Overview of the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section

The GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR) section is a relatively new addition to the GMAT exam, introduced in 2012. It is designed to assess a candidate's ability to analyze and evaluate complex information from multiple sources and formats, including tables, graphs, charts, and text passages. The section consists of 12 questions that need to be completed within 30 minutes. It is scored on a scale of 1 to 8, with 8 being the highest score.

Differences in content compared to other sections

The GMAT Integrated Reasoning section differs from other sections of the exam in several key ways:

1. Question types: The IR section contains four different question types: Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. These question types require the ability to understand and interpret information in various formats, making it different from the more traditional question types found in the Quantitative and Verbal sections.

2. Complex data analysis: The IR section presents candidates with complex data sets that need to be analyzed and evaluated. This requires strong quantitative and analytical skills, as well as the ability to draw conclusions and make decisions based on the given information.

3. Multitasking: Unlike the other sections of the GMAT exam, the Integrated Reasoning section requires candidates to multitask by answering multiple questions based on a single data set. This adds an additional layer of complexity and time management to the section.

4. No calculators: While the Quantitative section allows the use of a calculator, the IR section does not. Candidates are expected to perform calculations mentally or use estimation techniques to analyze the given data.

5. Time pressure: The IR section has a strict time limit of 30 minutes for 12 questions, which means candidates need to quickly analyze and interpret the given information to answer the questions accurately. This time pressure is different from the more relaxed pace of the other sections.

Conclusion

The GMAT Integrated Reasoning section stands out from other sections due to its unique question types, complex data analysis, multitasking requirements, absence of calculators, and time pressure. To excel in this section, candidates need to develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to quickly process and interpret information from various sources.