Which sections are most challenging in GMAT previous year papers?

Question

Prateeksha Manral · Accepted Answer

The most challenging in GMAT many test-takers find in the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections.
1. Quantitative Reasoning: This section assesses your mathematical skills, focusing on problem-solving and data sufficiency. Even though the math concepts are at a high school level, the questions are designed to test your analytical thinking and ability to apply these concepts in complex scenarios.
The absence of a calculator adds to the difficulty, requiring quick mental calculations and efficient problem-solving strategies. 
2. Verbal Reasoning: This part evaluates your ability to understand and analyze written material, as well as your proficiency in standard written English. It includes reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
The complexity of the passages and the subtlety of the questions can make this section demanding, especially for non-native English speakers.
Additionally, the Integrated Reasoning section, which tests your ability to evaluate data presented in multiple formats, can be challenging due to its multi-step problems and the need to synthesize information from various sources. 
The Analytical Writing Assessment requires you to critique an argument in a 30-minute essay. While some may find this section less challenging, it still demands clear and logical writing under time constraints. 
Overall, the GMAT's design to assess critical thinking, analytical skills, and time management makes it a challenging exam.However, with dedicated preparation and practice, especially by going through GMAT Previous Year papers, you can develop the skills needed to excel in each section.

Pushkar S · Answer

The most challenging sections in GMAT previous year papers usually depend on your strengths and weaknesses, but there are a few that many test-takers find tricky:
The Quantitative Reasoning section often stands out. It's not just about solving math problems; it's about understanding how to approach them logically and quickly. Data Sufficiency questions can be particularly tough because they test how well you can evaluate information, not just calculate answers.
In the Verbal Reasoning section, Critical Reasoning questions can be challenging. These questions require you to analyze arguments and spot assumptions, which can be confusing if you're not used to thinking in that way.
The Integrated Reasoning section can also be tricky because it combines skills from Quantitative, Verbal, and data interpretation. Since this section is unique to the GMAT, it might take time to get comfortable with the multi-source reasoning questions.
The key to overcoming these challenges is practice. Review past papers, focus on time management, and work on building strategies for the question types you struggle with. Over time, those "challenging" sections will start to feel more manageable.

Nitin Chauhan · Answer

When tackling GMAT previous year papers, certain sections consistently prove more challenging for test-takers due to their complexity and the skills they demand. Here's a breakdown of the toughest sections and why they can be tricky:
1. Quantitative Reasoning (Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency)

Data Sufficiency: This section is particularly challenging because it tests logical reasoning more than straightforward calculations. Students often struggle to determine whether the given data is sufficient to answer the question, which requires a combination of conceptual clarity and quick decision-making.
Problem Solving: Time management is key here, as questions can involve multi-step problem-solving and require strong foundational knowledge in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.

2. Verbal Reasoning (Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Correction)

Critical Reasoning: Many test-takers find this section tough because it requires analyzing arguments, identifying assumptions, and drawing logical conclusions&mdash;all within limited time.
Reading Comprehension: Dense passages with complex language and abstract topics can slow down even proficient readers. The key challenge is answering questions without rereading the passage repeatedly.
Sentence Correction: This demands a deep understanding of grammar rules and sentence structure. Identifying subtle errors in seemingly correct sentences often trips up test-takers.

3. Integrated Reasoning
This section combines skills from quantitative and verbal reasoning, requiring you to interpret data from multiple formats like graphs, charts, and tables. The integration of skills makes it complex, especially under time constraints.
4. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
While this section isn't as challenging for native English speakers, many struggle with structuring their essays effectively and providing well-supported arguments within the 30-minute timeframe.
By mastering these sections with targeted GMAT Previous Year Question Papers, you&rsquo;ll significantly boost your performance on the GMAT.

Yash Mothia · Answer

The GMAT can feel tricky, and the difficulty level often depends on your strengths and weaknesses. However, based on previous years&rsquo; papers and student experiences, a few sections stand out as the most challenging:
1. GMAT Quantitative SectionThe Quant section challenges many test-takers, especially those without a strong math background. It&rsquo;s not about solving complicated equations but testing your ability to think logically under time pressure.

Problem-Solving Questions: These questions require clear logic and fast calculations, which can be tough when under the clock. Topics like algebra, arithmetic, and geometry dominate here.
Data Sufficiency: This is unique to GMAT. You&rsquo;re not solving the question entirely; instead, you must determine whether the given data is sufficient to answer it. Students often find this tricky because it requires logical reasoning rather than pure math.

Why It&rsquo;s Hard: It&rsquo;s easy to misinterpret what the question is asking or second-guess the &ldquo;sufficiency&rdquo; part. Small mistakes in calculations can cost you time and points.
 2. Verbal Section &ndash; Sentence CorrectionFor non-native English speakers, the Sentence Correction part can be a major hurdle. It tests grammar rules, sentence structure, and concise expression.

You need to identify errors related to subject-verb agreement, parallelism, modifiers, and idiomatic expressions.
The challenge is not just recognizing errors but picking the best, most precise answer under time constraints.

Why It&rsquo;s Hard: GMAT sentences are long and wordy. Many students struggle to spot subtle errors or get confused by tricky answer choices.
 3. Integrated Reasoning (IR)Integrated Reasoning is newer but still difficult. It combines quantitative and verbal reasoning. You must analyze multiple data types, like graphs, tables, and texts, to answer questions.

Multi-Source Reasoning: Requires analyzing information from multiple formats.
Two-Part Analysis: Tests your ability to evaluate two outcomes simultaneously.

Why It&rsquo;s Hard: Managing multiple types of data within a single question can be overwhelming, especially when you need to track time carefully.
 4. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)This section requires you to write an argument analysis essay. While not always the hardest technically, it can be time-consuming for those who don&rsquo;t practice often.

It tests your ability to assess an argument, identify flaws, and provide clear reasoning.

Why It&rsquo;s Hard: Structuring your essay logically under 30 minutes is challenging, especially if you struggle with writing concisely.
The Quantitative section and Sentence Correction in Verbal are generally the most challenging for most test-takers. Time management and understanding GMAT-specific question styles (like Data Sufficiency) are key.

A.D Singh · Answer

The most challenging sections in GMAT previous year papers often depend on the individual's strengths, but certain areas are commonly tricky for many test-takers.
The Quantitative section can be tough, especially Data Sufficiency questions. These require not just solving problems but determining if the information provided is enough to solve them. Many students struggle with this format because it&rsquo;s different from standard math questions.
The Verbal section, particularly Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction, is another challenge. Critical Reasoning demands strong logical thinking to evaluate arguments, while Sentence Correction tests grammar rules and sentence structure, which non-native English speakers might find tricky.
The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section also trips up test-takers. It involves interpreting complex data from graphs, tables, and text. The multi-source reasoning questions in IR are time-consuming, which adds to the pressure.
Lastly, the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), while only one essay, challenges those less confident in structuring logical, persuasive arguments within a strict time limit.
In past papers, time management across sections often amplifies the difficulty. Many students find they can solve questions individually but struggle to complete them within the given time. Practicing timed mock tests and reviewing solutions carefully can help tackle these challenges effectively.