The GMAT critical reasoning section can be a difficult one to tackle.
Knowing how to approach this section can make all the difference between an average score and an excellent one.
In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to approach and tackle GMAT critical reasoning questions so you can maximize your performance on the exam.
GMAT analytic writing
For the GMAT, the Analytical Writing Assessment is very clear cut and focuses your attention toward one task and one task only. In this writing task, Organizing and supporting your evidence is a very easy task because all you need to do is work on it in a sentence and paragraph before finally a full running essay.
A detailed overview of analysing a problem and writing an argument essay. Emphasis according to them should be on practicing both kinds of writing for the appropriate amount so that there would be no confusion regarding the matters to be covered in just one draft.
Step by step guide to writing your GMAT argument analysis
Step 1: Understand the format
The GMAT critical reasoning section is composed of three types of questions:
- Strengthen/Weaken
- Assumption
- Argument evaluation
Each question will provide a short passage followed by a question. You will need to read the passage and answer the question based on the information provided.
Step 2: Understand the basic concepts
There are some key concepts which one should practice if they want to be successful in the GMAT critical reasoning section. These concepts consist of:
- Fallacies
- Prejudices
- Tactics of argument analysis
- Basic evidence template
Also Read: GMAT Test Resources
Step 3: Solve Sample Questions
When you feel comfortable with the above concepts, you should try a different approach by answering some sample questions. There is plenty of practice material available online which contains sample questions such as the Official Guide to the GMAT.
Try to complete all these questions as much as possible and then check your answers. Look especially for questions you got wrong and see if there were any consistent mistakes you made.
Step 4: Enroll in a GMAT preparation course
In a GMAT preparatory course, you will be able to answer critical reasoning questions and whatever else on the GMAT under timed conditions with an instructor offering you assistance. Most of these preparation classes also include a host of other supplementary tools such as tests and reading materials which helps to channel your studying and recognize where you need to improve.
Step 5: Develop a strategy
At this point, it is critical to outline a strategy towards the GMAT Critical Reasoning section in order to succeed. Such a step will entail designing a strategy for each question that you have and rehearsing it until you do so unconsciously. Your plans should also include plans to read through the passage effectively, extra effectively identify key words and analyze the premises.
Step 6: Take practice tests
One of the best methods to master the GMAT critical reasoning section is to take practice tests. Such practice tests will serve to approximate the performance you will have in the main exam and highlight the aspects that you need to work on. Do not just answer the questions but also check the brave responses that you gave.
Step 7: Review and refine
At last, review them and refine what you have gained. Allocate time in reviewing the important factors and the practice questions in order to be able to succeed in the examination. Continue to focusing on the areas of weakness and practice on those until mastery is attained.
Types of questions in GMAT critical reasoning Besides the logical reasoning type questions, there are number of types of questions classified as critical reasoning or those that focus on what an author is trying to demonstrate. Strengthen questions Strengthen questions requires finding additional evidence or points that would make the author’s argument stronger or more valid.
Asking this type of questions require looking for things that are outside what is said in the passage and searching how one could make the argument more credible. Weaken questions Weaken questions require you to identify points or evidence that could undermine the original argument.
Also Read: GMAT Self-study plan
GMAT critical reasoning tips
In order to succeed on the GMAT critical reasoning section, the test taker must practice as well as have the knowledge on the specific area. Some of the useful tips are listed below to help you prepare for this difficult section of the examination
Read the question carefully
• It is our nature to want to engage with the question and begin to answer it, but what in fact needs to be done first with every question is to understand what it is asking for in the first stage. In the first step, one is usually provided with a conclusion and a set of premises which support it. Understand the purpose of all the components in the question before attempting to answer it.
Pull out keywords
• When faced with a question on weakness or criticism, focus on keywords such as “strengthen,” “weaken,” and “assumption” to narrow down the question so as to make it solvable by providing the response expected by the GMAT. These words help to navigate the type of answer that the GMAT needs and how to present your answer.
Identify assumptions
A major principle that has to be taken into consideration when evaluating an argument is assumptions. To be able to respond to the questions correctly, you will need to know what assumptions are present and whether they are valid or not.
Identify the limits of the argument
Before proceeding to respond to a critical reasoning question, it is necessary to appreciate the focus of the argument in question. This involves analyzing all the premises put forward in the passage and assessing regardless of whether some other facts might lead to a change of one’s assessment of the passage’s conclusion.
Evaluate possible answers
When you have determined keywords and the assumptions and scopes, you want to shortlist and see the possible answer options available for the said question. Exhaustively read out each of the options provided and reason which one sounds right or relates with what you understood from the previous steps 1-4. Extreme wording such as definitive statements or stark claims should also be avoided and it is often times wrong because the truth is less absolute.
Practice, practice, practice
Practice is the most effective means of improving your performance on critical reasoning questions. Ensure that you are comfortable with the various arguments on GMAT questions and the different ways you will tackle these questions. With ample practice, one will become used to searching for assumptions, examining options, and choosing the right one for every critical reasoning question.
3 best books to practice GMAT 2024 critical reasoning
In GMAT 2024, for the critical reasoning section, there are a number of books for which students can utilize. The 3 best books for GMAT critical reasoning are:
The GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible
The most recent entry is this book from Manhattan GMAT focuses on argument structure understanding and developing essential skills that help to comprehend and negotiate any argument during the GMAT verbal section in the least amount of time.
The comprehensive review of the questions helps in the exam even more as it gives a picture of what the test will include while the explanations of the practices are more than relevant to helping one comprehend the entire content. When you prepare for the GMAT critical reasoning section this book will come extremely handy.
Kaplan GMAT Critical Reasoning Prep Plus
In a nutshell, this book which targets only one particular aspect of the test- and therefore, is also useful for some students is from Kaplan Direct. The elimination method, assessing the arguments evidence, understanding the persuasive elements of the argument, and determining the assumptions are some of the skills included in the piece.
The book also contains a clear description of all the types of questions presented in the test and several papers of different levels of test complexity presented in practice.
The Critical Reasoning GMAT Strategy Guide, 6th Edition Critical Reasoning GMAT Strategy Guide
The critical reasoning section of the GMAT is extensively covered in this guide as well. All the major topics are also covered and tools are provided in order to sufficiency explain and illustrate them. It also consists of a number of exercises and sample questions for better understanding of the exam and enhancement of critical thinking skills.
At the same time, this guide also provides a few practical tips along with the strategies to help readers answer and reach the best possible answer efficiently for every question posed to them.
Related articles
Frequently asked questions
What does the GMAT critical reasoning section measures?
GMAT critical reasoning tests your ability to think critically and logically. It requires an individual to read and analyze a passage, draw conclusions from it, identify the strengths and weaknesses of an argument, and identify any logical flaws in the argument.
What are the different types of questions in the GMAT critical reasoning?
There are three main types of questions that students can expect on the GMAT: strengthen questions, weaken questions, and assumption questions.
