A Two-Step Approach to Sentence Correction on the GMAT
When it comes to sentence correction on the GMAT, there are many myths and misconceptions that
can get in the way of identifying the correct answer. However, by employing a simple two-step
approach, you can improve your skills and quickly eliminate incorrect answer choices.
Step 1: Look for Definite Errors
While there are many grammar concepts that are tested on the GMAT, there are certain ones that
are favored by the test makers and appear frequently. Look for key words, such as "like" or "they,"
that can signal the need for a specific concept to be applied. Additionally, be on the lookout for
parallelism errors, verb tense inconsistencies, and vocabulary that may not fit the context of the
sentence.
Step 2: Be Analytical and Systematic
Avoid relying solely on what "sounds right" in the sentence. This can be a disadvantage for native
speakers who may have internalized incorrect grammar rules. Instead, be systematic in your
approach and rely on your understanding of grammar concepts. Don't worry too much about
grammar jargon and be sure to focus on meaning in addition to correct grammar usage.
Quick Eliminations and Deeper Thinking
By quickly eliminating definite errors and being systematic in your approach, you can increase your
chances of identifying the correct answer quickly. However, don't be afraid to think more deeply
about the meaning of the sentence in addition to grammar usage once you have narrowed down
your answer choices.
A Two-Step Approach to Sentence Correction on the GMAT
When it comes to sentence correction on the GMAT, there are many myths and misconceptions that
can get in the way of identifying the correct answer. However, by employing a simple two-step
approach, you can improve your skills and quickly eliminate incorrect answer choices.
Step 1: Look for Definite Errors
While there are many grammar concepts that are tested on the GMAT, there are certain ones that are
favored by the test makers and appear frequently. Look for key words, such as "like" or "they," that can
signal the need for a specific concept to be applied. Additionally, be on the lookout for parallelism
errors, verb tense inconsistencies, and vocabulary that may not fit the context of the sentence.
Step 2: Be Analytical and Systematic
Avoid relying solely on what "sounds right" in the sentence. This can be a disadvantage for native
speakers who may have internalized incorrect grammar rules. Instead, be systematic in your approach
and rely on your understanding of grammar concepts. Don't worry too much about grammar jargon and
be sure to focus on meaning in addition to correct grammar usage.
Quick Eliminations and Deeper Thinking
By quickly eliminating definite errors and being systematic in your approach, you can increase your
chances of identifying the correct answer quickly. However, don't be afraid to think more deeply about
the meaning of the sentence in addition to grammar usage once you have narrowed down your answer
choices.
When it comes to learning grammar for the GMAT or EA, it's not necessary to approach it in a technical
way with jargon and specific terminology. Our approach is nontechnical, but if it helps you to think of
things in terms of grammar terminology, go for it.
There's no need to worry about inventing rules for sentence correction. Instead, focus on the meaning
and literal sense of the sentence.
, Here are two questions to practice these concepts:
1. Is there anything that jumps off the page at you in the following sentence?
Scientists observed large concentrations of heavy metal deposits in the upper 20
centimeters of Baltic Sea sediments which are consistent with the growth of
industrial activity there.
2. Which of the following sentence choices is illogical given the meaning of the original sentence
in question 1?
where sediment deposits for the Baltic Sea are consistent with the growth of
industrial activity there
whose sediment deposits are consistent with the growth of industrial activity in the
Baltic Sea
that sediment deposits in the Baltic Sea are consistent with the growth of industrial
activity there
that sediment deposits for the Baltic Sea is consistent with the growth of industrial
activity there
All of the above are logical.
When approaching question 1, the author suggests focusing on the literal sense of the sentence first. If
there are still answer choices left after applying this step, then compare the remaining choices and
think deeply about their meaning to determine which ones are illogical. For question 2, the author
eliminates answer choices with different modifiers and uses the literal meaning of the sentence to find
the correct answer.
Remember, there's no need to worry about technical grammar terminology, but focus on the meaning
and literal sense of the sentence when correcting sentence errors on the GMAT or EA.
Findings consistent with growth of industrial activity were discovered in heavy metal deposits in the
upper 20 centimeters of Baltic Sea sediments. The sea itself is not the cause of this growth, but rather
the industrial activity. To better understand the meaning of the sentence and find a different
interpretation for it, we can find findings consistent with the same sediment deposits from the sea. A
new word for "sides" could also be found, and a new definition for the word "siding" can be created.
When it comes to subject verb agreement, it is important to use good, clean technique and to
eliminate unnecessary words or phrases. The most effective thing to say is that the first trenches have
yielded evidence, rather than saying that the trenches have been cut. The most important thing to
keep in mind is that central administered complex societies were arising simultaneously with more
celebrated city states.
Findings consistent with industrial growth discovered in heavy metal deposits in upper 20
cm of Baltic Sea sediments
Baltic Sea itself is not the cause of growth but rather industrial activity
Sentences can be rephrased to eliminate unnecessary words or phrases and improve
subject verb agreement
Important to remember that central administered complex societies were arising
simultaneously with more celebrated city states
GMAT Sentence Correction Tips
Dana offers valuable GMAT sentence correction tips that can help you tackle the questions more
efficiently. Below are the key takeaways:
When it comes to sentence correction on the GMAT, there are many myths and misconceptions that
can get in the way of identifying the correct answer. However, by employing a simple two-step
approach, you can improve your skills and quickly eliminate incorrect answer choices.
