Strategies to Solve Critical Reasoning Questions | Verbal for GMAT PDF Download

GMAT critical reasoning questions can be a source of concern for many test-takers, but with the right strategies, you can navigate them successfully. In this document, we will delve into the primary critical reasoning question types, providing examples and invaluable tips to enhance your performance on exam day.

Critical reasoning questions on the GMAT assess your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments, requiring you to make informed decisions based on the information provided. To excel in these questions, you need to develop specific skills that go beyond rote memorization.

Strengthen the Argument

• In "Strengthen the Argument" questions, you're asked to pick the statement or evidence that makes the argument in a passage stronger. First, understand the main point of the passage. Then, choose the answer that gives the best support for that point.
• Look for words like "support" or "strengthen" in the question to know what type it is. These clue words will guide you on how to deal with the question.
• A Strengthen the Argument question may be worded as:
  • Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports…?
  • Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen…?
  • The statements above, if true, best support which of the following assertions?
• The answer you choose for a Strengthen the Argument question should be directly relevant to the specific argument in question and should provide a specific piece of information that justifies the argument 

Weaken the Argument

• Weaken the Argument questions will ask you to select the fact or piece of evidence that would most effectively undermine the given argument.
• If you know you’re being asked a Weaken the Argument question, start by figuring out (and perhaps jotting down) what exactly that argument is. Then look at each answer choice carefully. If true, does it create a crack in the argument’s foundation?

Evaluate the Argument

• Understand the Argument: Carefully read and comprehend the given argument to grasp its main points and structure.
• Identify Weaknesses: Look for potential flaws, assumptions, or gaps in the reasoning that could weaken the argument.
• Consider Alternate Explanations: Think about other explanations or factors that could impact the argument's validity.
• Select the Best Option: Evaluate the answer choices and choose the option that most effectively assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the argument, providing a well-rounded evaluation.

Inference

• In Inference questions, you're required to draw logical conclusions or make educated guesses based on the information provided in the passage.
• An Inference question may be worded as: 
• Which of the following can properly be inferred from the statements above?
• Which of the following can be correctly inferred from the statements above?
• When answering inference questions, use only the information given in the passage to draw conclusions. 
• Be cautious of choices with words like 'any,' 'best,' 'worst,' 'only,' 'all,' or 'none' as they may be too broad and can't be proven with the limited information provided. Incorrect answers may be too extreme, make unsupported leaps in logic, or include unrelated details.

Find the Assumption

• Assumption questions task you with choosing the answer that contains the information necessary for the given argument to be true. Understand the main idea of the argument first. The correct answer must be true for the argument to make sense logically. Incorrect options might be potentially true but are not crucial for the argument's validity.
• A Find the Assumption question may be worded as:
  (i) Which of the following is an assumption made in drawing the conclusion above?
  (ii) Which of the following in an assumption on which the argument relies?

Bold Face

• Analyze the argument by identifying its premises and conclusion.
• Examine each boldface statement individually. Review the answer choices and eliminate those that incorrectly categorize the boldface statement (e.g., if Boldface 1 is a premise, discard choices labeling it as a conclusion).
• Repeat the process for the other boldface statement.
• If multiple options remain, carefully read through the choices to identify the one that accurately describes the roles of both boldface statements.

Flaw

• Study the Argument: Understand how the argument is put together.
• Find Missing Connections: Look for parts where the argument doesn't make sense or lacks clear reasoning.
• Check for Unclear Statements: Make sure all statements are clear and backed up with evidence.
• Think About Other Views: Consider different opinions or ideas that might question the argument.