookout for helpful keywords assumption = conclusion
in the second last sentence.
•  If the question stem asks you “what
is assumed…” then you should
identify unstated premise of passage.
Look for a gap in logic.
V CR Causal Assumption V CR Assumptions – 2
•  Ask whether there might be an •  Ask yourself, “What must be true to

alternative cause if an argument does make the concludion valid?” (using the
not necessarily seem as straightforward equation above).
as a question stem makes it out to be.
•  Remember, since the assumption is an
•  “Could Y have caused Z instead of X?” UNSTATED premise, any answer
choice that comes from the passage to
support your assumption is necessarily
incorrect. The answer will be implied,
not explicitly stated.

V CR Strengthen the Argument V CR Causal Assumption
•  Find the logical gap and fix it with •  Ask whether there might be an
additional information. This is the ONLY
alternative cause if an argument does
type of GMAT question where additional
not necessarily seem as straightforward
information (outside of the question)
as a question stem makes it out to be.
can/should be used.
“Could Y have caused Z instead of X?”
•  Correct answers to this question type will:
– Connect evidence with conclusion better.
– Make conclusion stronger.
– Strengthen the evidence with new
information (perhaps an assumption is
needed) to make the argument work).
V CR Inference V CR Resolve the Paradox
•  Inference questions are usually very •  To solve this type of question, look for a
basic, about one or more premises. logically contradictory discrepancy.
PICK THE OBVIOUS ANSWER (even
•  Often the correct answer will take a
if it seems too obvious).
similar format (in terms of answer
length or argument structure).
V CR Mimic the Reasoning V CR Strategy
•  Follow same line of reasoning from the •  Always read the question first, then
passage in the answer. read the stimulus appropriately for that
type of question.
•  Eliminate the question stem detail to
create a shorthand version of the
argument structure.
•  Question Stem: If it rains, then I will
stay at home today.”
•  Shorthand: If A, then B.”
•  Answer: “If A, then B.”
V CR Analogy Assumptions V CR Strengthen/Weaken
•  Are the two situations analogous? •  Strengthen/Weaken questions are the

Or is the analogy silly? most common CR question type on the
GMAT.
•  Break down piece of evidence.
•  Attack validity of an assumption.
•  Don’t try to prove or disprove
conclusion.
•  Tip the scales.
V CR Statistical Assumptions V CR Number of CR Questions
•  Are the statistics representative? •  Most people see 11 CR questions on

the GMAT.
•  Is the question stem doing a bait and
switch in terms of numbers?
•  Is the question stem using numbers to
assume something is so, when the
numbers aren’t actually helping explain
the phenomenon given?
V CR 7 Principles of CR V CR 7 Principles of CR (contd.)
1.  Understand structure of argument 4.  Judge argument’s persuasiveness

(identify premise (P), conclusion (C) and while reading actively.
any unstated assumptions)—look for
5.  Answer question being asked.
structural signpost words which mark P
and C. 6.  Prephrase answer.
2.  Preview question before reading 7.  Keep SCOPE in mind. Moderate (vs.
passage. very strong ) words / qualifiers usually
correct.
3.  Paraphrase passage’s point or main idea
using one verb “ie explain, criticize,
compare, contrast”.
V CR Assumption V CR Paraphrasing and Prephrasing
Paraphrasing
•  An assumption bridges the gap •  Actively translate passages into your own
between argument’s stated premises words.
and conclusion. •  Pretend you are explaining the information
•  Use denial test. in a passage to a 10-year-old kid.
Prephrasing
•  Compare premise words against
conclusion. •  Think about what form the correct answer
will take.
•  As you do more questions, you will begin
to “guess” correctly, as you start to think
as the testmakers do
V CR Strengthen/Weaken V CR Strategy
•  Don’t be careless! Wrong answer •  Identify the conclusion and find the
choices often have exactly opposite of answer that addresses the conclusion.
desired effect. Most questions follow this guideline.
•  Double-check that your answer
satisfies the question stem, not the
opposite of the question stem.
V CR Inference V CR 4-Step Method
•  Consider the evidence, draw a 1.  Preview question stem.

conclusion.
2.  Read stimulus and paraphrase if tricky
•  An inference is an extension of an
3.  Prephrase answer.
argument, not a necessary part of it.
4.  Choose an answer which answers
•  A valid inference is a conclusion, but
question stem
not necessarily theconclusion, of a set
of statements.

