How to Successfully Answer a GMAT Sample Sentence Correction Question

The GMAT is the first and only standardized admissions test designed specifically for graduate business and management programs. Though in recent years most business schools accept the GRE exam, taking the GMAT can set you apart from other applicants. The GMAT measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills, the two most relevant skills to the world’s top graduate business programs. You can learn more about the GMAT exam here. 

In the video below, we put some of that critical thinking to the test as we tackle a Sample Sentence Correction question, one like you’d find in the Verbal section of the GMAT.

Begin by Setting Up Your Scratch Pad:

• • Write the Question number
  • List a, b, c, d, e to represent answer choices, X them out as you eliminate each
  • Draw a line next to the question number to write the error once you identify it

Utilize Obvious & Easy 2/3 Answer Choice Splits

Look for similarities/differences in the answers. In this example, 2 of the answer choices begin with the word “indicate” and the other 3 begin with “indicates.” Spotting this “split” in the answers helps us determine whether to use the singular or plural verb.

Read Carefully to Find the Intended Subject

Identify the subject in the non-underlined portion of the sentence, this will help you determine if your answer will be in singular or plural form, ensuring subject-verb agreement. Once you determine this, you can eliminate any answer choices by placing an x next to those which are subject verb errors (in the incorrect form).

Going back to your scratch pad – write out the error you have identified. You always want to evaluate the category of error, not just specific, individual errors. In this case, its subject/verb agreement (singular vs. plural).

Go back and read the sentence inserting whichever answer you believe to be correct. Remember, we always want to use the non-underlined portion of the sentence as the answer key to match to the underlined option.

About the Author

Stefan Maisnier is the Director of Online instruction as well as an expert online GMAT tutor.