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Devising an effective GMAT timing strategy for the Data Insights (DI) section (fka Integrated Reasoning) is trickier than mastering pacing for the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections. After all, in Quant, we face only Problem-Solving questions. In Verbal, we face only Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
In DI, however, we face 5 main question types that cover a range of Quant-based and Verbal-based concepts as well as call on our data analysis, graph interpretation, and logical analysis skills.
So, our time allocation per question can vary quite a bit depending on what type of DI question we see and the mix of elements that particular question contains.
With those challenges in mind, this article provides a Data Insights timing strategy for each DI question type. Plus, you’ll get benchmarking and efficiency techniques to help you with time management throughout the section.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- The Data Insights Section Structure
- Data Insights Timing Strategy by Question Type
- The Checkpoint Strategy
- Top 3 Tips to Increase Speed in Data Insights
- Summary: DI Per-Question Time Ranges
- What’s Next?
To understand DI pacing, we first need to understand the structure of the DI section. So, let’s start there.
The Data Insights Section Structure
The Data Insights section features 20 questions that we have a total of 45 minutes to answer. Those questions come in 5 main varieties, in the following amounts:
- Data Sufficiency (DS): 5-7 questions
- Graphics Interpretation (GI): 3-4 questions
- Table Analysis (TA): approximately 2 questions
- Two-Part Analysis (TPA): 4-5 questions
- Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR): 1-2 prompts with 3 questions per prompt, for a total of 3-6 questions
Now, in a vacuum, we could say that we have 2 minutes and 15 seconds for each DI question in the section.
However, when it comes to DI, pacing is not nearly so simple. Remember, we’re dealing with a wide variety of question types. In other words, some question types generally require less time than others.
For example, Graphics Interpretation questions tend to require less time than Multi-Source Reasoning questions.
Furthermore, pacing can vary within a single question type. For example, single-answer MSR questions typically take less time to answer than 3-statement MSR questions, which require 3 answers to 1 question.
So, an important aspect of the Data Insights timing strategy is targeting different time ranges for different question types. Let’s take a look at those ranges.
TTP PRO TIP:
An effective Data Insights timing strategy must target different time ranges for each DI question type.
Data Insights Timing Strategy by Question Type
Let’s take a look at what each DI question type asks us to do and how much time we generally should take to answer each type. We’ll start with Data Sufficiency.
Data Sufficiency
Data Sufficiency questions present information and ask a question related to that information. Our job is to determine whether the information presented is sufficient to answer the question asked.
These questions come in 2 main types: Quant-based and Verbal-based. Let’s explore each of these types separately, as they tend to take different amounts of time to answer.
KEY FACT:
Data Sufficiency questions require us to determine whether given information is sufficient to answer the question.
Quant-Based DS Questions
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-2.5 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-3 minutes
Most of the DS questions you see on the GMAT will be Quant-based questions. Quant-based DS questions involve concepts from the Quantitative Reasoning section. However, for Quant-based DS, we don’t actually have to solve through to get a numerical answer, as we do with Problem-Solving questions in the Quant section. Rather, we simply need to determine whether we have enough information to be able to get a numerical answer.
For example, a Quant-based DS question might provide information about the ratios between various quantities and ask us what the value of one of the quantities is.
The thing is, we won’t actually have to determine the value to answer the question. Rather, we will have to evaluate whether the given information is sufficient for determining a value.
Generally, test-takers can expect to spend an average of around 2 minutes on a Quant-based DS question. However, some questions will take less time—perhaps even as little as 1 minute. On the flip side, some difficult Quant-based DS questions may take up to 3 minutes.
That said, if you’re regularly spending more than 3 minutes on Quant-based DS questions, you probably need to shore up your DS skills a bit more.
TTP PRO TIP:
Quant-based Data Sufficiency questions typically take 1.5-2.5 minutes to complete.
Criteria-Based DS Questions
- Typical Time Range: 2-3 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-4 minutes
Verbal-based DS questions involve concepts from the Verbal Reasoning section and are also known as Criteria-based DS. Why? Because these questions present a scenario, in a passage of a few sentences, in which certain conditions, or criteria, must be met for a particular outcome to occur. Again, information is provided related to the scenario. Our job is to evaluate whether we have enough information to determine whether the specified outcome will occur.
For example, we could be presented with a scenario in which Peter wants to buy a used car from a certain dealership. However, he will purchase a car only if it costs no more than $10,000 and has both front and side airbags. We would then be presented with additional information related to the scenario. Our job would be to evaluate whether the given information was sufficient to determine whether Peter would buy a car from the dealership.
Criteria-based DS questions do not appear very frequently on the GMAT. You may see 1 or 2 or none at all on a given exam. They generally take a bit longer than Quant-based DS questions to answer because you must process information in a passage (albeit a very short one) and pay very close attention to the passage wording.