V CR Weaken/Strengthen V CR Inference
•  When you compare two items, you •  For inference questions, determine
must be sure that the two items are which answer choice must
indeed comparable. absolutely, positively be true based
on what you’ve read.
•  Pick the obvious answer choice.
•  Avoid extreme answers (too strong or
too weak)
V CR Assumption V CR Indicate Flaw
•  For assumption questions, find the •  Use the information that is present in
conclusion and determine which the passage to answer “Indicate the
answer choice needs to be true for a Flaw” CR questions.
conclusion to be valid.
•  Not about new information like
“Weaken” CR questions.
V CR Irrelevant V CR Negate
•  Watch for irrelevant or overly strong •  For assumption questions, negate CR

answer choices in CR. answer choice to see if the conclusion
can survive.
•  Stay within SCOPE and TONE of
passage.

V CR Statistics V CR Questions involving Surveys
•  When an argument is based on •  Consider: Does the survey accurately

statistics, it is usually assumed that the represent the views of the whole group
people polled are representative of the surveyed? Is there a statistics bait and
whole. switch?
V CR Prephrase V CR Explanation
•  Prephrase an answer before looking at •  With explanation questions, reconcile

the actual answer choices. the facts presented.
•  Stay within scope.
V CR Inference vs. Assumption V CR Scope Shifts
•  Be wary of scope shifts. Look for

•  An inference is a conclusion that can
be drawn based on one or more of the testmakers’ tricks:
statements in the stimulus. An •  Sometimes a passage will begin with one
inference must be true based on group and draw a conclusion about another
something that you read. group. Similarly, a passage might have
weak premises and then draw an overbroad
•  An assumption is a missing but
necessary piece of evidence. An conclusion.
assumption is something that must be •  Other times the tone of the passage moves
true in order for the argument to be so far that the testtaker is left wondering,
complete. “How did that conclusion come about?”
V CR Evaluate the Argument V CR
•  Test relevance.
•  Determine which a choice helps to
determine whether a conclusion is
valid.
V CR Weaken V CR
•  2 most common ways to weaken an

argument:
•  Break down central assumption.
•  Assert alternative possibilities relevant
to the argument.
V CR Numbers, Percentages V CR END OF CR FLASHCARDS
•  Watch for the distinction between

NUMBERS and PERCENTAGES.

Reading Comprehension
Flashcards
V RC Analyzing RC Passage V RC Two Types of Questions
•  WHY is the author writing? •  Global (pertain to entire passage):

Main idea, Structure
•  WHAT is being said?
•  Local (specific, pertain to a small
•  WHO is speaking? Is the author’s
segment of passage)
showing his own point of view or
critiquing an expert’s point of view?
•  HOW does the author accomplish his
goal?
V RC Signposts V RC Yin-Yang Shift
•  Watch for transition triggers. Transition •  A very common RC structure is for one
triggers change the tone or direction of expert or view to be introduced, and
a passage. They often represent a shift then, shortly thereafter, a contradictory
in view between two experts cited in a expert or view is presented.
passage.
•  Look for this yin-yang shift.
•  Examples of transition triggers include
•  Yin words: Generally, the old view, the
however, but, although, etc.
widespread belief, most X believe, etc.
•  Yang words: However, but, on the other
hand, etc.
V RC Inference V RC Indisputable Answers
•  GMAT inferences go only a tiny bit •  The answer choice that is high specific
further than what is said in the and unequivocal is usually wrong.
passage.
•  VAGUE, BROAD or GENERAL
•  When choosing answers, eliminate answers are often best.
exaggerations or offensive or extreme
•  Look for signpost words like perhaps
words.
and may in answer choices.

V RC Indisputable Words V RC Respect
•  Nice vague words: •  ETS respects professionals, America.

usually, sometimes, may, can, some,
•  Avoid disparaging answers.
most
•  Respectful answers about minorities
•  Too unequivocal—BAD!
always.
always, most, everybody, all, complete,
never •  No prejudiced answers.
V RC Strong emotions V RC Strategy
•  Avoid strong emotions. Be mindful of:

•  Avoid words like: scornful, envious, •  Topic
overly enthusiastic, resolve, etc.
•  Scope—narrowing of topic
•  Author’s purpose
•  Structure
•  Author’s voice—fact from opinion
V RC Strategy V RC Main Idea
•  Make mental roadmap of passage.