Step 1: Look for Definite Errors
While there are many grammar concepts that are tested on the GMAT, there are certain ones that
are favored by the test makers and appear frequently. Look for key words, such as "like" or "they,"
that can signal the need for a specific concept to be applied. Additionally, be on the lookout for
parallelism errors, verb tense inconsistencies, and vocabulary that may not fit the context of the
sentence.
Step 2: Be Analytical and Systematic
Avoid relying solely on what "sounds right" in the sentence. This can be a disadvantage for native
speakers who may have internalized incorrect grammar rules. Instead, be systematic in your
approach and rely on your understanding of grammar concepts. Don't worry too much about
grammar jargon and be sure to focus on meaning in addition to correct grammar usage.
Quick Eliminations and Deeper Thinking
By quickly eliminating definite errors and being systematic in your approach, you can increase your
chances of identifying the correct answer quickly. However, don't be afraid to think more deeply
about the meaning of the sentence in addition to grammar usage once you have narrowed down
your answer choices.
A Two-Step Approach to Sentence Correction on the GMAT
When it comes to sentence correction on the GMAT, there are many myths and misconceptions that
can get in the way of identifying the correct answer. However, by employing a simple two-step
approach, you can improve your skills and quickly eliminate incorrect answer choices.
Step 1: Look for Definite Errors
While there are many grammar concepts that are tested on the GMAT, there are certain ones that are
favored by the test makers and appear frequently. Look for key words, such as "like" or "they," that can
signal the need for a specific concept to be applied. Additionally, be on the lookout for parallelism
errors, verb tense inconsistencies, and vocabulary that may not fit the context of the sentence.
Step 2: Be Analytical and Systematic
Avoid relying solely on what "sounds right" in the sentence. This can be a disadvantage for native
speakers who may have internalized incorrect grammar rules. Instead, be systematic in your approach
and rely on your understanding of grammar concepts. Don't worry too much about grammar jargon and
be sure to focus on meaning in addition to correct grammar usage.
Quick Eliminations and Deeper Thinking
By quickly eliminating definite errors and being systematic in your approach, you can increase your
chances of identifying the correct answer quickly. However, don't be afraid to think more deeply about
the meaning of the sentence in addition to grammar usage once you have narrowed down your answer
choices.
When it comes to learning grammar for the GMAT or EA, it's not necessary to approach it in a technical
way with jargon and specific terminology. Our approach is nontechnical, but if it helps you to think of
things in terms of grammar terminology, go for it.
There's no need to worry about inventing rules for sentence correction. Instead, focus on the meaning
and literal sense of the sentence.
, Here are two questions to practice these concepts:
1. Is there anything that jumps off the page at you in the following sentence?
Scientists observed large concentrations of heavy metal deposits in the upper 20
centimeters of Baltic Sea sediments which are consistent with the growth of
industrial activity there.
2. Which of the following sentence choices is illogical given the meaning of the original sentence
in question 1?
where sediment deposits for the Baltic Sea are consistent with the growth of
industrial activity there
whose sediment deposits are consistent with the growth of industrial activity in the
Baltic Sea
that sediment deposits in the Baltic Sea are consistent with the growth of industrial
activity there
that sediment deposits for the Baltic Sea is consistent with the growth of industrial
activity there
All of the above are logical.
When approaching question 1, the author suggests focusing on the literal sense of the sentence first. If
there are still answer choices left after applying this step, then compare the remaining choices and
think deeply about their meaning to determine which ones are illogical. For question 2, the author
eliminates answer choices with different modifiers and uses the literal meaning of the sentence to find
the correct answer.
Remember, there's no need to worry about technical grammar terminology, but focus on the meaning
and literal sense of the sentence when correcting sentence errors on the GMAT or EA.
Findings consistent with growth of industrial activity were discovered in heavy metal deposits in the
upper 20 centimeters of Baltic Sea sediments. The sea itself is not the cause of this growth, but rather
the industrial activity. To better understand the meaning of the sentence and find a different
interpretation for it, we can find findings consistent with the same sediment deposits from the sea. A
new word for "sides" could also be found, and a new definition for the word "siding" can be created.
When it comes to subject verb agreement, it is important to use good, clean technique and to
eliminate unnecessary words or phrases. The most effective thing to say is that the first trenches have
yielded evidence, rather than saying that the trenches have been cut. The most important thing to
keep in mind is that central administered complex societies were arising simultaneously with more
celebrated city states.
Findings consistent with industrial growth discovered in heavy metal deposits in upper 20
cm of Baltic Sea sediments
Baltic Sea itself is not the cause of growth but rather industrial activity
Sentences can be rephrased to eliminate unnecessary words or phrases and improve
subject verb agreement
Important to remember that central administered complex societies were arising
simultaneously with more celebrated city states
GMAT Sentence Correction Tips
Dana offers valuable GMAT sentence correction tips that can help you tackle the questions more
efficiently. Below are the key takeaways:
