GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions
The GMAT Critical Reasoning (CR) questions are, along with Reading Comprehension, one of two core question types on the Verbal Reasoning section, which assesses your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and navigate treacherous logical reasoning problems presented via language If you’re aiming for a top-tier, branded, MBA program the verbal section represents on of the best ways to supercharge your GMAT score, but in order to do so, you’ll need to sharpen your proactive reading skills, analytical ability, and clarity of mind.
What’s Tested on the GMAT Critical Reasoning?
What is Critical Reasoning on the GMAT?
GMAT Critical Reasoning tests your ability to construct, evaluate, and understand often complex logical arguments. This section challenges you to analyze the structure of arguments, identify assumptions, and draw logical conclusions using both inductive and deductive reasoning. The skills rewarded here are not only vital for the GMAT but are also highly valuable in any professional setting where logical decision-making and problem-solving are required.
In each CR problem, you’ll be presented with a short argument and asked a single question. This may involve drawing logical conclusions, strengthening or weakening the argument with additional premises, identifying key assumptions, resolving apparent contradictions, or even explaining how the argument is prosecuted. Success here depends on a clear understanding of the argument’s scope—knowing what the argument includes, what it excludes, and being able to prioritize how the different parts fit together into a coherent whole.
Types of GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions
The GMAT CR section features a variety of question types, each designed to test a specific aspect of your reasoning skills. Broadly, here’s what you can expect from each type of question:
1. Inference
Inference questions require you to deduce a conclusion based on the information provided. The correct answer is something that must be true given the premises.
2. Conclusion Questions
These questions ask you to identify the logical conclusion derived from a set of premises given in the argument. The conclusion is sometimes implied rather than directly apparant, so careful analysis is always required.
3. Resolving a Paradox
Reconciliationquestions present seemingly contradictory information and ask you to explain how both statements might actually be true. The correct answer will always include elements from both sides of the contradiction in order to resolve the issue. These questions test your ability to creatively reconcile conflicting data while not being misled by spurious suggestions.
4. Argument Evaluation – Strengthen/Weaken Questions
In these questions, you must determine what additional information would support or undermine the given argument. The correct answer will always share, yet necessarily extend, the scope of the original argument presented.
5. Argument Construction (Complete the Argument)
These questions ask you to complete an argument logically by selecting the best option that follows from the premises. These questions tend to be a “complete the passage” style, where the answer choices represent the final sentence in the argument above.
6. Boldface
Boldface questions involve identifying the roles played by specific statements within an argument, such as premises, conclusions, or counterarguments. One or two portions of the argument are highlighted in bold, and the answers are always in an abstract, structural language that speaks to the role of the information without referring to the actual content. For example:
Humpback whales are known to communicate over large distances via vocalizations characterized as clicks, whistles, and pulsed calls. Recently, scientists were able to communicate in a “conversation” with a humpback whale named Twain by using pre-recorded vocalizations over a period of twenty minutes. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect that we’ll be able to communicate with whales in the future.
What role does the boldface portion play in the argument?
Answer: It provides a single piece of evidence that supports the conclusion.
7. Assumption
Assumption questions challenge you to identify an unstated premise that the argument depends on. Often requiring inductive reasoning, without this assumption, the argument would no longer be valid.
8. Flawed Argument
Flawed argument questions require you to spot the logical error in an argument, such as a false analogy or a correlation-causation fallacy.
Strategies and Tips for GMAT Critical Reasoning
Approaching GMAT Critical Reasoning with a solid strategy can make a significant difference in your performance. Here are some key tactics:
It’s All About Scope
Understanding the scope of any argument is crucial. The scope defines the boundaries of what the argument covers and what it doesn’t. Ensure your answers stay within these boundaries and avoid introducing outside information
Read Carefully and Analyze
Critical reasoning questions demand close attention to detail. Misinterpreting even a single word can lead you to the wrong answer. Focus on the structure of the argument, the premises, and the conclusion, and how they work together.
Use Logic, Always
Rely on logical reasoning to guide your answers. Evaluate each choice based on its logical consistency with the premises provided, and confidently dismiss those that don’t fit.
Keep It Simple
Don’t overcomplicate your approach. Often, the simplest, most straightforward answer is the correct one. Stay focused on what the argument explicitly states.
Eliminate Wrong Answers
The process of elimination is a powerful tool. Discard answers that are out of scope, overly complex, or introduce new information. This narrows your choices and increases your chances of selecting the right answer, even if you’re not entirely certain of the correct response.
Watch Out for Common Traps
Be aware of common pitfalls, such as confusing correlation with causation or accepting assumptions that aren’t supported by the argument. Stick to the facts presented and analyze them logically.
Examples of Critical Reasoning Questions
Let’s explore a few examples to help you understand the different types of Critical Reasoning questions you might encounter on the GMAT. These examples illustrate the logical thinking and analysis required to excel in this section.
Question 1: Inference
Which conclusion can logically be drawn from the given premises?
Example:
A recent study found that people who engage in regular physical exercise tend to have lower stress levels than those who do not exercise. Additionally, the study showed that individuals who practice meditation also report lower stress levels.
Inference:
What can be inferred from the information above?
- A) Regular physical exercise is more effective at reducing stress than meditation.
- B) Engaging in either regular physical exercise or meditation can help reduce stress levels.
- C) Stress levels are not affected by physical exercise or meditation.
- D) People who exercise regularly are more likely to meditate.
Correct Answer: B) Engaging in either regular physical exercise or meditation can help reduce stress levels.
Question 2: Assumption
Which of the following is an assumption required by the argument?
Example:
The city council should invest in building more public parks because parks improve residents’ quality of life by providing green spaces for relaxation and physical activity.
Assumption:
Which assumption is necessary for the argument to hold?
- A) Residents will use the parks for relaxation and physical activity.
- B) The city has enough budget to maintain the parks.
- C) Other city projects are less important than building parks.
- D) All residents prefer outdoor activities over indoor activities.
Correct Answer: A) Residents will use the parks for relaxation and physical activity.
Question 3: Flawed Argument
What is the logical flaw in the argument’s reasoning?
Example:
If a student studies for eight hours a day, they will undoubtedly score in the top percentile of the class. Since John studied for eight hours a day, he will definitely score in the top percentile.
Flaw:
Identify the flaw located in the argument above.
- A) The argument assumes that the amount of study time is the only factor affecting the student’s performance.
- B) The argument fails to define what is meant by “top percentile.”
- C) The argument does not account for differences in study methods.
- D) The argument ignores the possibility that other students may study more.
Correct Answer: A) The argument assumes that the amount of study time is the only factor affecting the student’s performance.
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GMAT Critical Reasoning FAQs
Is GMAT Critical Reasoning hard?
The CR section can be challenging due to the need for precise logical reasoning. However, with targeted practice and the right strategies, you can significantly improve your performance.
How to solve Critical Reasoning in GMAT?
Break down the argument into its component parts—premises, conclusions, and assumptions—and apply logical reasoning to evaluate the answer choices. Focus on understanding the argument’s structure and avoid bringing in outside information.
How many Critical Reasoning questions are in the GMAT?
The GMAT Focus Edition typically includes 9 to 13 Critical Reasoning questions within the Verbal section
How to prepare for CR in GMAT?
Familiarize yourself with the different question types and practice regularly. Focus on mastering the logical principles behind each type of question. Consider working with a tutor to develop personalized strategies and avoid common mistakes.