GMAT Sample Questions: Data Insights Section

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. What is the Data Insights Section of the GMAT Focus Edition?
3. Data Sufficiency Questions
4. Table Analysis Questions
5. Graphics Interpretation Questions
6. Multi-Source Reasoning Questions
7. Two-Part Analysis Questions
8. From Integrated Reasoning to Data Insights
9. Tips for Acing the GMAT Data Insights Section
10. Conclusion

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The GMAT Focus Edition has a new section called Data Insights (DI), and it’s a game-changer for MBA aspirants. In this updated GMAT format (launched in 2023), the DI section carries significant weight – it accounts for roughly one-third of your total GMAT score​. This means performing well in Data Insights is just as important as acing the Quant and Verbal sections. But what exactly is the Data Insights section, and why is it so important?

In simple terms, Data Insights is an evolved version of the Integrated Reasoning section from the older GMAT. It tests your ability to analyze data, interpret information from various sources, and make reasoned decisions – all skills that are crucial in real-world business scenarios and MBA classrooms. The section is 45 minutes long and contains 20 questions​. Don’t be fooled by the relatively small number of questions – these are not your typical multiple-choice quant or verbal questions. 

Data Insights questions require you to work through charts, tables, multi-source datasets, and complex problem setups. An on-screen calculator is provided (just like in the old Integrated Reasoning section) to help with calculations on relevant problems. You’ll need to manage your time carefully and cannot return to previous questions once answered​, so staying calm and methodical is key.

In this blog, we’ll introduce the different GMAT Data Insights question types with clear GMAT sample questions (example problems) for each. We’ll walk through detailed solutions and strategies to tackle them. We’ll also discuss how Data Insights evolved from the Integrated Reasoning GMAT section and how it tests real-world business skills. Finally, we’ll share practical tips for approaching GMAT DI questions, managing your time (especially during a GMAT practice test), and highlight some Crackverbal resources – including GMAT sample papers, GMAT practice questions, practice tests, and even GRE prep equivalents – to help you prepare effectively.

Let’s understand the world of GMAT Data Insights (GMAT DI) and see what to expect!

What is the Data Insights Section of the GMAT Focus Edition?

The Data Insights (DI) section is a 45-minute section comprising 20 questions that combine quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. It replaces and expands upon the old Integrated Reasoning section. In Data Insights, you’ll encounter five types of question formats:

• Data Sufficiency – Classic GMAT questions where you decide if given statements provide enough data to answer a question.
• Table Analysis – Questions based on a sortable table of information, usually requiring TRUE/FALSE or YES/NO judgments on statements.

• Graphics Interpretation – Questions involving a chart or graph, where you complete sentences by selecting the correct options from drop-down menus.

• Multi-Source Reasoning – Sets of questions using multiple sources (e.g. passages, emails, tables) that you must synthesize to find answers.

• Two-Part Analysis – Complex problems with two sub-questions; you provide two answers (one for each part), often from a provided set of options.

Each of these question types is designed to assess how well you can derive data insights from given information – hence the name of the section. You can expect a mix of these in the section (Data Sufficiency and Graphics Interpretation tend to have a higher share of the questions, but all five types will appear)​. Some prompts might include multiple questions on the same data (for example, a Multi-Source set could have 2-3 questions on the given info). Importantly, once you answer a question, you cannot go back to it, so you must be confident in your choice before moving on​.

Why is this section so important? Apart from being a substantial part of your GMAT score, the Data Insights section tests skills that mirror real-world business scenarios. You might be asked to analyze a sales chart, interpret financial tables, evaluate statements based on business data, or determine what information is sufficient to make a decision – tasks you’ll encounter in MBA programs and corporate environments. Business schools want students who can not only crunch numbers but also draw meaningful conclusions from data. The DI section is your chance to demonstrate this ability.

Now, let’s explore each question type in the GMAT Data Insights section. For each type, we’ll look at an example question (GMAT example questions similar to what you might see on the exam) and discuss how to solve it. These GMAT sample questions will give you a feel for the format and difficulty, and we’ll provide step-by-step solutions and strategies.

