The Basics of Reasoning on the GMAT

The Basics of Reasoning on the GMAT The GMAT utilizes a variety of skills that you will likely rely upon during your MBA program. One of the most important of these skills is the ability to reason. Integrated Reasoning and Critical Reasoning questions make up a significant portion of the GMAT exam. To help you prepare for this test, here are several reasoning-related tips (you may also want to enlist the help of a GMAT tutor): Integrated Reasoning While applying the concept of reasoning to the GMAT is not new, one section is relatively young. In 2012, the Integrated Reasoning section debuted on the GMAT. It is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 8 that does not affect your total GMAT result. This 30-minute section contains 12 questions, and most questions have multiple parts. You must answer all parts of a question correctly to earn credit. This means that if you get one part of a question wrong, you do not earn a point. There are four Integrated Reasoning question types: Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning. For all of these questions, you must sift through a great deal of information presented in word, number, symbol, or picture formats, and select the best answer choices in a limited amount of time. Similar to the Quantitative and Verbal sections on the GMAT, you will receive one question at a time. You must answer the question in front of you before moving on to the next one, and you cannot go back to a previous question to change your answer. To perform your best on the Integrated Reasoning section, pace yourself, and read the questions carefully. Since you have 30 minutes to answer 12 questions, that gives you 2.5 minutes per question. You must also factor in time for reading, analysis, comparisons, and calculations. Instead of attempting to answer every question correctly in this section, it may be more practical to try to maximize your score. For questions that are easier for you, take your time to find the best answer. For questions you know you cannot solve, take your best guess, and move on to the next one. Critical Reasoning The other type of reasoning on the GMAT is Critical Reasoning. The GMAT Verbal section is made up of three types of multiple-choice questions: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, and Critical Reasoning. Passages in Critical Reasoning are usually less than 100 words long, and they are followed by one or two questions. These questions can be approached in five steps: 1. Read the passage. 2. Identify the argument. 3. Identify the assumptions that the argument is based on. 4. Determine what the question is asking for. 5. Use the process of elimination to find the best answer choice. Check out a GMAT practice test online, and try out the above approach when working with Critical Reasoning questions. Both the Integrated Reasoning and Critical Reasoning sections of the GMATrequire analytical skills to find the best answer choices. Each reasoning question on the GMAT might seem intimidating, but with practice and careful GMATprep, they will become much easier to navigate and solve successfully. If you find yourself needing help revitalizing your GMAT prepthese 5 steps may help. The skills needed for these sections of the exam can also be translated to your business school classes, as well as to your management career. So, learning them now can prove fruitful in both the short-term and long-term of your MBA life.

