Now GMAT to test reasoning as well

The new 30-minute reasoning question section will include 12 to 15 questions in four new formats—multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation and two-part analysis, according to the graduate management admission council (GMAC), owner of the GMAT.

In multi-source reasoning section, the questions would be accompanied by two to three sources of information presented on tabbed pages. Test takers will have to click on the tabs and examine all the relevant information, which may be a combination of text, charts and tables, to answer questions.

In table analysis section, test takers will be presented with a sortable table of information, similar to a spreadsheet, which has to be analysed to find whether answer statements are accurate.

Test takers will be asked to interpret a graph or graphical image and select the option from a drop-down list to make response statements accurate in the graphics interpretation.

A question will involve two components for a solution in two-part analysis section. Possible answers will be given in a table format with a column for each component and rows with possible options. Test takers will be asked to consider the options provided.

According to GMAC, these formats will make their debut in the “Next Generation GMAT exam”, launching in June 2012.

As the Integrated Reasoning section is added, the GMAT analytical writing section will be streamlined from two 30-minute essays to one. The total length of the exam will remain 3 hours, 30 minutes, or approximately four hours with breaks.

Like the analytical writing assessment, the integrated reasoning section will be scored separately and will not factor into the total GMAT score, the council said.