Data Sufficiency Questions

Data Sufficiency (DS) questions present a problem along with two statements of data. Your task is not to find the exact answer to the problem, but to decide whether the information given is sufficient to answer the question. This question type has been a staple of GMAT Quantitative sections and now appears in the Data Insights section as well. Each Data Sufficiency question uses the same five answer choices:

• (A) Statement 1 alone is sufficient, but Statement 2 alone is not sufficient.
• (B) Statement 2 alone is sufficient, but Statement 1 alone is not sufficient.
• (C) Both statements together are sufficient, but neither alone is sufficient.
• (D) Each statement alone is sufficient.
• (E) Even both statements together are not sufficient.

These answer choices are always in the same order, so memorize them to save time during the exam. DS problems come in two flavors: Value questions (where the goal is to find a specific value) and Yes/No questions (where the goal is to answer a yes/no condition). In either case, you determine sufficiency by analyzing the statements logically, often without doing complex calculations.

Example (Data Sufficiency):
Question: Is the integer nnn even?
Statement 1: nnn is divisible by 4.
Statement 2: n+3n + 3n+3 is an odd integer.

Solution and Strategy: To answer a yes/no Data Sufficiency question, consider each statement independently first, then together if needed:

• Statement 1: If nnn is divisible by 4, then nnn is definitely even (since any multiple of 4 is even). This means Statement 1 alone does guarantee a “Yes” answer to the question “Is nnn even?”. So Statement 1 is sufficient on its own.
• Statement 2: If n+3n + 3n+3 is odd, what does that tell us about nnn? An odd number minus 3 would be even (because odd – odd = even). Formally, n+3n + 3n+3 odd implies nnn is odd-3, which is even. Another way: Assume n+3=2k+1n + 3 = 2k+1n+3=2k+1 for some integer kkk (odd form), then n=2k+1−3=2k−2=2(k−1)n = 2k+1 – 3 = 2k – 2 = 2(k-1)n=2k+1−3=2k−2=2(k−1), which is an even number. Thus, Statement 2 also guarantees a “Yes” – nnn is even. So, Statement 2 alone is sufficient as well.

Since each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question, the correct answer is (D) (each statement alone is sufficient).

Strategy Takeaway: For DS questions, focus on what information is needed rather than trying to fully solve the problem. In the example above, we didn’t need to find the value of nnn; we only needed to know if it’s even. By testing each statement, we quickly saw that each one provided a definitive answer. When practicing, always follow a consistent approach:

1. Examine Statement 1 independently: Does it alone answer the question definitively yes or no (or give a specific value, in value problems)? If yes, mark it sufficient; if no or ambiguous, mark it not sufficient.
2. Examine Statement 2 independently: Do the same analysis with Statement 2 alone, without assuming Statement 1.
3. If neither is sufficient alone, combine the statements: Consider both statements together to see if the puzzle can be solved with both pieces of information.

Remember that Data Sufficiency often involves edge cases or hidden constraints. Think about extremes (e.g., zero, negatives, small numbers) or different scenarios to test sufficiency. The goal is to develop an analytical mindset – these GMAT DI questions train you to decide when you have enough data to make a decision, a critical skill in business analysis. Practice plenty of GMAT Data Insights questions of this type, and review explanations to understand the logic behind sufficiency.

Table Analysis Questions

What is Table Analysis? 

Table Analysis questions provide a data table – much like a spreadsheet, full of information. You typically can sort the table by different columns (just as you would in Excel) to help analyze the data. The question will then present several statements, and for each statement, you must determine if it is true or false (or yes/no) based on the table. In the Integrated Reasoning and Data Insights format, these appear as multiple dichotomous-choice parts under one prompt – essentially a few sub-questions all referring to the same table of data​. You might see a prompt like: “For each of the following statements, select Yes if the statement is true based solely on the information in the table; otherwise select No.” The challenge is to interpret the table correctly, often by sorting columns or identifying trends, and then evaluate each statement quickly.