•  Thesis: personal interpretation
•  Get a sense of the paragraph and bolstered by evidence.
argument structure.
•  On your scratch paper, jot down notes
such as:
Para 1: Old view
Para 2: New theory
Para 3: Why combo of Old view and New
theory is likely best.
V RC Global Questions V RC Scope
•  Stay within topic and scope. •  Scope involves the overall reach and
feel of the entire passage.
•  Recognize author’s overall intentions,
idea, passage structure, purpose. •  Nouns and verbs contained in the
correct answer must be consistent with
tone/scope. If they are too weak/
strong, they are probably wrong and
should be eliminated.
V RC Inference V RC Logic and Active Reading
•  Two types of inferences: As you read, think about why the author /
test makers do something in the manner
•  Regular inference. EXPLAIN? HELP?
that they have:
•  Agreement: “Author/Character/Group
•  Cite a source
would agree with…”
•  Bring up detail
•  Introduce a defined term or vocabulary
word
•  Structures the passage as he has
V RC Explicit Detail V RC Strategy
•  For explicit detail questions, the answer 1.  Read actively and don’t skim.
can be pinpointed in the text.
2.  Create a mental roadmap: label
•  Save time by noting where defined paragraphs, look for signpost words.
terms, vocabulary words or dates are
3.  Note main idea, structure, tone
first introduced. Detail questions will
likely focus on such things. 4.  Attack questions.

V RC Scope V RC Focus
•  Scope is the aspect of the topic •  Focus on your reading on the broad
(subject matter) that the author idea of the passage, not every specific
discusses in the passage. fact.
•  That said, note where overly-specific
facts are first introduced, so you can
zero in on them if there is a detail
question later.
V RC Inference V RC Anticipate
•  Inferences are suggested by passage. •  Anticipate what’s next by looking for

Remind yourself whether the inferences signpost words.
given as answer choices are positive,
•  Is the author about to change course?
negative or neutral.
Agree with an expert? Disagree with
•  Incorrect inferences: the view expounded in the previous
passages? Cement an idea just
– Distort
presented?
– Are superfluous, contradictory,
outside of scope
V RC Qualify V RC Signpost Words:

Supporting, Continuing Points
•  To qualify a claim is to weaken or •  Additional point signposts:
soften it. furthermore, in addition, also, too.
•  Additional example signposts:
similarly, likewise, for example.
•  Structural signposts:
first, second, third.
•  Conclusion signposts:
thus, therefore, in conclusion

V RC Direction Change Signposts V RC Strategy
•  although, though, even though A strategy for RC:

•  Read for author’s purpose and main idea.
•  but
•  Note where specific examples pop up, but
•  despite, in spite of don’t spend too much time fully
•  except understanding specifics
•  Paraphrase the structure, tone of the
•  however, nevertheless passage.
•  unless •  Don’t over-invest time.
•  while •  Spend max of 4 min. on reading, 1 min.
per question.
V RC Main Idea V RC General Questions
•  Always be searching for the main idea Decoy answers for global RC questions are:
of a passage as you read.
•  Too specific
•  Too broad
•  Too extreme
•  Not relevant
V RC Specific Questions V RC Strengthen/Weaken
Decoy answers for local RC questions: •  Decoy answers for strengthen/weaken

questions:
•  Refer to wrong part of passage
•  Out of scope
•  Make sense but are not mentioned in
passage •  Weaken instead of strengthen, vice
versa
•  Are refuted directly in the passage
•  Logical answer but not mentioned or
•  Stray away from passage’s scope
supported in passage (bring in outside
•  Misinterpret the main point of the info when there’s a correct answer
author in that section among the choices already)
V RC How to Spot a Good Answer V RC Good Words for RC
Answer Choices
•  A correct answer choice:
•  some, many •  few people
•  Paraphrases text in terms of language
•  often •  more, less
style or meaning
•  sometimes, rarely •  likely, possibly
•  Is nice (not overly-controversial)
usually
•  doubtful, unlikely
•  Is not extreme (stays within scope, author •  can, could, may,
intent). Does not overly pinpoint. might
•  some people
V RC Words to Avoid in RC V RC Topic and Scope

Answer Choices Always be mindful of TOPIC and SCOPE: Topic
and scope can often be determined in the first
•  all •  no one, nobody paragraph of a passage. As soon as you find them,
list them on your scratch paper.
•  always •  most, least •  Topic: General subject
•  never •  absolutely Examples: black holes, factory safety
•  Scope: Narrowing of topic
•  will •  impossible Examples: logistics of viewing formation of black
•  everyone, holes; analysis of industrial rules across different
historical eras
everybody
•  The conclusion paragraph will also reveal the
scope if it is not immediately obvious in the first
paragraph.
V RC Specific Details V RC Purpose, Main Idea
•  Note the location and purpose of •  Be mindful of author’s PURPOSE and

intricate details, theories or vocabulary MAIN IDEA.
words, but do not attempt to memorize
•  Note that the overall purpose and main
or even fully understand those details
idea can differ from the views of a
unless a question specifically asks
specific expert in a passage.
about them.

