Concept Mapping Technique for GMAT Verbal Foundation

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used by graduate business schools to assess the quantitative and verbal skills of applicants. The Verbal section of the GMAT tests several key areas, including Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Correction.

Concept mapping is a powerful technique that can help you improve your performance on the GMAT Verbal section. This technique involves creating a visual representation of the relationships between different concepts. By ng so, you can better understand the structure of a text and identify the key points being presented.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Guide: Concepts, Mapping Technique, Practice Passages, GMAT Foundation Course & Verbal E-Books

by Arun Jagannathan

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Understanding Concept Mapping

Concept mapping is a graphical tool that allows you to visually organize and connect ideas, concepts, or pieces of information. It is often used in brainstorming, note-taking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

To create a concept map, you start by identifying the main concept or topic. Then, you draw a circle or box around this concept and write it inside. From the main concept, you draw lines or arrows to connect it to other related concepts, which you also represent in circles or boxes. You can continue to add more concepts and connections, creating a visual network of information.

Benefits of Concept Mapping for GMAT Verbal

Concept mapping can provide several benefits for students preparing for the GMAT Verbal section, including:

• Improved comprehension: By creating a visual representation of the text, concept mapping can help you better understand the relationships between different ideas and arguments. This can be especially helpful for complex or unfamiliar topics.
• Enhanced memory: Visual aids, like concept maps, can help you retain information more effectively than simply reading text. By creating a concept map for each passage you read, you can better remember the key points and the connections between them.
• Stronger critical thinking skills: Concept mapping requires you to actively engage with the text and think critically about the relationships between different concepts. This can help you develop stronger critical thinking skills, which are essential for success on the GMAT Verbal section.
• Improved answer accuracy: By identifying the key concepts and their relationships, concept mapping can help you better answer GMAT Verbal questions. For example, in Critical Reasoning, you can use a concept map to identify the assumptions and flaws in an argument.

How to Use Concept Mapping for GMAT Verbal

To use concept mapping for GMAT Verbal, follow these steps:

1. Read the passage: Before you create a concept map, carefully read the passage to understand its main points and the relationships between different ideas.
2. Identify the main concept: Once you have a good understanding of the passage, identify the main concept or topic. This is usually the most important or central idea in the passage.
3. Create a concept map: Draw a circle or box around the main concept and write it inside. Then, draw lines or arrows to connect it to other related concepts. Continue adding concepts and connections until you have a visual representation of the entire passage.
4. Review and reflect: Once you have created a concept map, take some time to review it and reflect on the relationships between different concepts. This can help you identify any gaps in your understanding or any additional questions you may have.

Here is an example of a concept map for a GMAT Reading Comprehension passage:

This concept map shows the main arguments and evidence presented in the passage. By creating a visual representation of the passage, you can better remember the key points and the relationships between them.

Practice Passages

To practice using concept mapping for GMAT Verbal, here are two sample passages with corresponding concept maps:

Passage 1

The concept of free will has been debated by philosophers for centuries. Some philosophers argue that we have free will, meaning that we have the ability to make choices and are responsible for our actions. Others argue that we do not have free will, and that our actions are determined by factors outside of our control, such as our genes or our environment.

Concept Map for Passage 1

Passage 2

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly widespread. AI is already being used in a variety of applications, such as self-driving cars, medical diagnosis, and financial trading. As AI becomes more powerful, it is likely to have a significant impact on our lives. Some experts believe that AI will lead to a utopian future, while others fear that it could lead to a dystopian future.

Concept Map for Passage 2

Concept mapping is a valuable technique that can help you improve your performance on the GMAT Verbal section. By creating visual representations of the passages you read, you can better understand the relationships between different concepts and identify the key points being presented. This can lead to improved comprehension, enhanced memory, stronger critical thinking skills, and improved answer accuracy.

To practice using concept mapping for GMAT Verbal, I encourage you to try the practice passages provided above. You can also find additional practice passages and resources online.

By consistently using concept mapping, you can develop a deeper understanding of the GMAT Verbal section and improve your chances of success on test day.