GMAT Syllabus 2023 – Topics and Questions on Verbal, Quant, AWA, and IR

The GMAT syllabus describes the topics that are tested on the GMAT and what types of questions are used to test those topics. It comprises four sections with multiple subsections, each containing distinct subject matter.

Exam Structure Overview

The maximum GMAT score is 800, calculated solely from Quantitative and Verbal sections. Scores increment in 10-point intervals, ranging from 200 to 800.

GMAT Verbal Syllabus

Topics include: Pronoun, Subject-Verb Agreement, Modifiers, Inference, Assumptions, Bold Face, Verb Tenses, Evaluate, Idioms, Parallelism, Adjectives, Active voice, Passive voice, Comparison, Strengthen and weaken, Paradox, and Descriptive Statistics.

Sentence Correction

This section tests your ability to identify errors in written English and to revise sentences. Candidates select the option that best expresses the author's intent and is clear, exact, and free of errors.

Critical Reasoning

The Critical Reasoning section evaluates your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments. Three question types include:

1. Identifying argument flaws
2. Explaining reasoning patterns
3. Drawing logical conclusions from provided information

Reading Comprehension

Passages range from 350-400 words. Common question types include:

• Style and tone questions: Determine passage tone (critical, hopeful, factual, etc.)
• Main Idea: Select options reflecting overall passage context
• Supporting detail: Focus on specific passage details
• Assumption/inference: Identify implied concepts requiring critical thinking
• Coherent logical structure: Explain passage organization and author's approach

GMAT Quantitative Syllabus

Topics encompass: Fractions, Decimals, Number Properties, Percentage, Power and Roots, Average, Probability, Set Theory, Multiples and Factors, Ratio and proportion, Mixtures, Pipes, cisterns, and work time, Speed, time, distance, Simple and Compounded Interest, Functions, Exponents, Triangle, Lines and angles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Rectangular solids and cylinders, Quadratic equations, Inequalities, and Coordinate geometry.

Problem Solving

These questions present mathematical problems requiring solution by applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Approximately half of quantitative questions follow this format.

Subtopics include:

• Value Order and Factors
• Algebra, Equalities, and Inequalities
• Rates, Ratios, and Percentages
• Statistics, Sets, Counting, Probability, and Series
• Geometry

Data Sufficiency

When answering a Data Sufficiency question, you'll be tested on your ability to assess a quantitative problem, identify the necessary data, and determine when you have collected enough information.

Answer options:

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The AWA measures your ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas effectively in written form. It consists of a single essay task analyzing arguments.

The section scores on a 0-6 scale in half-point increments, evaluated by human graders and automated systems.

Two essay types:

Argument Essay: Candidates analyze provided argument logic, identifying assumptions. The objective assessment shouldn't make any assumptions that aren't true.

Issue Essay: Approximately 600-word maximum analyses. Writers may support or oppose the issue but must take a stance and stick to it.

GMAT Integrated Reasoning

This section tests your ability to analyze and interpret data from multiple sources and to solve problems using that data. Twelve multiple-choice questions must be completed within 30 minutes.

Four question types:

1. Graphic Interpretation: Charts, graphs, visual format information
2. Table Analysis: Data in tables or spreadsheets
3. Two-Part Analysis: Two related problems using identical data
4. Multi-Source Reasoning: Multiple-source data analysis for problem-solving

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GMAT exam?

The GMAT measures analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative skills, as well as your ability to think critically and solve problems for MBA and business-related graduate program admissions.

What is tested on the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section?

The section evaluates your ability to understand and analyze written material, as well as your ability to communicate effectively in written English, covering reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

What is tested on the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section?

This section assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze data, as well as your ability to solve problems using mathematical concepts and techniques.