That said, if you’re skilled in Criteria-based DS, you should be able to answer most of these questions in around 2 or 2.5 minutes. However, the occasional harder Criteria-based DS question could take 3 or 4 minutes.
TTP PRO TIP:
Verbal-based Data Sufficiency questions typically take 2-3 minutes to complete.
Check out our article on GMAT Data Sufficiency to see some DS practice questions and learn how to solve them.
Graphics Interpretation
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-3 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-4 minutes
Graphics Interpretation questions present information in a graph or chart and ask you to analyze and interpret that information. Line graphs, scatterplots, flowcharts, complex bar charts, and other types of graphs can all appear in GI questions. A sentence or series of sentences about the graph will also be included.
Each graph is associated with 2 statements about it. Each statement features a box with a drop-down from which you must select the answer that accurately completes the statement, based on the information in the graph.
Many people taking the GMAT are familiar with the process of analyzing data in graphs and charts, both through their academic coursework and their professional experience. Of course, in those settings, we don’t have to worry about a ticking clock as we interpret that data.
So, what are the best techniques for quickly interpreting graphs and tables during the GMAT? A key technique is to not attempt to analyze all the details of the graph at the outset. Instead, note the various labels on the graph, the types of data shown, and how those data are generally arranged. Then, after you read the information and statements associated with the graph, you can return to the graph for the specific data points you need to complete each statement.
If you solve GI questions in this way, then you should need around 2 or 2.5 minutes for most questions. However, some questions involving more complex graphs and statements could take as long as 3 or 4 minutes.
TTP PRO TIP:
Graphics Interpretation questions typically take 1.5-3 minutes to complete.
The same technique for processing information applies to solving the next question type we’ll discuss, Table Analysis.
Table Analysis
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-2.5 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-3 minutes
Table Analysis questions present—you guessed it—information in tables and give us the ability to sort the table’s columns in various ways. Along with each table, the question presents 3 statements related to the table data. Depending on the question, we must select True/False or Yes/No for each statement.
A big part of performing well in Table Analysis is recognizing how to sort the table data to most efficiently analyze it in light of the statements. So, understanding which information is relevant in the table will be key. Additionally, you will need to be able to make inferences based on that information to evaluate the validity of each statement.
If you can master those skills, then you should be able to answer most Table Analysis questions in around 2 minutes. Harder questions may take up to 3 minutes, however.
TTP PRO TIP:
Table Analysis questions typically take 1.5-2.5 minutes to complete.
Two-Part Analysis
Two-Part Analysis (TPA) questions present a scenario or word problem along with a table. The table features 3 columns: 2 that are labeled in ways that relate to the presented scenario or problem and 1 featuring a list of 5 or 6 possible answers. Our job is to select the answer from that list that fits each column. So, in total, we select 2 answers for each TPA question.
TPA questions can be either Quant- or Verbal-based. You can expect to see a roughly even split between Quant- and Verbal-based TPA questions on a given GMAT. So, you’ll see 2 or 3 of each type on a given GMAT.
Let’s take a look at time management for each.
Quant-Based TPA Questions
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-3 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-3.5 minutes
Much like in Problem-Solving questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section, Quant-based TPA questions will feature numbers and ask you to calculate something. So, a question might ask us to find the average speed for one segment of a trip and the average speed for the entire trip.
Since these questions are two-part, they can take a bit longer than the typical 2 minutes or so per Problem-Solving question. However, the good news is that Quant-based TPA questions are not as logically complex as Problem-Solving questions.
Verbal-Based TPA Questions
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-2.5 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1.5-3 minutes
Verbal-based TPA questions come in 3 main formats: standard, complete the statement, and complete the passage.
Standard TPA Verbal questions, like CR questions, present a short written prompt followed by a question or statement telling us what types of answers we need to find. The key difference is, of course, that we must choose two correct answers, rather than one.
TPA complete the statement questions add a twist in that, rather than ask a question after the passage, they present a statement with two blanks. The statement says something about the passage, and the two correct answers logically fill the blanks.
In TPA complete the passage questions, the two blanks are within the passage instead of in a separate statement. Our job is to identify the two answer choices that most logically fill the blanks.
Regardless of the format, TPA Verbal questions involve many of the skills and concepts that we use to answer CR and RC questions. For example, a Verbal-based TPA question might ask us to identify which answer choice represents the conclusion of a given argument and which choice represents an assumption that the argument relies on. Or, a question might ask us to identify the choice that strengthens the argument and the choice that weakens it.
