Question

The (better, best) you prepare for the GMAT, the (higher, highest) your score will be.

Short answer

The correct sentence is: 'The better you prepare for the GMAT, the higher your score will be.'

Step-by-step solution

Identify the first comparison

Looking at the first part of the sentence: 'The (better, best) you prepare for the GMAT,' we are comparing different levels of preparation for the GMAT by a single person. Therefore, we notice that this is a comparative scenario and the correct word to use is 'better'.

Identify the second comparison

Looking at the second part of the sentence: 'the (higher, highest) your score will be,' we are again comparing different possible outcomes for a single person's GMAT score. This is also a comparative case, so the correct adjective to use is 'higher'.

Key concepts

Understanding Comparative Adjectives

In the English language, comparative adjectives are used to compare differences between the quantity or quality of two elements. This could involve comparing two people, objects, or even different levels of someone's ability or success. Comparative adjectives often end in "-er" for shorter words, like "faster," or use "more" for longer words, as in "more efficient."

For the GMAT, understanding how to correctly use comparative adjectives is crucial. You might encounter them in sentence correction tasks where choosing the right word can change the meaning of the sentence.

• Example: In the sentence from our exercise, "better" describes a higher degree of preparation level for the GMAT compared to other potential levels.
• Understanding and using comparative adjectives correctly helps remove confusion and ensures your statements are accurate.

Mastering Comparison Skills

When preparing for the GMAT, developing strong comparison skills is essential. These skills allow you to evaluate the difference between options or conditions effectively. With a good handle on comparison skills, you can better articulate your thoughts and arguments in both the verbal section and writing tasks of the GMAT.

Here are some key points to remember and improve your comparison skills:

• Always ensure the items you are comparing are logically related. For example, you can't compare the performance of one student to the effort of another.
• Avoid redundant comparisons. Saying "more larger" is incorrect because "larger" is already in its comparative form.
• Practice identifying comparative scenarios in various contexts to gain a better understanding of this concept as it applies to real GMAT questions.

Effective Test-Taking Strategies

Adopting effective test-taking strategies can make a significant difference in your GMAT performance. Not only do these strategies help you manage your time efficiently, but they also ensure you approach each question type with confidence and clarity.

Here are some test-taking strategies to consider:

• Understand the Question Structure: Learn how different types of questions are structured on the GMAT. This will enable quicker comprehension during the test.
• Eliminate Wrong Answers: Develop a strategy to quickly rule out incorrect answer choices to boost your chances of selecting the right one. This is especially helpful in verbal sections where choices can be quite similar.
• Time Management: Practice pacing yourself. Allocate a specific amount of time to each section or question to ensure you can complete the test within the given timeframe without rushing.
• Practice with Realistic Tests: Use practice tests that mirror the actual GMAT in format and difficulty. This helps build familiarity and reduces exam-day anxiety.

By incorporating these strategies into your GMAT preparation, you enhance your ability to perform efficiently and effectively on test day.