Quantitative Flashcards
V DS Steps to Solve V DS Backsolving Strategy
In general… •  Start with Choice (E) and work back to

(A) when backsolving from the answer
•  Medium questions require 2 steps to
choices.
solve.
•  Difficult questions require at least 3
steps.
•  The GMAT begins with a medium
question.
V DS Assuming V DS Multiple
•  All numbers on the GMAT belong to the •  Multiples of 3:

set of real numbers. 3, 6, 9…
•  Unless you’re explicitly told that a
specific type of number is involved, do
not make any further assumptions.
•  For example, do NOT assume that
variables represent positive integers.
V DS How to check whether number V DS How to check whether number

is multiple of 3 is multiple of 4
•  Sum of digits is multiple of 3 •  Last two digits are multiple of 4.
•  The number can be divided by 2 twice.

V DS How to check whether number V DS How to check whether number
is multiple of 6 is multiple of 9
•  Number is multiple of 3 and 2. •  Sum of digits is multiple of 9.
V DS How to check whether number V DS Common Factor

is multiple of 12
•  Break down both numbers to their prime factors
•  Sum of digits is multiple of 3, last two to see what factors they have in common.
digits multiple of 4. Multiply shared prime factors to find all common
factors.
What factors greater than 1 do 135
Ex and 225 have in common?
135 = 3 x 3 x 3 x 5
225 = 3 x 3 x 5 x 5
•  Both share 3 x 3 x 5 in common—find all
combinations of these numbers:
3 x 3 = 9; 3 x 5 = 15; 3 x 3 x 5 = 45
V DS Simple Probability V DS Gross Profit
(# of favorable outcomes) •  Gross profit = Selling Price – Cost

(# of possible outcomes)

V DS Combined Events V DS Combinations
For events E and F: •  If order of selection is not relevant and

only k objects are able to be selected
•  not E = P(not E) = 1 – P(E)
from a larger set of n objects:
•  E or F = P(E or F) = P(E) + P(F) –
()
P(E and F) n n!
=
•  E and F = P(E and F) = P(E)P(F) k k! (n-k)!
() ( )
n
k
=
n-k
n
V DS Permutations V DS Multiplication Principle
•  Counting the number of ways that a set •  The number of ways independent
of objects can be ordered: events can occur together can be
determined by multiplying together the
n! number of possible outcomes for each
event.
V DS Multiplication Principle V DS 1st Rule of Probability
•  If a first object may be chosen in m •  Basic rule: The probability of event A

ways and a second object may be occurring is the number of outcomes
chosen in n ways, then there are mn that result in A divided by the total
ways of choosing both objects. number of possible outcomes.

V DS 2nd Rule of Probability V DS 3rd Rule of Probability
•  Complementary Events: The probability of •  Conditional Probability: The probability

an event occurring plus the probability of of event A AND event B occurring is the
the event not occurring = 1. probability of event A times the
probability of event B, given that A has
•  P(E) = 1 – P(not E)
all ready occurred.
V DS Dependent Events V DS 4th Rule of Probability
•  Two events are said to be dependent •  The probability of event A OR event B

events if the outcome of one event occurring is the probability of event A
affects the outcome of the other event. occurring plus the probability of event B
occurring minus the probability of both
events occurring.
•  P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A and B)
V DS Probability of Multiple Events V DS Indistinguishable Events
•  To find the number of distinct permutations

•  A and B < A or B
of a set of items with indistinguishable
•  A or B > Individual probabilities of A, B items, divide the factorial of the items in the
set by the product of the factorials of the
•  P(A and B) = P(A) x P(B)  “fewer options”
number of indistinguishable elements.
•  P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B)  “more options”
•  How many ways can the letters in TRUST
be arranged?
5!
Ex = 60
2!
V DS Circular Permutations V DS Probability and Geometry
•  The number of ways to arrange n •  If a point is chosen at random within a

distinct objects along a fixed circle is: space with an area, volume, or length
of Y and a space with a respective
(n – 1)! area, volume, or length of X lies within
Y, the probability of choosing a random
point within Y is the area, volume, or
length of X divided by the area, volume,
or length of Y.
V DS Multiple Event Probability V DS Trial Problems
To determine multiple-event probability •  Look at the probability of NOT

where each individual event must occur OCCURRING.
in a certain way:
P(Event Not Occurring) =
•  Figure out the probability for each 1 – P(Event Occurring)
individual event.
•  Multiply the individual probabilities
together.
V DS Combinations: V DS Permutations: Order matters

Order doesn’t matter
•  Number of permutations of r objects
from a set of n objects:
n!
n!
r! (n – r)!
(n – r)!

