GMAT Focus Test Structure and Format

GMAT Focus Test is the standardized test taken by students who wish to enroll in business schools and other managerial courses. The exam is computer-adaptive and computer-based making it reliable for the student population and the admission officers in choosing the candidates for their schools by considering the GMAT scores. It is conducted in a multiple-choice format and has a structure that has not wavered over the past years making it easier for students to prepare for the same.

The exam is based on a syllabus that is based on basic mathematics including algebra, geometry, and data analysis along with some basics in language proficiency. It focuses on understanding the skills students have in critical thinking, and problem-solving, and also in analyzing data that is presented to them over time.

Test Sections of GMAT

GMAT Focus test is comprised of different sections which are all distinct in nature and deal with different skill sets that students are required to have if they wish to enroll in business schools. The sections are-

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Data Insights

These three sections have different numbers of questions, even considered Each of these sections has the same time allotment and score range.

Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section of the examination deals with the proficiency the candidate has in the English language. This section also deals with how candidates can analyze and understand arguments from passages while at the same time critiquing the said passages. The section is mostly in the form of reading comprehension, but it also includes questions based on basic grammar to evaluate the level of knowledge the candidate has in the language.

Question Types for Verbal Reasoning

This section contains questions in three different formats which will let them critically reason with the arguments provided, and general reading comprehension-related questions. There will be 23 questions in all in the section. The question types are as follows-

• Critically Reasoning
• Reading Comprehension

Quantitative Reasoning Section

This section deals with the basic mathematical abilities the student has. This section's questions are Problem-Solving in nature and call for a general understanding of word problems, basic algebra, and arithmetic concepts. This section is considered to be one of the toughest sections in GMAT and requires constant practice to clear.

Question Types for Quantitative Reasoning

There is one question type in the Quantitative Reasoning section which deals with the logic and analytical reasoning method to solve quantitative problems. Candidates will have to either choose the right option available in the options or might even have to go along with the closest possible answer in order to crack this part of the examination. There will be 21 questions in all in the section.

The question type is as follows-

• Problem Solving

Data Insights

Data Insights uses Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question types with the updated GMAT Exam - Focus Edition test design to measure a newly calibrated digital and data literacy dimension. In the modern world, these are the most in-demand skills. This section is intended to determine whether the test-taker is capable of analyzing data and applying it to businesses. There is an on-screen calculator available just for this section.

Question Types of Data Insights

The data sufficiency questions in this section assess a person's aptitude for quantitative problem analysis and information interpretation. There are also multi-source reasoning questions in this section. There are questions about text passages, tables, and graphs in it. Data from these sources must be examined by the candidate. Candidates are also tested on table analysis by having them sort and examine a data table. In a similar vein, the candidate must also be able to analyze graphic data. The exam will consist of two sections, each requiring test takers to solve challenging verbal, combination, and/or quantitative problems. There will be 21 questions in all in the section.

The question types are as follows-

• Data sufficiency
• Tables
• Multi-source Reasoning
• Graphs
• Two-parts Analysis

Scoring in These Section

The GMAT Focus test has a total score range of 205-805. The three sections have a total standard error of measurement of 30â€"40 points, with each section ranging from 60â€"90. Each section's unique standard error of measurement is three points.

With the older version of GMAT, candidates were not able to review their scores, before sending their results to the schools. However, since the release of the GMAT Focus edition, students can now examine their score reports before sending them to the schools.

Time Duration for the Examination

The new GMAT Focus Edition exam format has three sections, each lasting 45 minutes, unlike the current GMAT format. The time taken to complete the entire GMAT exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes along with an additional 10 minutes break.

Change in the Test Format

The following table highlights how the new GMAT Focus Edition test format differs from its predecessor:

Basis	Current GMAT	GMAT Focus Edition
Total Time Limit	3 hours 7 minutes	2 hours 15 minutes
Time Limit per section	Quantitative Reasoning-62 minutes Verbal Reasoning-65 minutes Integrated Reasoning-30 minutes Analytical Writing-30 minutes	Quantitative Reasoning-45 minutes Verbal Reasoning-45 minutes Data Insights-45 minutes
Total Number of Questions	80 Questions	64 Questions
Number of Questions per Section	Quantitative Reasoning-31 Questions Verbal Reasoning-36 Questions Integrated Reasoning-12 Questions Analytical Writing-1 Question	Quantitative Reasoning-21 Questions Verbal Reasoning-23 Questions Data Insights-20 Questions
Total Score Range	200-800	205-805
Score Range per section	Quantitative Reasoning-6-51 Verbal Reasoning-6-51 Integrated Reasoning-1-8 Analytical Writing-0-6	Quantitative Reasoning-260-90 Verbal Reasoning-60-90s Data Insights-60-90
Order of Sections	Students are required to select a specific order for the sections	No such restriction

Adaptive Testing in GMAT

The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections of the GMAT exam and GMAT Focus Edition are computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the test tailors itself in real-time to the candidate's ability level.

In both the Verbal and Quantitative sections, the first set of questions given to candidates will be of a medium difficulty level. The computer scores each question they answer and uses that score, along with their answers to any previous questions, to determine the set of questions to ask them next. The computer will typically present students with a more difficult question if they correctly answer the initial questions. If they answer the initial questions incorrectly, they will be presented with simpler questions. Using this method, the computer will have a precise evaluation of their proficiency in that subject.

The candidate may change up to three answers per section and bookmark and review an unlimited number of questions.