Integrated Reasoning GMAT| Effective Tips, Pattern And More! 

GMAT, one of the most well-known MBA entrance examinations, offers admissions into over 7,000 Postgraduate and MBA programs across 110 countries. In addition, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) management entrance examination constitutes four sections — quantitative reasoning, integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing assessment. The integrated reasoning GMAT syllabus specifies four question types —graphic interpretation, table analysis, two-part analysis, and multi-source reasoning. These questions assess your aptitude for analyzing and arranging the data using your reasoning skills to select the most suitable answers. 

GMAT integrated reasoning: An overview 

The GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) introduced the GMAT integrated reasoning section in 2012. It was launched based on conversations with management colleges and organizations regarding the aptitudes necessary for success in the business domain and classroom. The time allotted to solve GMAT integrated reasoning is 30 minutes and consists of 12 questions of 4 categories. The four different questions classifications in the GMAT integrated reasoning section are:

• Table analysis
• Multi-source reasoning
• Two-part analysis
• Graphics interpretation.

The questions concern verbal and quantitative reasoning, either individually or in combination, and some will need more than one answer. In addition, an online calculator with basic functions is given to students exclusively for the GMAT integrated reasoning section. In addition, GMAT Integrated Reasoning strives to examine higher-order reasoning aptitudes, such as the capability to analyze information offered in various formats, such as charts, tables, and graphs. And solving the questions demands a combination of both verbal and quantitative aptitudes.

How does GMAT integrated reasoning differ from verbal and quant sections?

The GMAT integrated reasoning section differs in the following ways as compared to the verbal and quant sections:

• The integrated reasoning GMAT score is documented individually in 1-point intervals from 1-8. A percentile score based on the last 3-years of score data.
• A question may comprise 2-3 related tasks, and each needs to be responded to accurately, as you will get no partial credit.
• Unlike the GMAT verbal and quant sections, the integrated reasoning section is not computer-based. Therefore, you may get questions of diverse challenge levels randomly.
• Unlike the GMAT quant section, an online calculator with fundamental functionality is delivered for the integrated reasoning section.

Effective tips to prepare for GMAT integrated reasoning 

As the GMAT integrated reasoning section evaluates verbal and quantitative aptitudes, you must prepare sufficiently for the verbal and quant sections of the GMAT initially. Below are some effective tips and strategies to prepare for the diverse question categories in the GMAT integrated reasoning section.

Preparation tips for graphics interpretation questions

• Skim through the accompanying text details thoughtfully and try to understand the scenario the information is trying to portray.
• Try to determine potential trends and associations between the data provided in the question, such as inverse or direct relationships, spikes, etc.
• Closely monitor the units of measurement utilized in the statement and the question.
• Do not mistake numbers for percentages or rates.
• Check the necessary answer options before moving ahead with computing the answer. The answer options will give you an overview of what calculation you must perform, and the accuracy needed.
• Accustom yourself to how information can be delivered graphically, such as graphs, pie charts, etc.

Preparation tips for two-part analysis-type questions

• Move ahead to read the data in the given passage thoughtfully. Next, summarize the data in the question that applies to critical and quant reasoning questions.
• For critical reasoning questions, determine the assumptions and conclusion.
• Carefully review the question stem to define the required tasks, and do not depend on the column headings to get hints.
• If the two tasks are separate, you should solve the easier task first, as this may provide you with additional insight to help solve the more challenging task.
• Determine if the questions are independent or dependent of each other, i.e., if the value of one answer defines the value of the other.

Preparation tips for table analysis questions

• Check the column headings thoughtfully and note down any columns that need additional description.
• Read the additional text and look for data that describes questions from column headings.
• Review the table entries to get a broad understanding of the big picture delivered by the information. Nevertheless, don’t spend too much time reviewing this table.  
• Determine the most suitable method to classify the data for each statement. In addition, the sorting functionality is provided for a reason and helps prevent you from searching for the information needed to answer the question, which can lead to negligent errors.

Preparation tips for multi-source reasoning type questions

• While reading the questions, look for information that can help you answer the question. Outlining key information is a reasonable step, similar to the reading comprehension strategy.
• Be fully immersed in the content while skimming through the data in the tabbed pages. It is equivalent to the strategy you use while solving reading comprehension passages.
• Another tip is to split your data into separate columns, one for each documented page of the data delivered. It will help you record the general outline of the details provided on each page.

Key takeaways

• Integrating reading with your GMAT integrated reasoning preparation can assist you in increasing your marks quickly, even when English is not your primary language. 
• Before solving any question, you must check all options comprehensively. 
• A satisfactory score in GMAT integrated reasoning will help accelerate your admission process in some top-ranked GMAT universities. 

Like this blog? Also read- GMAT score | Everything that you need to know about it

FAQs

Question 1: How much time is given to students to solve the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section?

Answer: Students usually get 30 minutes to solve the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section. 

Question 2:  What are some of the benefits of taking a GMAT exam for an Indian student?

Answer: There are multiple benefits of taking the GMAT examinations, but some of the top advantages comprise the following-

• Access to several global scholarships
• Wider acceptance in various MBA courses
• Lower fees.

Question 3: Is IR in GMAT difficult?

Answer: Some candidates may find this section a little bit difficult. However, with consistent practice you can ace this section.