V DS Number Added or Deleted V DS Odd Factors
Use mean to find number that was added •  Odd numbers have only odd factors.
or deleted.
•  Total = mean x (number of terms)
•  Number deleted = (original total) – (new total)
•  Number added = (new total) – (original total)
V DS Purchase Price vs. Market Value V DS Quadratic Formula
•  Remember: purchase price is not the •  To find roots of quadratic equation,

same as market value.
V DS Exponents V DS Prime Factorization:

Highest Common Factor (HCF)
1.  Start by writing each number as product of
its prime factors.
2.  Write so that each new prime factor
begins in same place.
3.  Highest Common Factor is found by
multiplying all factors appearing on BOTH
lists.
60 = 2 x 2 x3 x5
72 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3
HCF = 2 x 2 x 3 = 12
V DS Prime Factorization: V DS Check for Prime
Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) 1.  Pick a number n.

1.  Start by writing each number as product of 2.  Start with the least prime number, 2. See if 2 is
its prime factors. a factor of your number. If it is, your number is
not prime.
2.  Write so that each new prime factor 3.  If 2 is not a factor, check to see if the next prime,
begins in same place. 3, is a factor. If it is, your number is not prime.
3.  Lowest common multiple found by 4.  Keep trying the next prime number until you
multiplying all factors in EITHER list. reach one that is a factor (in which case n is not
prime), or you reach a prime number that is
60 = 2 x 2 x3 x5 equal to or greater than the square root of n.
72 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 5.  If you have not found a number less than or
equal to the square root of n, you can be sure
LCM = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 5 = 360 that your number is prime.
V DS rt = d V DS Factor Out
•  For a fixed distance, the average speed

is inversely related to the amount of
time required to make the trip.
•  Since Mieko’s average speed was 4/3 of
Chan’s, her time was 4/3 as long.
rt = d
V DS Squaring Fractions V DS Backsolving Strategy
•  When positive fractions between 0 and •  When answer choices have variables in
1 are squared, they get smaller. them, start from the LAST choice and
work back to the first.

V DS Inscribed Angle, Minor Arc V DS Area of a Trapezoid
Inscribed angle = 35 degrees (sum of bases)(height)
2
Minor arc = 70 degrees
Radius
Minor arc = 2 x (inscribed angle)

V DS Interest Problem V DS Set Problem
Ex •  Each of 25 people is enrolled in history,

Ex •  If $10,000 is invested at 10% annual math, or both. If 20 are enrolled in history
interest, compounded semi-annually, and 18 are enrolled in math, how many are
what is the balance after 1 year? enrolled in both?
History Math
10,000 + (10,000)(0.05) = 10,500
⇒  10,500 + (10,500)(0.05) = $11,025
20 – n n 18-n
OR
(20 – n) + n + (18 – n) = 25 => n = 13

V DS Evenly Divisible Problem V DS Mixture Problem
•  To determine the number of integers Ex •  How many liters of a solution that is

less than 5000 that are evenly divisible 15% salt must be added to 5 liters of a
by 15: solution that is 8% salt so that the
resulting mixture is 10% salt?
•  Divide 4999 by 15 => 333 integers
0.15n + 0.08(5) = 0.1(n + 5)
15n + 40 = 10n + 50
5n = 10 => n = 2 liters

V DS Rules of Exponents V DS Prime Number
•  A prime number is a positive integer

that has exactly two different positive
divisors: 1 and itself.
•  1 is not prime.
•  2 is both the smallest prime and the
only even prime.
V DS Always Try to Factor! V DS Intersecting Sets
|A union B| = |A| + |B| – |A intersect B|
V DS Standard Deviation of n Numbers V DS Consecutive Integers
1.  Find arithmetic mean. •  Even: 2n, 2n + 2, 2n + 4

2.  Find differences between mean and •  Odd: 2n + 1, 2n + 3, 2n + 5
each of the n numbers.
3.  Square each of the differences.
4.  Find average of squared differences.
5.  Take non-negative square root of this
average.