Example (Table Analysis): Below is a table showing the annual sales of four products in 2020 and 2021, along with the percent change in sales from 2020 to 2021:

Based on this table, determine whether each of the following statements is true (Yes) or false (No):

1. Statement 1: Product C had the largest percentage drop in sales from 2020 to 2021.
2. Statement 2: Product D’s sales in 2021 were higher than Product B’s sales in 2020.
3. Statement 3: Only one product showed a decrease in sales from 2020 to 2021.

Solution and Strategy: Let’s evaluate each statement using the table data:

• Statement 1: Product C’s per cent change is –20%, which is a 20% decrease. Is this the largest percentage drop? Looking at the % change column, Product C is the only product with a negative change (a drop). The others all had increases (+10% or +20%). So yes – Product C not only had a drop, it had the only drop, which by default is the largest drop. Statement 1 is true (Yes).
• Statement 2: Product D’s 2021 sales = $55k. Product B’s 2020 sales = $80k. Is $55k higher than $80k? No, it’s lower. So Statement 2 is false (No).
• Statement 3: How many products decreased in sales? By looking at the sales numbers from 2020 to 2021, we see Product C went from $150k to $120k (a decrease), while A, B, and D all increased. That means exactly one product (C) showed a decrease. Statement 3 is true (Yes).

So the answers would be: Statement 1 – Yes; Statement 2 – No; Statement 3 – Yes. In an actual GMAT Data Insights question, you would indicate these answers, and all parts must be correct to get credit for the question (there’s no partial credit for getting one out of three statements right).

Strategy Takeaway: For Table Analysis questions, a systematic approach helps: 

• Scan the table structure first: Identify what each column represents and note any units (dollars, percentages, years, etc.). In our example, recognizing that the last column is a percent change is crucial to evaluating the statements.
• Sort or compare as needed: These tables can often be sorted by clicking column headers in the actual test interface. For instance, you might sort by “% Change” to quickly see the highest or lowest percentages. In the example, sorting by the % Change column would immediately show Product C at the bottom with –20%, confirming it as the largest drop.
• Evaluate each statement carefully: Treat each statement as its own true/false question. Use the data directly from the table – do not bring in outside knowledge. If a statement says “higher” or “lower,” directly compare the relevant numbers from the table. If it says “only one” or “at least two,” count the occurrences in the data.
• Be mindful of wording: GMAT can be tricky with phrasing. Words like “only,” “exactly,” or “at least” require careful verification. Always double-check that the statement fully matches the data.

By practicing with GMAT sample questions for table analysis, you’ll become faster at interpreting tables and identifying relevant information. The key is to remain detail-oriented (so you don’t misread a number) while also being time-efficient. Sorting and scanning skills are your best friend in these problems.

Graphics Interpretation Questions

What is Graphics Interpretation? 

Graphics Interpretation questions present a visual – it could be a bar chart, line graph, scatter plot, pie chart, or any other infographic – along with a few sentences that have blanks in them. Your task is to fill in the blanks by selecting the correct options from drop-down menus, based on the information in the graphic. Essentially, you’re interpreting the graph to complete statements accurately. This tests your ability to read visual data and glean insights such as trends, comparisons, or specific values.

Example (Graphics Interpretation): Imagine you are given a line graph that shows Company X’s quarterly revenue in 202i. The values are: Q1 = $10 million, Q2 = $15 million, Q3 = $12 million, Q4 = $18 million. The question might present a sentence with blanks like this:

“Company X’s revenue in Q4 was ______________ than in Q3, representing a ______________ change from Q3 to Q4.”

And suppose the drop-down options are:

• For the first blank: {higher, lower}
• For the second blank: {25%, 50%}

Solution and Strategy: Let’s use the data from the line graph:

• From Q3 to Q4, revenue goes from $12M to $18M. That is an increase, so the first blank should be filled with “higher” (Q4 was higher than in Q3).
• We should quantify the change: $12M to $18M is an increase of $6M. As a percentage of the Q3 value, that’s $6M/$12M = 0.5, which is a 50% increase. So the second blank should be “50%”.

The completed sentence would read: “Company X’s revenue in Q4 was higher than in Q3, representing a 50% change from Q3 to Q4.”

