SC Misconception #3 – GMAT English is different from Standard English

I find it surprising that a majority of the GMAT prep industry believes in a “GMAT version of English” that is different from standard English. Doesn’t it sound a bit odd that top b-schools like Harvard and Stanford are interested in a test that tests its own version of English!

I think believing in a GMAT version of English serves only one purpose i.e. help us explain things we can’t explain logically. If I don’t know something, I can simply say that this is what works on GMAT and the student just accepts.

And this belief leads to many questions:

1. Why does GMAT test its own version of English? Why not test standard English?
2. If it tests its own version, why doesn’t GMAC clearly lay down the rules of its English?

If we think logically, it doesn’t make any sense for GMAT to have its own version of English. Besides, official guides unequivocally state that GMAT is a test of standard English. You can check the introductory chapter to SC in any official guide.

Next time, if somebody uses an explanation that this is what works on GMAT, don’t accept it. Ask him why it works this way. Why should a standardized test create rules that are specific to the test?