V DS Properties of 0 V DS Use FOIL Method with
Quadratics with Roots
•  Zero is an even integer.
•  Zero is neither positive nor negative.
•  Zero is a multiple of every number.
•  Zero is a factor of no number.
V DS Percent Increase vs. V DS Geometry: Similar Triangle

Percent of Areas
•  The ratio of the areas of two similar triangles is
•  Be careful about percent increase vs. the square of the ratio of corresponding
percent of. lengths.
•  Each side of triangle DEF is 2 times the length
of corresponding triangle ABC
•  Triangle DEF must have 22, or 4, times the
area of triangle ABC.
D
A 8
4 4
2
B C E F
V DS Geometry: Triangles V DS Gross vs. Net
•  Exterior angle d is equal to the sum of •  Gross is the total amount before any
the two remote interior angles a and b. deductions are made.
•  Net is the amount after deductions are
a made.
d=a+b
b c d

V DS Useful Percentages to Know V DS Averages
•  1/8 = 12.5% •  Think of averages as balancing.

•  1/6 = 16.6% •  The average of 3, 4, 5, and x is 5.
Ex
What is x?
•  5/6 = 83.3%
3 is 2 less than 5
4 is 1 less than 5
5 is the average.
x=5+3=8
V DS Odd and Even V DS Simplify Base
• Odd + Odd = Even • Odd x Odd = Odd Always try to simplify the base.
• Even + Even = Even • Even x Even = Even •  If
• Odd + Even = Odd • Odd x Even = Even •  then
Any multiplication involving an even

number creates an even product.
V DS Powers and Roots V DS Percentage
•  To multiply one radical by another, •  To make a percentage, multiply by

multiply or divide the numbers outside 100%:
the radical signs, then the numbers
inside the radical signs.
•  To drop a percent, divide by 100%:

V DS Divisors V DS Group Problems Involving
Either/Or
•  You can find all the divisors of a •  Some GMAT word problems involve
number by finding all the prime factors. groups with distinct “either/or”
categories (male/female, blue collar/
white collar, etc.). The key is to
organize the information into a grid.
Doctors Dentists Total
Male 55 27 82
Female 39 9 48
Total 48 36 130
V DS Factor Out and Simplify V DS Volume of a Sphere
Immediately try factoring/simplifying

when possible.
Is an integer?
=>
=>
V DS Sum of Angles in a Regular V DS Multiple Event Probability

Polygon
•  Sum of interior angles in a polygon with 2 things to do:
n sides =180(n – 2)
•  Find the total number of possible
outcomes.
•  Find the number of desired outcomes.
•  Write them out if necessary.

V DS Group Problems Involving V DS Added, Deleted
Both/Neither
•  Number added: (new sum) – (original sum)
•  MIXED GROUP FORMULA:
•  Number deleted: (original sum) – (new sum)
Group1 + Group2 + Neither – Both = Total
The average of 5 numbers is 2. After
Ex one number is deleted, the new
average is –3. What number was
deleted?
Original sum: 5 x 2 = 10
New sum: 4 x (-3) = – 12
Number deleted = 10 – (– 12) = 22
V DS Balancing Method for Mixtures/ V DS Compound Interest

Dilutions
•  (percent/price difference between •  Usually you don’t need to calculate
weaker solution and desired solution) x compound interest. Try finding simple
(amount of weaker solution) = (percent/ interest and looking for the answer that
price difference between the stronger is a little bit larger.
solution and desired solution) x
(amount of stronger solution)
V DS Balancing Method for Mixtures/ V DS Average Rate

Dilutions – Example
Ex •  How many liters of a solution that is •  Average A per B = (Total A)/(Total B)
10% alcohol by volume must be added
•  Average Speed = (Total Distance)
to 2 liters of a solution that is 50%
alcohol by volume to create a solution (Total Time)
that is 15% alcohol by volume?
•  n(15 – 10) = 2(50 – 15)
•  5x = 2(35) => n = 70/5 => 14 liters of
10% solution must be added.

V DS A Common Digits Problem V DS Factorial of Zero
•  0! = 1
+ BA => 47 or 83
AB + 74 + 38
CDC 121 121
V DS Compound Interest V DS Count Consecutive Numbers
•  (final balance) = (principal) x (1 + (interest)/

C)^[(time)(C)]
•  Number of integers from A to B
inclusive = B – A + 1
•  C = the number of times compounded annually
•  How many consecutive integers are
Ex there from 73 through 419, inclusive?
Ex •  If $10,000 is invested at 8% annual interest,
compounded semiannually, what is the balance
after 1 year? 419 – 73 + 1 = 347
•  Final balance = (10,000)(1 + (0.08)/2)^[(1)(2)]
= 10,000 x (1.04)^2
= $10,816
V DS Simple Interest V DS Sum of Consecutive Numbers
•  Simple interest = (principal)(interest rate)(time) •  Sum = (average)(number of terms)
Ex
decimal years
•  If $12,000 is invested at 6% simple annual

interest, how much interest is earned after 9
months?
($12,000)(0.06)(9/12) = $540