On the actual exam, you would select “higher” from the first drop-down and “50%” from the second drop-down. Both parts must be correct to get credit for the question.

Strategy Takeaway: For Graphics Interpretation questions, success comes from careful reading of the graph and precision in matching the values to the statements:

• Read the labels and units: Always check the graph’s title, axis labels, legends, and any notes. Identify what is being measured (dollars, percentages, units sold, etc.) and in what scale. In our example, recognizing it’s in millions of dollars is important (though we implicitly did).
• Identify the trend or key data points: Determine what the graph is showing – is there an upward trend, a peak, a comparison among categories? The question will usually target an insight like “highest vs lowest,” “increase/decrease by what per cent,” or “relationship between two variables.”
• Calculate carefully: If the blank requires a calculation (like a percentage change or difference), do the math carefully. Use the on-screen calculator if needed, but often these are designed to be done quickly mentally or with simple calculations.
• Match the phrasing: Make sure the completed sentence is logically and grammatically correct. For instance, if a drop-down option is a number, the sentence should read correctly when that number is inserted (pay attention to singular/plural, percentages vs absolute numbers, etc.). Likewise, ensure that “higher” vs “lower” (or similar comparative words) correctly describe the relationship in the data.
• Eliminate wrong options: If you’re unsure, sometimes you can eliminate obviously incorrect choices. In our example, if one option was “25%” change, you might double-check: a 25% increase on $12M would only be $3M (which would be $15M, not $18M). So 25% would be wrong, leaving 50% as the logical choice.

Getting comfortable with a variety of graph types is useful. Practice interpreting bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and more. Often, GMAT Graphics Interpretation questions are designed so that simple observation and basic math will lead you to the answer – no advanced math needed, just clear thinking. Try to visualize what the graph is telling you and double-check that your answer makes sense in the context of the graphic.

Multi-Source Reasoning Questions

What is Multi-Source Reasoning? 

Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) questions provide multiple sources of information on a topic and ask questions that require you to integrate data from those sources. In the test interface, you’ll see a split screen or tabs with, say, two or three different pages or “cards” of information. Each source could be a short written passage (like an email or report excerpt), a table of data, or even charts/diagrams. The questions could be standard multiple-choice or a series of true/false sub-questions based on the sources. Essentially, you have to piece together information from various places to answer the question – much like doing research or analyzing reports in a real job.

Example (Multi-Source Reasoning): Suppose you have two sources of information:

• Source A (Email excerpt): “The CFO notes that in Q1 the company’s profit was $2 million, and in Q2 the profit was $3 million. The CFO attributes the Q2 increase partly to the launch of a new product line.”

• Source B (Data table):

Now consider the question: “What was the company’s approximate profit per unit sold of the new product line in Q2?” (Assume all the profit increase from Q1 to Q2 is attributed to the new product sales for simplicity.)

Solution and Strategy: To answer this, we need to use information from both Source A and Source B:

• From Source A, we know the profit in Q2 was $3 million. It also implies that the profit increase from Q1 to Q2 (which is $1 million, since Q1 was $2M and Q2 was $3M) is largely due to the new product line.
• From Source B, we know 500 units of the new product were sold in Q2.

If the $1 million increase in profit is attributed to 500 units sold, then the profit per unit is roughly 1,000,000500=2,000\frac{1,000,000}{500} = 2,0005001,000,000​=2,000 dollars per unit. Even if we interpret the question as asking for profit per unit in Q2 overall, using Q2 profit $3M and 500 units gives $3,000,000/500 = $6,000 per unit – but that wouldn’t make sense because not all $3M profit comes from new product (the base $2M was from other products). The context implies we focus on the new product line’s contribution, so approximately $2,000 profit per unit of the new product in Q2.

If this were a multiple-choice question, the answer choice closest to $2,000 would be correct. If it were a true/false style statement (e.g., “The profit per new product unit in Q2 was about $2,000”), we’d mark it True based on our calculation.