We also may encounter criteria-based TPA questions that are similar to DS Criteria questions. For example, a criteria-based TPA question could present a short passage outlining criteria that artifacts must fulfill to be part of a particular museum’s collection. Our job would be to select the two artifacts that meet the given criteria, in accordance with any additional instructions in the question stem.
Multi-Source Reasoning
- Initial Prompt Analysis: 0.5-1.5 minutes
- Typical Time Range: single answer: 1-2 minutes; 3-statement: 2-3 minutes
- Max Time Range: single answer: 1-2.5 minutes; 3-statement: 1.5-4 minutes
Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) prompts present related information in multiple texts or a mix of texts and tables or graphs. The various types of information appear on two or three tabs that you can toggle between.
Associated with the prompt are 3 questions, generally 1 single-answer question, which is standard multiple-choice, and 2 multi-answer questions.
Multi-answer MSR questions feature 3 statements, each of which you must evaluate and select an answer for. Those answers may be Yes/No, True/False, and so on. For example, a question might present 3 possible inferences and ask us which ones are supported by the information on the tabs.
The information in MSR prompts and the associated questions can be Quant-based or Verbal-based. So, you can expect to use both Quant and Verbal skills to solve the questions associated with a single prompt, as well as data analysis and information-filtering skills.
The good news is that any math calculations you may need to perform in MSR will not involve the more advanced Quant concepts. Rather, you’ll see fairly basic Quant concepts such as calculating a percent change or a mean.
KEY FACT:
Multi-Source Reasoning involves both Quant and Verbal concepts and tests our data analysis and information-filtering skills.
MSR Pacing Is Relatively Variable
Given the variety of information and question types in MSR, these questions are generally the trickiest in the DI section when it comes to pacing, simply because there is so much variability from one question to the next.
Of course, 3-statement questions tend to require more time than single-answer. In fact, it’s not unusual to spend around 1 minute evaluating each statement, though you may be able to analyze some statements relatively quickly.
Of course, your particular strengths and weaknesses in Quant and Verbal will come into play when answering any MSR question. So, we shouldn’t assume that 3-statement questions are inherently more difficult or even always more time-consuming.
We also need to account for the time it takes to read through the tabs in an MSR prompt. Again, there is a high degree of variability from one prompt to the next, so our pacing can vary pretty widely.
For example, if we’re presented with 2 tabs that each feature a graph, we may need only 20-30 seconds to note what types of information the graphs contain and where on each graph different types of information are shown.
On the other hand, if we’re presented with 3 tabs that each feature an email, we may need 1-1.5 minutes to read through all the emails. And of course, a prompt could present a mix of these things.
Initial Analysis of MSR Prompts
The trick with efficiently reading through MSR prompts is to use the same skills we would use to process the various types of information in other GMAT question types. For example, in our initial reading of an MSR prompt, we would not seek to analyze every data point in a table or graph. Rather, we would note the various labels on the table or graph, how the data is arranged, and so on.
In reading through texts, we likewise would not seek to memorize or fully process every detail. Rather, we would read for overall comprehension and to get a sense of where different types of discussions take place.
In either case, we would return to the appropriate area of the prompt, depending on the question, and fully analyze the relevant details then, rather than doing a deep analysis of every detail of the prompt in our initial reading.
TTP PRO TIP:
In your initial analysis of an MSR prompt, do not seek to process every detail. Rather, read for basic comprehension and note where different types of information appear.
Now let’s discuss an overall timing strategy for the Data Insights section, the checkpoint strategy.
The Checkpoint Strategy
Since the Data Insights section contains 20 questions that we must answer within 45 minutes, we technically have 2.25 minutes per question. Of course, we know that pacing in DI can vary substantially between question types. So, we cannot expect to spend the same amount of time on each question.
Nevertheless, it’s useful to break the DI section into manageable chunks, so that we can check in on our pacing at a few key points throughout the section. We call this the “checkpoint strategy.”
If you’ve read our Quant and Verbal timing guides, you may already be familiar with this strategy. Of course, each GMAT section requires its own checkpoints. For DI, we break the section into 5 chunks of 4 questions and 9 minutes. Doing so creates an easy framework for benchmarking time throughout the section.
TTP PRO TIP:
To check in on your pacing at strategic intervals, break the DI section into 5 chunks of 4 questions and 9 minutes.
The DI Checkpoints
At each checkpoint, you should have roughly the following amounts of time remaining:
- Start Question 1: 45:00
- Start Question 5: 36:00
- Start Question 9: 27:00
- Start Question 13: 18:00
- Start Question 17: 9:00
To keep it simple, jot down the checkpoints on your notepad or whiteboard:
5 (36:00)
9 (27:00)
13 (18:00)
17 (9:00)
By checking the clock at each checkpoint, you can make pacing adjustments so you aren’t scrambling to answer every question in the section before time runs out.
