Tips to tackle the GMAT DI Section

Tips to Tackle the DI Section of GMAT

The Data Insights (DI) section in the GMAT is unique, combining Quant and Verbal skills with a focus on data analysis. With 20 questions in 45 minutes, you need a smart strategy to ace this section. Here’s a simple guide to help you.

What is different in DI?

Let’s first see what is different in the DI section when compared to the other sections(Quant and Verbal) of GMAT. 

  1. You have an on-screen calculator in the DI section of the GMAT. It is not available in the Quant section, and of course, it is not included in the Verbal section since you won't need it there.

  1. There are five different question types, and at least one of each type will be tested. In contrast, the Verbal section of the GMAT includes two question types, while the Quant section has only one.

  2. Most of the questions in the DI section will have multiple parts and you must answer all parts of a single question correctly to receive credit. There will be no partial credit awarded. Whereas in Quant and Verbal section of GMAT, there are no multiple parts in a question.

What is tested in DI?

Questions will be of two kinds 

  1. Math - Related - Questions could test math concepts like Percentages, Ratios, Statistics, Modern Math, Word Problems etc.

  2. Non- Math Related - Questions rely solely on pure logic, with no math involved or test you on Critical Reasoning(similar to the one in Verbal section). For example, Puzzle Passages, Seating Arrangement, Ranking, Flow-Charts, Inference or Assumption based questions etc.

Question Types

The DI section has five question types:

There are 5 Question types tested in the Data Insights (DI) section. At least one question of each type will be tested in this section:

1) Data Sufficiency Questions (DS) : These questions present a mathematical or a logical problem with two separate statements. Your task is to determine whether the information given in the statements, either separately or together, is sufficient to solve the problem. 20% - 40% of the DI questions will be from this question type.

2) Graphics Interpretation Questions (GI): These questions require you to interpret and analyze information presented in a graph or other visual display, such as a scatter plot, bar graph, or pie chart. 10% - 25% of the DI questions will be from this question type.

3) Table Analysis Questions (TA): These questions involve analyzing and extracting relevant information from tables. You will be asked to evaluate statements based on the information provided in the table. 10% - 15% of the DI questions will be from this question type.

4) Two-Part Analysis Questions (TPA): These questions present a problem with two related parts. Your goal is to find the correct answer for each part.,  20% - 30% of the questions will be from this question type.

5) Multi-Source Reasoning Questions (MSR): These questions require you to integrate information from multiple sources(tabs), such as text passages, charts, or tables, to answer complex problems. 15% - 30% of the questions will be from this question type.

Understanding the different question types in the Data Insights section is essential for effective preparation.

Keeping that in mind, in the next section, let's look at each question type in greater detail.

Detailed look at the Question Types:

Let’s first focus on the Data Sufficiency (DS) and Two-Part Analysis (TPA), which form 40-60% of the DI section.

1. Data Sufficiency (DS)

There are three parts in a DS question. All parts will be presented at once in the order shown below.

• Question Stem (Optional) and Actual Question(Default).

• 2 Statements(Default)

• 5 Answer choices(Default).

Structure of DS:

Common Topics Tested in DS:

  • Quant: All the Quants Concepts could be tested. More frequently word Problems on Percentages, Algebra, Ratios, Sets and Statistics etc.

  • Verbal: Critical reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Puzzle Passages.

Approach and Strategy to Solve DS questions:

  • Use the AD/BCE strategy: Evaluate statement 1 first. If it’s sufficient, eliminate B, C, and E. If not, move to BCE.

Tips to solve DS:

  • Evaluate! Don’t Solve -  Focus on whether the given information (statements) is sufficient to answer the question. Many students make the mistake of trying to prove the statements or solve the question completely. Instead, evaluate sufficiency efficiently. 

  • Time Limit for DS - DS questions usually involve less data compared to other DI question types like MSR, TA, or GI. Allocate less time to DS questions to save valuable time for data-heavy questions, particularly MSR. Efficient time management ensures you handle the section effectively.

  • Understand Fundamentals: Build a strong foundation in quantitative reasoning concepts.

  • Practice Logical Deduction: Use logical shortcuts and partial information to assess sufficiency, avoiding exhaustive calculations.

  • Adopt a Methodical Approach: Familiarize yourself with standard DS answer choices to streamline decision-making.