Strategy Takeaway: Multi-Source Reasoning can be one of the trickiest GMAT DI question types because you have to juggle multiple pieces of information:

• Organize the info: Start by quickly skimming all sources (passages, tables, etc.) and understand what each contains. Mentally label them – e.g., “Source A has qualitative info or narrative, Source B has numbers/data.”
• Identify what the question is asking: Then zero in on which source(s) can help answer it. In the example, a question about “per unit” profit clearly needed the profit from one source and units from another.
• Synthesize data: Combine the relevant facts from the sources. Sometimes one source might provide definitions or context and another provides figures to plug in. Other times, you might have to find a connecting point (e.g., a name or category mentioned in both sources) to link the information.
• Beware of distractors: Not everything in the sources will be needed. GMAT often includes extra data or text that isn’t relevant to the particular question at hand. Don’t get bogged down – focus only on the pieces needed for the question.
• Take notes if needed: Jotting quick notes or labels for each source, or writing down a number you extracted, can help keep track when flipping between sources. During practice, simulate this by summarizing each source’s key points in short form.
• Practice active reading: When reading passages in MSR, pay attention to details like dates, figures, or claims that might be referenced by the questions. With tables or charts, note the overall trend or stand-out values.

Multi-Source Reasoning questions truly test your integrative thinking – much like consulting multiple documents before making a business decision. By practicing these GMAT example questions, you’ll get better at quickly filtering and combining information. Stay calm and systematic: treat it like a mini open-book test where all the answers are “in there,” you just have to find and assemble them correctly.

Two-Part Analysis Questions

What is Two-Part Analysis? 

Two-Part Analysis questions present a problem with two distinct but interrelated parts, and you must find an answer for each part. In the GMAT format, you’ll see a prompt (which could be quantitative, verbal, or a mix), and then a response table with two columns – one for each part of the question. Each column has a list of possible answer options, and you need to select one option from each column. The two answers together form a complete solution. This format is flexible: one part might be a numerical value and the other a statement, or both parts could be numbers, etc. These questions often involve scenarios like balancing trade-offs, solving two equations, evaluating two criteria, and so on.

Example (Two-Part Analysis): A company has a total of $20,000 to allocate to two projects, Project A and Project B. Project A’s budget must be $4,000 more than Project B’s budget. The question asks: “How much funding is allocated to Project A, and how much to Project B?”

Below is a table of answer choices. Select one option from the first column for Project A’s funding and one option from the second column for Project B’s funding that satisfy the conditions.

Solution and Strategy: We need a pair (one from each column) such that:

1. The two amounts add up to $20,000 (budget total).
2. Project A’s amount is $4,000 more than Project B’s.

Let’s evaluate the options:

• If Project A = $8,000 and Project B = $4,000, the total is $12,000 (which is too low, needs to be $20,000). So that pair doesn’t use the full budget.

• If Project A = $10,000 and Project B = $6,000, total = $16,000 (still not $20,000).

• If Project A = $12,000 and Project B = $8,000, total = $20,000 and the difference 12,000−8,000=4,00012,000 – 8,000 = 4,00012,000−8,000=4,000. This satisfies both conditions! Project A gets $12k, Project B gets $8k.

• Just to be thorough, check the last row: Project A = $14,000 and Project B = $10,000 gives total $24,000 (over budget, so no).

The correct answer is Project A: $12,000 and Project B: $8,000.

On the GMAT, you would mark the option “$12,000” in the first column and “$8,000” in the second column as your answers. Getting both parts correct is required for credit.

Strategy Takeaway: Two-Part Analysis questions can often be approached like two linked mini-problems:

• Set up equations or relationships: Many two-part problems, especially quantitative ones, can be translated into equations or logical conditions. In our example, we had A + B = 20,000 and A = B + 4,000. Solving those quickly led to A = 12,000 and B = 8,000.

• Use process of elimination: If writing equations isn’t straightforward, use the answer grid smartly. Often, not all combinations are valid; you can eliminate pairs that don’t meet one of the criteria. In the table above, we checked pairs against the conditions. You can systematically go through options, but often a quick logical deduction (like realizing only one pair sums to 20k and has a 4k difference) is faster.