Just keep in mind that these benchmarks are not set in stone. On test day, let your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your question mix, guide your pacing decisions. In other words, treat pacing benchmarks as guidelines, and don’t worry if your pacing deviates slightly.
For example, let’s say you’re 2 minutes behind when question 13 appears. If you’ve already seen several time-consuming questions (such as MSR), you may not need to speed up. On the other hand, if you’ve mostly seen relatively quick questions, then you probably do need to speed up. Of course, if you’re 5+ minutes behind at that point, you probably need to move faster no matter what.
TTP PRO TIP:
Treat pacing benchmarks as guidelines, not gospel.
Finally, let’s discuss our top 3 tips for increasing your Data Insights speed.
Top 3 Tips to Increase Speed in Data Insights
If you want to answer Data Insights questions efficiently, make sure you have the following 3 basics down first and foremost.
Tip 1: Master Quant and Verbal First
Data Insights tests familiar Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning concepts and skills in new ways.
So, if you don’t have a solid foundation of Quant and Verbal skills before you attempt to answer Data Insights questions—and especially before you attempt to answer them quickly—you’re going to be disappointed with your DI performance.
On the other hand, if your Quant and Verbal skills are already strong when you start tackling DI questions, mastering DI will be much easier.
The fact is, no amount of familiarity with DI questions will allow you to answer them efficiently if you continually get stuck on the foundational Quant and Verbal concepts on which DI questions are based.
So, master Quant and Verbal before you start your Data Insights study, which you should add in the later stages of your GMAT prep.
TTP PRO TIP:
Study Data Insights when you’re farther along in your GMAT prep, after you’ve mastered Quant and Verbal.
Tip 2: Build Familiarity With Each DI Question Type
Once you have broad mastery of Quant and Verbal, the biggest hurdle to working efficiently in Data Insights is building familiarity and comfort with the DI question types.
You must take the time to thoroughly study each DI question type, its subtypes, and the specific strategies associated with each type. For example, to master Graphics Interpretation, you should have strategies for analyzing each type of graph you may see. So, you should know how to efficiently analyze scatterplots, stacked column charts, and so on.
To master Table Analysis, you should know how to identify what a question is asking for and how to sort a table accordingly.
To build familiarity and confidence with each DI question type and subtype, in addition to learning strategies for each type, make sure to practice with a wide array of DI questions. Applying the strategies you learn in a broad variety of scenarios is critical preparation for tackling any DI question that you may face on test day.
TTP PRO TIP:
Learn strategies for each DI question type and subtype, and practice with a wide array of DI questions.
Tip 3: Minimize Your Math
Many Quant-based DI questions can be solved with estimating, eyeballing (for example, in GI), or conceptual knowledge.
In fact, in most cases, the less math we do in DI, the quicker we can answer the question.
So, as much as possible, avoid precise calculations when estimating will suffice. For example, we can often determine when to estimate in DI by looking at the answer choices. If the values in the answer choices are spread out, then we know we can estimate. If the values in the answer choices are close together, then we know we will need to be more precise.
TTP PRO TIP:
Many Quant-based DI questions can be solved with estimating, eyeballing, or conceptual knowledge, as opposed to precise calculations.
Now, let’s review the Data Insights timing strategy we’ve learned for each question type.
Summary: DI Per-Question Time Ranges
The Data Insights section features 20 questions that you have a total of 45 minutes to answer. Here is a summary of the time allocations we’ve discussed for each Data Insights question type:
Data Sufficiency
Quant-Based
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-2.5 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-3 minutes
Criteria-Based
- Typical Time Range: 2-3 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-4 minutes
Graphics Interpretation
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-3 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-4 minutes
Table Analysis
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-2.5 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-3 minutes
Two-Part Analysis
Quant-Based
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-3 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1-3.5 minutes
Verbal-Based
- Typical Time Range: 1.5-2.5 minutes
- Max Time Range: 1.5-3 minutes
Multi-Source Reasoning
- Initial Prompt Analysis: 0.5-1.5 minutes
- Typical Time Range: single answer: 1-2 minutes; 3-statement: 2-3 minutes
- Max Time Range: single answer: 1-2.5 minutes; 3-statement: 1.5-4 minutes
Also, remember to use the following checkpoints for pacing yourself throughout the DI section:
- Start Question 1: 45:00
- Start Question 5: 36:00
- Start Question 9: 27:00
- Start Question 13: 18:00
- Start Question 17: 9:00
What’s Next?
Check out our complete guide to preparing for GMAT Data Insights.
You may also be interested in our guide to GMAT Quant timing strategy and our guide to GMAT Verbal timing strategy.
Happy studying!