V DS Average of Consecutive V DS Prime Numbers
Numbers
•  The average of a set of evenly spaced •  1 is not a prime number.
consecutive numbers is the average of
•  The first eight prime numbers are:
the smallest and largest numbers in the
set. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19
Ex •  What is the average of all integers from

13 to 77?
(13 + 77)/2 = 90/2 = 45
V DS Percent V DS Factors
Ex•  15 is 3/5 percent of what number? •  Factors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18

3/5 percent = 3/500 •  Factors of 6: 1, 2, 3, 6
15 = (3/500) x whole
whole = 2500
V DS Work Problems V DS Guessing
•  Consider work done in one hour.

•  If you have to guess in a problem
•  Inverse of the time it takes everyone solving question, go with (D) or (E).
working together = Sum of the inverses
•  Especially with problems that force you
of the times it would take each person to use or plug in the answer choices
working individually.
Ex •  You have worker A and worker B doing
a job:
1 1 1
+ =
A B T

V DS Simple Compounding V DS Quadratics
•  A = P(1 + r) n •  (x + y)2 = x2 + 2xy + y2

•  (x – y) 2 = x2 – 2xy + y2
A = amount accumulated •  (x + y)(x – y) = x2 – y2
P = principal •  When you see an equation in factored
form in a question, immediately
r = annual rate of interest
UNFACTOR it; vice versa.
n = number of years
V DS Slope V DS Insufficient
•  y = mx + b •  Half the time statements (A) and (B)

are both insufficient.
m = slope = (difference in y coordinates)
(difference in x coordinates)
V DS Triangles V DS Approximations
30-60-90 45-45-90 3-4-5

•  Square root of 2 = 1.4
2x 5
x x(sq.rt.2)
x
3 •  Square root of 3 = 1.7
x(sq.rt 3) 4
x
5-12-13 9-12-15
13 12 15 12
5 9
V DS Solving a System of Equations V DS Strategy
Rule
•  To solve a system of n variables, you 1.  Focus on the question stem—thinking
need n distinct linear equations. about the information needed to answer
the question.
•  Ex. What is the value of y?
2.  Look at each stem separately.
Given: x + y = 1
Ex 3.  If neither statements was sufficient
=> insufficient without
alone, look at both statements in
another distinct equation
combination.
4.  Half of the DS answers on the GMAT
come down to step 3.
V DS Rephrase V DS Hard Questions
•  A good data sufficiency strategy is to •  Skip statements that you do not

rephrase the information in a question: understand.
z + z < z? •  Eliminate as much as possible.
Ex
=> z < 0?
V DS What is Being Asked? V DS Strategy
In Data Sufficiency questions, you are •  Immediately write out the DS problem
usually being asked 1 of 3 things: type (value, range, yes/no) on your
scratch paper before you begin a DS
1.  A specific value.
problem.
2.  A range of numbers
3.  Yes/No

V DS First DS Questions V DS Common Trap
•  Calculate out the first DS questions to •  Do NOT use the information in one
make sure they are correct. It is statement as an assumption in the
important to start out the section strong. second statement.
•  Statements are not necessarily related.
•  View separately!
V DS Hard Questions V DS Equations
•  For a system with n variables:

•  On harder DS questions, answer choices
tend to be more sufficient than they might •  If you have as many distinct linear
appear. equations as you have variables, you can
answer ANY question about the system.
•  DON’T CHOOSE (E) if you have to guess.
•  If you are only asked to solve for part of the
•  Pick between (A) or (C), if you can system, you don’t necessarily need all n
eliminate (B). equations.
•  Historically, (A) is slightly more common •  If you are asked to solve for a relationship
as the right answer. instead of the value of variables, you don’t
necessarily need all n equations.
V DS Yes/No V DS Looking at Both Statements

Together
•  About 1/3 of DS questions are YES/NO •  Only about half the time do you have to
questions. look at both statements in combination.