By adopting these tips, insights and strategies, you can excel in Data Sufficiency questions.

Let's now have a look at TPA Questions.

2. Two-Part Analysis (TPA)

In the Two-Part Analysis (TPA) Question Type, you'll have three parts in the following order. 

  • Question Stem: Provides the main information and sets up the problem you need to solve.

  • Actual Question: Explains what needs to be done in the two columns below, which contain specific components of the question.

  • Answer Table: A table with three columns offering 5 to 6 choices for each column. You must select one option from each of the two columns to answer the question correctly. You need to get both right to get a credit.

Structure of TPA:

Source of the question: mba.com

Common Topics for TPA:

  • Quant: All the Quants Concepts could be tested. More frequently Word Problems on Percentages, functions and Sequences, Algebra, Ratios, Sets and Statistics etc.

  • Verbal: Critical reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Puzzle Passages.

Approach and Strategy to Solve TPA questions: Most TPA questions link the two columns, so solving one part often helps answer the other. So, Use the LCA strategy:

  • Look: Analyze the information provided in the question stem.

  • Connect: Identify the relationship between the two parts(columns).

  • Answer: Apply techniques like back-solving or plugging in values for Quant TPAs and carefully read the prompt for Verbal TPAs.

Tips to solve TPA:

  • Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: Combine numerical calculations with reasoning to solve problems.

  • Decision Making: Simulate real-world scenarios requiring consideration of multiple factors.

  • Critical Thinking: Analyze problems logically from different angles to identify core issues.

  • Precision and Accuracy: Ensure correctness in both parts, as errors in one part can affect the other.

Having a clear understanding of the TPA question structure and using the above mentioned tips and strategies you can crack this question type.

Let’s take a look at the next question type - Graphical Interpretation.

3. Graphical Interpretation (GI)

There will be three parts in a GI question. All parts will be presented at once in the order shown below.

  • Graph - Visual Data.

  • Text - Details about the Graphs in the text format.

  • Actual Question: Either one question statement with two blanks or two question statements with one blank each. Each blank will have a dropdown with minimum 2 to max 6 answer choices. You need to get both statements right to get a credit.

Structure of GI:

Source of the question: mba.com

Types of Graphs:

You will have two types of graphs, 

  1. Qualitative Graphs - Non numerical Data. 

  • Flow chart

  • Network Diagram

  • Tree Diagram

  • Map(of a place)

  • Hierarchy Diagram

  • Venn Diagram

  1. Quantitative Graphs - Numerical Data.

  • Bar Graphs ( Grouped, Stacked)

  • Line Graphs

  • Scatter Plots ( Bubble Graphs)

  • Pie-charts

  • Histogram

  • Normal Distribution Graphs

Tips to solve GI:

  • Understand Graph Types: Learn to read and interpret various different graphs which are tested in GMAT, each designed to present data uniquely.

  • Practice Estimation: Focus on trends and approximations instead of exact values to save time.

  • Identify Key Details: Start by noting the graph's units, labels, and time frames to pinpoint relevant data.

  • Spot Trends: Look for patterns, trends, or anomalies before tackling questions. These insights often simplify answers.

  • Use Elimination: Narrow down options by quickly ruling out inconsistent answers in drop-down choices.

By following the above mentioned tips and strategies you can perform well in this question type.

Let’s now take a look at the TA question type!

4. Table Analysis (TA)

The Table Analysis question type is similar(by presentation) to the Reading Comprehension question type in the verbal section of the GMAT.

  • Split Screen Layout: The screen is divided vertically(or horizontally): the left side(or top side) displays a data table, while the right side(or bottom side) presents a question with three statements requiring Yes/No or True/False answers.

  • Interactive Features: The table on the left(or top) has sorting options for each column to help organize and analyze the data efficiently.

  • Answering Criteria: To earn credit for the question, all three statements must be answered correctly. Partial correctness doesn't count.

This format tests your ability to quickly interpret, analyze, and draw accurate conclusions from complex data.

Structure of TA:

Source of the question: mba.com

Approach to solve TA question type:

The ACE Method

The TA question type tests your ability to interpret and analyze numerical data presented in tables.  So, Use the ACE strategy:

  1. Assess: Review the table to understand the data type in each row and column. Distinguish between absolute quantities and percentages.