5 World-Famous Hispanic Musicians With Inspiring Stories

5 World-Famous Hispanic Musicians With Inspiring Stories 5 Inspiring Hispanic Musicians Natalie Hagen Many of the world’s most well known and talented musicians come from a Hispanic background. The music of these singers, guitarists, and pianists has won globally recognized awards and transcended cultural borders. Several Hispanic musicians, such as Santana and Gloria Estefan, have overcome the odds to chase their dreams and here, we’ll share their inspirational stories. Keep reading to learn about five artists that are sure to leave you motivated, encouraged, and moved. 5 Inspiring Hispanic Musicians Gloria Estefan Pop Singer Source: Jesus Cordero Gloria Estefan was born in Havana, but her family fled from Cuba to Miami when she was a young girl. After serving in Vietnam, Gloria’s father became very ill. With her mother working and attending night classes, Gloria was left at home to care for her father and sister. These responsibilities were a lot for a teenager, but Gloria turned to music as an escape. She would lock herself in her room and sing for hours. In 1975, Gloria became acquainted with a keyboardist who later became her husband. He led a band called “the Miami Latin Boys” and asked Gloria to be the lead vocalist as soon as he heard her sing. The band’s name was later changed to “the Miami Sound Machine.” Their albums launched to the top of the charts, and Gloria was called a demure, Hispanic version of Madonna. Her story doesn’t stop there, though. A car accident while on tour in 1990 left Gloria with broken vertebrae in her back. Never one to stay down, she made a miraculous recovery and was back on tour and making albums within the year. To this day Gloria Estefan is still making music, with many projects paying tribute to her native home of Cuba. Santana Guitarist Source: Libby Fabro Santana has become a very familiar name, working with artists from every genre such as Michelle Branch and DJ Khalid, but it hasn’t always been that way. Growing up in Mexico, Santana’s father originally taught him how to play the violin, but he found that he liked the electric guitar much more. As a teenager living in Tijuana, Santana started out performing at a variety of small venues.  He later moved to San Francisco and spent his days working as a dishwasher in a diner and playing for change on the streets.  B.B. King and Ray Charles were two of his biggest musical inspirations. Santana never gave up on his dreams though, and eventually decided to pursue music full time. What started out as “The Santana Blues Band” later became known as “Santana” and gained a mass following, even performing at Woodstock. The crowds loved Santanas sound a mix of blues, rock, and jazz. The band released multiple albums that went platinum and Santana has continued to win Grammy awards. He also recently published a memoir called The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light with the hope of inspiring others, and it became a national bestseller. Ruben Gonzalez Pianist Source: Ebet Roberts Ruben Gonzalez is proof that it’s never too late to pursue your passion. He released his debut album at the age of 78! Ruben originally studied medicine, but later in life he decided to pursue music. He was known for his Latin jazz sound and was requested by many bands and ensembles. Ruben was best known for working with the Afro Cuban All Stars and the Buena Vista Social Club, specializing in Latin dance and traditional Cuban music. His album with the Buena Vista Social Club won a Grammy in 1997, and that same year Ruben decided to release his first solo album “IntroducingRuben Gonzalez.” After releasing a second album in 2000, he died three years later knowing that he had done what he loved with his life. His music is still enjoyed by many. Placido Domingo Opera Singer Source: Barbara Davidson Both of Placido’s parents were singers for Spanish operettas in Madrid, which definitely contributed to his remarkable tenor voice and musical abilities. This didn’t mean that his success came easily, though. After moving to Mexico at eight years old, Placido began appearing alongside his parents in performances. He originally played the piano and enrolled in school to become a conductor, but later decided to focus on singing. Placido had a few small television appearances and often played in piano bars to earn money. At 18 years old, he began landing roles in various opera productions. Placido continued to work hard and eventually won a Grammy award for Best Opera Recording in 1971. Fourteen Grammys later, he is now in his seventies and lives by the motto, “If I rest I rust.” Placido didn’t even let health problems such as cancer slow him down. He is still performing, recording, and running a prestigious voice competition called “Operalia” to discover and nurture new talent. SEE ALSO: 20 Spanish Traditions, Customs, and Superstitions Selena Tejano Singer Source: Dave Einsel We can’t discuss Hispanic musicians without mentioning Selena. Known as the “Queen of Tejano,” Selena’s legacy lives on today despite her early death. (Tejano is a type of music that incorporates Mexican and other styles of music such as country.) Selena began singing as a child. She was the lead in her family’s band alongside her brother and sister. The band originally performed at her parents’ restaurant, weddings, and fairs. As their music became increasingly popular, the band started to record albums and go on tour. Eventually Selena was signed as a solo artist, and her Spanish-language albums received major accolades and awards. She began to work on her first English album, but before she could see its release, she was killed by one of her own fans at just 23 years old. Selena’s untimely death was shocking to all who enjoyed her music. Her English album, “Dreaming of You,” was later released in 1996. The album sold more than a million copies and introduced many people to Tejano music. Selena’s story lives on, and she continues to inspire many with her impressive accomplishments in such a short career. Each of these Hispanic musicians are inspiring in their own unique way. From different regions and different walks of life, they all overcame obstacles to introduce the world to their musical styles and abilities. Tell us about a musician you love in the comments below! Feeling inspired to work on your own musical talents? Learn how to become a better musician and performer from expert instructors in the online courses at TakeLessons Live.