• Keep parts interdependent: Remember that the two parts usually relate to each other. Don’t solve one part in isolation without considering its impact on the other. If it’s a word problem, sometimes Part 1 might ask “Which choice is the correct first action?” and Part 2 “Which is the correct second action?” – you must ensure both actions make sense together.

• Beware of answer choice placement: Sometimes an option might appear in both columns, but it might only correctly apply to one of the parts. Make sure you’re picking an answer in the correct column for the correct sub-question.

• Check units and consistency: If one part asks for a percentage and the other a number, ensure your answers make sense together (e.g. a 50% increase and the resulting value). Or if two statements are required (perhaps one advantage and one disadvantage of something), ensure they don’t contradict each other or the scenario.

Two-Part Analysis questions test your ability to handle multi-faceted problems – a skill very useful in business, where solutions often have multiple components. Practice by solving a variety of these problems, including both math-oriented and reasoning-oriented ones. Over time, you’ll recognize common tricks (like symmetric answer sets, or one part giving a clue that narrows down the other part’s choices).

Suggested Reading: The Benefits of Online GMAT Classes

From Integrated Reasoning to Data Insights

With the GMAT Focus Edition, the test makers (GMAC) have evolved Integrated Reasoning into the Data Insights section and made it count toward your overall score. This change underscores how important these skills are. Think about a typical day in an MBA program or a business role: you might review a financial report (tables of numbers), examine market research (graphs and charts), read memos or emails with qualitative info, and then make decisions or solve problems that require pulling all that information together. That’s exactly what Data Insights questions simulate. They test real-world business skills such as:

• Analyzing data from multiple sources: Just like multi-source reasoning questions, you may have to combine an industry report’s findings with a spreadsheet of figures to draw conclusions. This mirrors tasks like consulting case analyses or group projects where information comes from various departments.
• Critical reasoning with quantitative data: Data Sufficiency questions in DI section train you to determine what data is necessary to make a decision – a bit like deciding what metrics or facts you need before approving a project in the workplace. It’s not just calculation; it’s judgement about information sufficiency.
• Interpreting visual information: Graphics interpretation questions ensure you can quickly understand visual data presentations. In business, you’ll encounter dashboards, graphs in presentations, and data visualizations – being able to read those correctly is vital.
• Evaluating trade-offs and multi-part problems: Two-part analysis problems often reflect making decisions with multiple criteria or solving problems that have two linked components. Real business problems usually aren’t one-dimensional; you have to consider multiple factors at once.
• Attention to detail under time pressure: The DI section forces you to pay attention to detail (a single word like “only” can change a statement’s truth) while managing your time across 20 questions in 45 minutes. This is much like working on a tight deadline with loads of data – you need to be efficient and accurate.

In essence, the Data Insights section is testing how you think like a manager or analyst. Can you sift through lots of information and pick out what matters? Can you tell if you have enough data to make a call? Can you interpret trends and patterns? These are the capabilities b-schools value in applicants, and that’s why Data Insights has been made a core part of the GMAT Focus Edition.

For those who were comfortable with the old Integrated Reasoning, most question types will feel familiar (table, graphics, multi-source, two-part). The notable addition is the Data Sufficiency format, which used to live exclusively in the Quant section. Its inclusion in DI means the GMAT Focus Edition is blurring the lines between pure quant and data reasoning – again, reflecting real life, where quantitative reasoning and data interpretation go hand in hand. The good news is that your preparation for Quant DS problems directly helps in DI now, and vice versa​.

Tips for Acing the GMAT Data Insights Section

Now that we’ve seen what GMAT DI questions look like, let’s discuss some strategies to tackle this section effectively. The Data Insights section can be challenging because it demands both speed and insight. Here are some practical tips to boost your performance (and these are great to apply when you do GMAT practice questions or a full GMAT practice test):

• Know the question formats cold: Familiarize yourself with the instructions and layout for each question type before test day. You don’t want to waste time figuring out what a “multi-source reasoning” prompt wants from you during the exam. By practicing plenty of GMAT sample questions of each type, you’ll know exactly what to do when you see a table or a graph, etc. This reduces anxiety and confusion​. For example, know that Data Sufficiency always has the same answer choices (A through E), so you don’t need to re-read them each time; know that a table analysis will typically have three true/false statements to evaluate, etc.