  2. Categorize: Use the sorting feature strategically based on column labels to simplify the question.

  3. Estimate: Rely on estimation and ball-parking to find answers quickly instead of performing detailed calculations.

Tips to Solve TA:

  • Data Layout Familiarity: Understand how rows and columns are structured to locate relevant information quickly.

  • Sorting and Filtering: Use sorting (ascending/descending) and filtering to focus only on necessary data.

  • Compare and Contrast: Identify trends, variations, and comparisons across categories or time periods.

  • Critical Decision-Making: Focus on relevant data points while ignoring irrelevant details.

  • Speed with Accuracy: Hone your ability to analyze data accurately under time constraints.

Following the ACE strategy and tips ensures efficiency and precision when tackling TA questions.

Let’s take a look at our final question type in DI section - MSR!

5. Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR)

The Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) section tests your ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources. 

  1. Split Screen Layout: The data is presented in two or three tabs on the left-hand side(or top) of the screen, and you can only view one tab at a time. 

  2. Actual Question: The right-hand side(or bottom) displays questions related to the data.

  3. Question format:

    1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Choose the correct answer from five options.

    2. Bi-Polar Questions: Assess three statements with Yes/No or True/False responses, requiring all three to be correct for credit.

  4. Number of questions: Each MSR dataset includes three questions, and in some exams may feature two datasets, totaling six questions.

Structure of MSR:

Source of the question: mba.com

Approach to Solve MSR:

By understanding the structure and following a strategic approach, you can efficiently navigate MSR questions, showcasing your ability to handle real-world decision-making scenarios.

Follow the MAP Strategy:

  1. Mark: Create a quick summary of the key information in each tab. Note data, locations and interconnections between tabs.

  2. Assess: Use your summary to identify the relevant tabs needed to answer the question.

  3. Prove: Cross-check your answers with data from the tabs to ensure precision.

Tips to excel in MSR Question type:

  • Critical Thinking: Evaluate arguments and identify relationships between data points.

  • Analyse: Break down complex information to derive meaningful insights.

  • Blend: Combine data from multiple tabs to form a cohesive understanding.

  • Application: Use integrated insights to answer questions accurately.

With this, we've covered the discussion on all the distinct question types tested in the GMAT DI section.

Time Management

You have about 2 minutes 15 seconds per question, but some, like MSR, may take longer. Save time on quicker questions like Data Sufficiency (DS) and allocate time wisely. Divide the 45-minute section into three mini-tests:

Mini-Tests Breakdown

  1. Mini Test I:

    • Solve 7 questions.

    • Countdown timer: 45 to 30 minutes.

  2. Mini Test II:

    • Solve 7 questions.

    • Countdown timer: 30 to 15 minutes.

  3. Mini Test III:

    • Solve the remaining 6 questions.

    • Countdown timer: 15 minutes.

    • Reserve 1-2 minutes for review.

Note:

  • Avoid spending excessive time on MSR questions initially.

  • Use the bookmarking option to mark answers and revisit them later if needed. Remember you can bookmark and change answers upto 3 questions.

  • Aim to save time on quicker questions(DS) to handle more time-intensive ones(MSR) efficiently.

Summarizing the Key Points for DI prep:

Keep the following points in mind while preparing for the DI section.

  1. Master Quant and Verbal Basics: Strengthen your fundamentals first, as DI questions build on these skills.

  2. Practice Quick Data Reading: Learn to spot trends and key points in graphs and tables quickly.

  3. Develop Logical Thinking: Many DI questions test your ability to analyze and synthesize information logically.

  4. Time Your Practice: Simulate test conditions to improve pacing.

Final Thoughts!

The DI section is an opportunity to showcase your analytical skills. With strategic preparation and effective time management, you can excel in this section. 

The GMAT Data Insights section may seem challenging, but with a clear strategy and consistent practice, you can excel. Familiarize yourself with question types, sharpen analytical skills, and prioritize time management. Avoid over-reliance on calculators and address weaker areas proactively.

Stay committed and follow a structured study plan. If you need guidance, our expert advisors are ready to provide personalized tips to keep you on track. Every step you take brings you closer to your GMAT goals. 

I trust you find this article beneficial as you prepare for the GMAT. 

Best of luck in your preparations!

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