Verbal Part

I found that in the real test, the difficulty of verbal section is almost the same as that in usual practice.Normally, my accuracy is 80% or higher.But to finish 41 problems within 75 min is really tricky to me.I rushed out the last 7 problems within 3 min.Although I failed to make a decent score,I still hope my experience would be helpful.

My advice:

1.Sentence correction: The first important thing is to identify the type of that problem. You should be familiar with the signals which help you identify problem type, namely,comparison,parellel structure,idiom,and so forth.For instance, "than","like","compared" is signals of comparison. Besides, usually two errors or more exist in the sentence. But when one error is found, the right answer can be chosen by removing those wrong. Attempting to locate other errors is rather time-consuming.

2.Critical reasoning: Read the question first and identify which category the problem belongs to. Then simplify the problem.Separate and outline its background,premise and conclusion.And then start your brainstormin,which should never take you longer than 30 sec;after that,I suggest you to stop thinking right away and scan the answers.

note:In the real test,I encountered a new type problem which requires takers to identify the of a certain part of the description.

3.Reading comprehension: As it is known, the bottom line is to read the structure.I think there're two reasons to do so.First,almost each passage has a problem concerning the main idea.Second,in many cases, what you are required to do is to locate an answer in the passage rather than to creat one.

Finally, I think,to boost your verbal percentile,practice is extremly significant,because to finish each problem within 2 min is a highly tough job,especially for takers like me whose native language is other than English.If you're a 700 pursuer,and your practice quant percentile is beyond 95%, I estimate a 70% on verbal can realize your 700 dream.

Quantitative Part

Don't expect the real test to be as easy as those practice materials to cope with.I feel it's rather difficult and it took me 73 min to finish this part,much longer than my usual time,40 min.

My steps to do each problem:

1.Scan the whole problem quickly,get the rough idea what it is all about,identify the type of the problem.
2.Express the problem in a simple and clear way on the scratch paper.
3.Read the question carefully.
4.Scan the answers.Sometimes it's easy to remove wrong answers and locate the right one.
5.Calculate and analyse.
6.Read the question again.
7.Check your answer by doing the problem with another solution,or appling your answer to the question.

Where are the traps:

1.Traps are always set in the question.So,focus on it.
2.Pay attention to equations.Answers to data sufficiency problem could provide you equations which seemingly work but actually don't have any roots.

Other tricks:

1.Keep your pace.Limit your time to 1.5 min for each simple problem to leave ample time for the tough ones which normally take 2 min or longer.And those difficult problems are dispersed.
2.Think twice,but no more.
3.Don't expect that you can handle every problem.Leave it when necessary.
(My score:51 Percentile:97%)

AWA

I think my advice is more helpful for non-American test takers whose command of written English is comparatively low.

My advice:

1.Get familiar with topics.ETS has publicized all topics of GMAT AWA.Previously there were 178 topics(89 for issue and 89 for argument)for test makers to draw at random,but much more are added recently.I think practising topics,especially collecting convincing examples and analogiesas,is very important and useful.

2.Build a clear structure.Making your work easier for ETS to review benefits your score.

3.In the test,if you find difficulty in creating sound examples,leave it the last thing.Complete other parts first,namely,introduction, reasons, and conclusion.

4.Establishing a collection of various useful words and expressions.I found this method is especially useful for argument writing.Expressions like "compelling", "convincing","sound and persuasive","substantiate","demonstrably weak","problematic" and so forth not only save your precious time but also impress the reviewer with your good command of synonym.

5.Creat your own model by refering to a great many of sample articles.Don't follow any models suggested by reference book,creat a unique one.

Any question, please contact: oscarzhou8@163.net   or visit: http://sites.netscape.net/cannon888/homepage