• Practice integrated reasoning skills using real-world materials: Enhance your comfort with data interpretation by reading business publications. Articles from The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, or financial blogs often include charts, tables, and data-driven arguments. Try to interpret the figures and statements – this can make Graphics Interpretation and Multi-Source reasoning feel more natural. You’re essentially training to think in an “integrated” way – switching between narrative and data. This habit builds the kind of visual literacy and analytical mindset needed for GMAT DI questions.

• Use the on-screen calculator wisely: The Data Insights section (like the old IR) provides a basic on-screen calculator for crunching numbers. This is useful for tedious arithmetic (like large multiplications or divisions that aren’t quick to do mentally). However, beware of overusing it – not every question requires calculation, and some can be solved with logic alone. Identify when a precise calculation is needed (e.g., computing an exact percentage or sum) versus when estimation or reasoning suffices. Using the calculator when appropriate can save time and reduce silly math errors​.

• Time management – roughly 2 minutes per question: You have 45 minutes for 20 questions, which is about 2.25 minutes per question on average. Some questions (like a complex multi-source with multiple parts) might take a bit longer, whereas a straightforward data sufficiency might be quicker. Keep an eye on the clock. If one question is consuming too much time (say 4-5 minutes), that’s a red flag – you may need to make an educated guess and move on. It’s better to guess on one tough part than to run out of time with several questions left. Practice pacing by doing timed sets of DI questions and full-length practice tests.

• Don’t get stuck on details – look for the big picture first: Especially in multi-source reasoning, it’s easy to drown in details. Train yourself to skim for structure: identify what each source is about, or what each column in a table represents, before diving into calculations. If a graphic looks intimidating, first understand the axes and general trend before worrying about specific data points. Once you have the big picture, you can zero in on what you need for the question.

• Eliminate and guess smartly if needed: Sometimes you might be unsure of an answer (maybe one of the drop-down options or one of the statements). Use process of elimination. For instance, if one of the two blanks in a graphics question you are certain about, fill that in and see if the remaining choices for the second blank make sense. Or eliminate obviously false statements in a table analysis to narrow down the possibilities. If you must guess, make it an educated guess – rule out what you can. Remember, there’s no partial credit, so each question is all-or-nothing; but also no penalty beyond that, so a guess has the same result as a wrong answer you agonized over. It’s better to move on and possibly get an easier question right.

• Review your mistakes thoroughly: When practicing GMAT DI questions, spend time reviewing the solutions. If you got a question wrong or struggled, figure out why. Did you misinterpret a graph? Did you assume something that wasn’t given? Did you do a calculation incorrectly? Learning from mistakes will help you avoid them on test day. It can also reveal if there’s a particular question type you need to focus on more. Maybe you realize your Data Sufficiency approach needs work, or you’re slow at reading tables – that tells you to practice those areas more intensely.

• Simulate test conditions in practice: Take at least one full-length GMAT practice test that includes the Data Insights section. This will help build stamina and get you comfortable with doing Quant, Verbal, and DI back-to-back with proper time limits. The more you simulate the actual test scenario, the less likely you’ll be tripped up by fatigue or timing issues when it counts.

By incorporating these strategies into your preparation, you’ll become more confident in handling GMAT DI questions. It might initially feel like a lot – juggling different formats and skills – but with consistent practice you’ll start seeing patterns and developing an intuition for what each question is looking for. Remember, the Data Insights section is as learnable as Quant or Verbal; it just requires a mix of content practice and strategy.

Conclusion

The Data Insights section of the GMAT Focus Edition might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it can become a strong point for you. It’s all about practice and strategy – working through GMAT sample questions, learning to dissect data, and managing your time well. Think of Data Insights as training for your future MBA: the effort you put in now to master it will pay off not just in an improved GMAT score, but in sharpened analytical skills for business school and beyond. 

So roll up your sleeves, dive into those tables and graphs, and start practicing. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey – resources like Crackverbal coaching is there to guide you every step of the way. 

Good luck, and happy prepping for GMAT DI questions!