What GMAT critical reasoning experts want you to know

GMAT critical reasoning syllabus 

GMAT critical reasoning accounts for around one-third of the Verbal section. These questions include a brief paragraph of roughly 100 words. Each of these questions has five response options. Candidates must select one alternative that either enhances or weakens the argument, explains why the argument is wrong, or accepts or undermines the argument.

Structure of a GMAT critical reasoning question

Each GMAT critical reasoning question is made up of three parts: the passage/argument, the question stem, and the solution options. The passage/argument, also known as the Stimulus, is the piece of text that you are supposed to grasp and analyze. An argument has both specified information (premises) and defined major conclusions. The conclusion here refers to a key argument made by the author of the text, which would be built on a few (or all) of the given facts.

What is evaluated in the GMAT critical reasoning section?

GMAT critical reasoning problems include a wide range of themes, including politics, art, science, literature, psychology, and so on. However, students are not being assessed on the content of these subjects. At best, the GMAT asks us to employ what is common knowledge or well-recognized. No domain-specific expertise is required to answer CR questions. 

GMAT critical reasoning question types

Every GMAT Critical Reasoning will include a brief argument made up of two fundamental parts: a premise and a conclusion. To perform well on the GMAT CR, it is critical to recognize and comprehend each of these components. The following are the eight major types of GMAT Critical Reasoning questions:

Type 1-Adding to the argument

Type 2: Waning the argument 

Type 3: Identifying the Assumption

Type 4: Making an inference/drawing a judgment

Type 5:The argument’s structure

Type 6:Paradoxes 

Type 7: Assessing the Conclusion

Type 8: Finishing the argument

Top tips for improving GMAT critical reasoning 

First and foremost, read the question!

The first step in the typical GMAT critical reasoning technique is: “Before reading the argument, read the question”. 

Determine the sort of question you will have to reply to and analyze the argument with this question in mind. The main concept is that once you understand what you need to accomplish, you will analyze the argument with that in perspective.

Comprehend the Language

In the GMAT, examiners purposefully provide difficult phrases. Therefore, after reducing the wording, applicants will find it simpler to answer GMAT CR questions.

Put it in Your Own Words.

Candidates might strive to simplify complicated terminology by creating their own. They might begin by studying critical reasoning questions from the GMAT club. They provide a large number of example questions that can assist candidates.

Locate the Unstated Assumption

Once you’ve determined the conclusion and premise of the argument, you should consider the underlying assumption that holds the argument together. Students must uncover the underlying assumption and challenge the difference between the facts and the conclusion.

Read Exactly What Is Stated

The bulk of errors in the critical thinking part is due to students misunderstanding the argument, question, or one of the alternatives.

It is essential to read exactly what is stated without paraphrasing, as a single phrase can alter the meaning of the conclusion and render it incorrect. Furthermore, reducing certain features or disregarding certain modifiers that appear to be ‘additional’ information for the argument may be advantageous. The greatest method to prevent GMAT errors is to read carefully and notice any modifier or additional information in the paragraph.

Keyword Scanning

Keyword skimming is a GMAT critical thinking strategy in which applicants are asked to discover the keywords in a paragraph. This will aid in locating the text’s claim/conclusion. Because the question is related to the conclusion, locating it will save time. When practicing from, keeping the following keywords in mind:

• Cause and Effect: therefore, since, results in, because thereby, consequently, thus, which means that it follows that.
• Conclusion: in conclusion, obviously, clearly
• Recommendation: Recommend(ed), should

Reaching an Inference

GMAT logical reasoning questions require applicants to comprehend the author’s perspective from the conclusion. Responding to the question will be simple after you have arrived at a conclusion. 

You can use any of the above methods to complete your problem or, alternatively, solve it by joining online Gmat classes.

Key takeaways

• The GMAT critical thinking problems form the core of the exam. These questions are difficult to answer because they put your analytical skills to the test.
• If you prefer self-study, have the best GMAT books and other study resources for critical thinking at your disposal.
• Make an effective study strategy.
• As many GMAT CR questions as possible.
• Use the GMAT CR strategy.
• Use the above-stated Tips & Tricks to succeed in the GMAT.

For more information on the GMAT exam, visit our website today!

FAQs

Question 1:What is the weightage of critical reasoning in GMAT?

Answer 1: Critical reasoning questions account for around one-third of the GMAT verbal portion.

Question 2: Do I need to have command of each subject to answer critical reasoning problems?

Answer 2:Answering Critical Reasoning problems does not need any particular expertise. You do not need to be familiar with formal logic language or practices.

Question 3: What are GMAT critical reasoning assumptions?

Answer 3: Assumption in GMAT CR questions requires candidates to select the answer choice that includes the assumption that must be correct in order to sustain the stated argument.