V DS Sufficiency in YES/NO V DS
Questions
•  On YES/NO DS questions, if a
statement answers the question
conclusively in the affirmative or in the
negative, then IT IS SUFFICIENT.
V DS Strategy V DS
• AD or BCE
If you can determine that choice (A) is
correct in your DS question, then you
know that the ultimate answer must be
either (A) or (D).
•  If you can determine that choice (A) is not
correct in your DS question, then you
know that the ultimate answer must be
(B), (C), or (E).
V DS END OF QUANTITATIVE V DS
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During my GMAT preparation, I made close to 300

flashcards to help me stay fresh on the strategies and

These flashcards are a free resource for everyone. They

Also note that these flashcards have been reviewed and

All the best in your GMAT prep,

V Verbal Section Q Quantitative Section

SC Sentence Correction DS Data Sufficiency

Get 10% to 25% off when using these discount codes

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Agree with another person. • in that is usually a better choice than

Agree to something inanimate.

Ex “I agree to your proposal.”

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Pronoun Errors V SC Misplaced Modifiers

Pronoun reference error INCORRECT: “Coming out of the

V SC Parallel Construction V SC Tense

• A sentence that begins in one tense

• Agree with another person. • Ambiguous pronoun reference

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Ambiguous Gerundial Clauses V SC Ambiguous Gerundial Clauses

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Parallel Construction V SC Verb Tense

V SC Quantity Words and Idioms V SC Correct Sentences

V SC 3-Step Method V SC Subject-Verb Agreement

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Gerunds V SC Verb Tense – 3 Tips

V SC Similar Items V SC Like Things

• Similar elements with the same • Compare like things only.

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

• like = “similar to” • Use like for comparing nouns.

Ex “Her graceful comportment made her • Use as for comparing actions.

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Idioms involving as V SC None/No one

Memorize: • None should be singular, even when,

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Passive vs. Active Verb Tense V SC Idiom

• Avoid passive verb tenses! These • Agree that

• Distinguish between X and Y. • Likely to be

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Idiom: same to, as to V SC Greater than/More than

• Same to X as to Y. • Greater than is appropriate when

• More than should be used when

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Idiom: rates for V SC Subordination, Coordination

• When rates refer to the “price charged,” • Coordination

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC One of the… V SC Consider

• Deciding that • Just as…so

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Idiom: not so much, as V SC Strategy

• Not so much…as • When the entire sentence is underlined

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

V SC Ellipsis V SC Idiom: Forbid vs. Prohibit

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

The following are always plural pronouns • Less = “not as much”

© Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com © Beat The GMAT | http://www.beatthegmat.com

Agree with another person. •  in that is usually a better choice than

•  A sentence that begins in one tense

•  Agree with another person. •  Ambiguous pronoun reference

•  Similar elements with the same •  Compare like things only.

•  like = “similar to” •  Use like for comparing nouns.

Ex “Her graceful comportment made her •  Use as for comparing actions.

Memorize: •  None should be singular, even when,

•  Avoid passive verb tenses! These •  Agree that

•  Distinguish between X and Y. •  Likely to be

•  Same to X as to Y. •  Greater than is appropriate when

•  More than should be used when

•  When rates refer to the “price charged,” •  Coordination

•  Deciding that •  Just as…so

•  Not so much…as •  When the entire sentence is underlined

The following are always plural pronouns •  Less = “not as much”

•  Like – used to express similarity,

•  Whether is correct when you’re •  A number requires a plural verb.

•  To include + list is usually incorrect, •  Just as…so too

•  Target to •  Not X, but rather Y

•  Always be suspicious of the •  Between…and

•  Watch out for comparison of actions /

•  During + defined TIME PERIOD is •  With fractions, percentages, and

•  Thinking words such as theory, •  Credit A with B: give responsibility for

•  Might is the past tense of may. •  A number of always takes plural

•  Having + past participle is used to •  QUANTIFIER + of + NOUN + VERB

•  Whenever you narrow candidate •  NOUN + TO BE verb + NOUN/ADJECTIVE

•  Concerned for = “worried, anxious” •  Whether is nearly always a better

•  Compare to compares UNLIKE things,

•  The best meaning for due to is

•  Use rather than to express a •  Use not / but to join linguistically

•  Use So + ADJECTIVE + as to + VERB •  When in doubt, choose the most

•  Targeted at – CORRECT •  In a list situation, and should always

•  Place modifiers as close as possible to

•  Whether is correct when a sentence

•  In “supply your own conclusion” •  An assumption is merely an unstated

•  Ask whether there might be an •  Ask yourself, “What must be true to

•  Are the two situations analogous? •  Strengthen/Weaken questions are the

•  Are the statistics representative? •  Most people see 11 CR questions on

1.  Understand structure of argument 4.  Judge argument’s persuasiveness

•  Consider the evidence, draw a 1.  Preview question stem.