In the new structure, an Integrated Reasoning (IR) Section will replace the “Analysis of an Issue” component.Tomorrow the Next Generation GMAT will roll out. It must be noted that the change in GMAT structure is minor as compared to the extensive changes made in the revamped GRE test.
In the new structure, an Integrated Reasoning (IR) Section (not computer adaptive) for 30 minutes will replace the “Analysis of an Issue” component. In January 2012, GMAT takers sat for the IR Research section in the test to help develop it. By April 2012, the IR score scale and the 13th Edition of Official Guide for GMAT Review have been published and online training on how to interpret IR scores has begun. Like the AWA score, the IR score will not count towards the Total Score but it will be a new data point for B-schools to differentiate among candidates for management programmes.
As regards the importance of the new IR (Integrated Reasoning) section, in today's world of business, it is very unlikely that data appears to a manager in only a verbal format or only a quantitative format. It is extremely important that one is able to understand and evaluate multiple sources and types of information—graphic, numeric, and verbal—as they relate to one another; use quantitative and verbal reasoning to solve complex problems etc. That is what the IR section precisely aims to evaluate.
The IR section differs from the Quantitative and Verbal sections in two ways. First, It involves both quantitative and verbal reasoning and second, questions are answered using four different response formats rather than only the traditional multiple-choice. So earlier, while attempting reading comprehension questions on the GMAT, one rarely thought of the application of numbers or quant. Similarly, while attempting problem solving or data sufficiency questions, one rarely had to criticize or evaluate an argument or case let in the verbal sense.
Discipline
That will all change with this new section. One will have to wear two hats at the same time – applying your verbal and quantitative skills simultaneously to solve questions. To make a long story short, the IR section is not going to have just hard data as in Data Interpretation but the overall data presented will be much closer to real life information.
It should be noted that the IR section will not be offered separately and students who want an IR score must retake the test. In times to come, the Integrated Reasoning Section will gain immensely in importance and a good score in the IR section will send a strong signal about one's managerial abilities to B-schools and will work in one's favour.
Preparing for the GMAT calls for great determination, patience and discipline in sticking to your strategy. But coaching helps in strategy building and reinforcing concepts. To begin with, acquainting oneself with the new types of questions by referring to the free IR samples given by GMAC (http://www.gmac.com/) would help. It should be noted that while the format of the questions has changed (the new IR section), the basic quantitative and verbal skills tested have remained the same.
So preparing well for the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT will help you in applying the concepts to the new formats or question types asked in the IR section. Also since GMAT is an international test, active reading of books written by foreign authors and newspapers like The Hindu , magazines like The Economist , browsing through www.aldaily.com and foreign newspapers like The Guardian or The New York Times will help one prepare (as an International student taking the test) for all sections including the AWA (Analysis of an Argument).
Also the three parts of preparation (Knowledge Acquisition & Concept Building stage; Application of concepts in section test stage and MOCK Tests Taking Stage) are given due importance in a formal training environment and will definitely help you prepare better for the adaptive nature of the test.
Guidelines
A few guidelines while taking the test. The GMAT is an adaptive test and is quite different from the traditional linear tests. You should have the mental make-up of thousands of athletes who are getting ready for the Olympics. You would've surely heard of the statement “We need to peak at the right time.” As you go ahead in answering questions, do not spend even a second thinking about the past or wondering how you're doing. Let the test engine judge your performance. You focus on your job, which is answering the question in front of you correctly and swiftly. Taking the GMAT is a bit like batting in cricket. If you keep worrying about the last ball, you are unlikely to play the next ball well. Use the allotted testing time wisely, read all test directions carefully, confirm your answer only when you are certain that you want to move on to the next question. Let the clock guide you, not dictate to you and have a “Never Say Die” attitude throughout the test.
Source: The Hindu
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