Directions: Each of these GMAT critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each practice question, select the best answer of the choices given.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: Historian: The Russian Revolution in the early 20th century was sparked not by the proletariat, but by the bourgeoisie, or intellectual middle-class, a fact that is widely accepted in modern academia. The French Revolution of 1789 was also largely ignited by a rising middle class. The idea that political upheavals are initiated by the populist “peasant-class” is widely accepted as a fallacy today. Therefore, political commentators analyzing the “Arab Spring” movement in the past two years are inaccurate in suggesting that the movement is truly populist. Q. Which of the following best describes the flaw in the historian’s argument?
A
It accepts that movements cannot be both populist and spurred by the middle class.
B
The argument draws a conclusion based on a claim which may not be universally true.
C
The historian’s argument is based on what is “widely accepted” by contemporary historians and not on established facts.
D
The argument implies that the Arab Spring is relatively similar to historical revolutions with no concrete evidence.
E
It overlooks the cultural and temporal differences between the Russian, French, and Arab political climates.
Correct Answer: C
Argument Analysis
Claim: The Russian and French Revolutions were initiated by the middle class, not the peasant class.
Conclusion: Therefore, the Arab Spring is not truly populist.
Why Option C is Correct
Option C points out the flaw in the historian’s argument, which is based on what is "widely accepted" by contemporary historians rather than established facts. The historian assumes that because something is widely accepted (that political upheavals are initiated by the middle class), it must be true for the Arab Spring as well. This is a logical fallacy known as "appeal to popularity" or "argumentum ad populum."
Why Other Options Are Not Correct
Option A: This option suggests the argument accepts that movements cannot be both populist and spurred by the middle class. While this could be a potential flaw, it does not address the main issue of relying on what is "widely accepted" rather than established facts.
Option B: This option states that the argument draws a conclusion based on a claim which may not be universally true. This is a general criticism but does not specifically address the historian's reliance on popular acceptance.
Option D: This option suggests that the argument implies similarity between the Arab Spring and historical revolutions without concrete evidence. While this could be a valid criticism, it is not the central flaw identified in the argument.
Option E: This option indicates that the argument overlooks cultural and temporal differences between the Russian, French, and Arab political climates. This is a relevant point, but it does not directly address the issue of relying on what is "widely accepted."
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician. Q. The argument's reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:
A
attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.
B
implies popularity lends credibility.
C
undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.
D
differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.
E
suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.
Correct Answer: E
The correct response is (E). This is a flaw question, and the correct answer will accurately describe the author’s gap in logic. In the argument, the Great Fakir is presented as somewhat hypocritical, since he also uses “mechanical trickery” while calling the Magnificent Mystic’s act “largely staged and fake”. The author wants us to believe that since “the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions” the Great Fakir is hypocritical in calling the Magnificent Mystic’s act largely staged and fake. This need not be the case unless the two acts are similar in all regards. If the Great Fakir’s act has several important differences that make it look more real than the Magnificent Mystic’s act, then the author would be wrong in suggesting that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act.
Answer choice (B) is incorrect because although the author states that the Great Fakir has become the world’s most popular touring magician partly because of his use of mechanical devices to create his own optical illusions, the author’s main point is that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act. The suggestion that the Great Fakir is the world’s most popular touring magician is secondary to the author’s main point, and certainly isn’t the main problem with suggesting that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act. The main issue is that he assumes the two acts are similar in all regards.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: According to a recent census, West Egg had more mansions per capita last year than East Egg, while East Egg had slightly fewer residents than West Egg. Since the census, West Egg and East Egg have each seen the demolition of a dozen dilapidated mansions within their respective borders, and no new mansions have begun construction. It must be true, therefore, that _________. Q. Which of the following best completes the passage?
A
West Egg and East Egg both have more cared-for mansions than dilapidated mansions.
B
West Egg has more mansions than East Egg.
C
West Egg has more mansions per capita than East Egg.
D
West Egg and East Egg have the same number of mansions.
E
West Egg has more residents than East Egg.
Correct Answer: B
Passage Summary
Before:
West Egg had more mansions per capita.
East Egg had slightly fewer residents.
After:
Both towns demolished 12 mansions each.
No new mansions were built.
Reasoning
West Egg originally had more mansions than East Egg.
Equal demolitions in both towns do not change the fact that West Egg still has more mansions.
Correct Answer
Option B: West Egg has more mansions than East Egg. This is true because the relative number of mansions hasn't changed after both towns demolished the same number of mansions.
Incorrect Options
Option A: Talks about the condition of mansions, which isn't mentioned.
Option C: Relies on per capita information which isn't updated.
Option D: States they have the same number of mansions, which contradicts the initial info.
Option E: Claims more residents in West Egg without updated population data.
Option B is correct because it logically follows from the passage's information.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: A small group of law professors have suggested that the university’s current JD program be restructured so students can spend more time reading case studies and studying independently since a wide knowledge of legal precedent is key to the success of its alumni. These professors are advocating an end to the public-speaking class requirement. But there is an obvious benefit to training young attorneys to speak confidently and articulately in court, and recent graduates of the program have remarked that they were frequently required to verbally describe case studies to colleagues. Q. Which of the following most logically concludes the argument?
A
These law professors are incorrect in their assumption that more time reading case studies independently will lead to alumni success.
B
Alumni success, therefore, is contingent upon an equal balance between public-speaking and reading case studies.
C
Attorneys who cannot verbally articulate case studies will not have as much success in the workplace as those who can.
D
Keeping the public-speaking class in the curriculum is not wholly inconsistent with the law professors’ goal of fostering alumni success.
E
The university should expand the public-speaking requirement, rather than omit it, as verbal skills are just as valuable as case study knowledge in the workplace.
Correct Answer: D
The correct answer is (D). The law professors advocate omitting public-speaking from the curriculum to better attain success for alumni. However, evidence is then presented which shows that verbal skills and public-speaking are “frequently required” by alumni. It logically follows then, that some public-speaking training would not necessarily hamper an alumni’s chances for success.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
A: These law professors are incorrect in their assumption that more time reading case studies independently will lead to alumni success.
This option directly contradicts the professors' proposal without addressing the balance needed between reading case studies and developing public-speaking skills.
B: Alumni success, therefore, is contingent upon an equal balance between public-speaking and reading case studies.
This option introduces a conclusion not supported by the provided evidence, which doesn't specify an "equal balance."
C: Attorneys who cannot verbally articulate case studies will not have as much success in the workplace as those who can.
This option assumes a correlation between verbal articulation and success that isn't explicitly supported by the argument, which merely states that verbal skills are frequently required.
E: The university should expand the public-speaking requirement, rather than omit it, as verbal skills are just as valuable as case study knowledge in the workplace.
This option introduces a new recommendation (expanding the public-speaking requirement) that is not directly supported by the evidence provided.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: An ancient palace in Mesopotamia was recently uncovered, revealing three antechambers relatively undamaged. The heights of the doorways between the chambers were measured, and found to be on average no greater than 4.5 feet tall. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the chambers found were intended for children and young adults, and could very well have been used as a nursery. Q. Which of the following is NOT an assumption upon which the argument is based?
A
The height of the doorways did not shrink significantly over time prior to the palace’s discovery.
B
Ancient Mesopotamians were not a lot shorter, on average, than modern humans.
C
The ancient Mesopotamians built doors to accommodate the people who would primarily occupy the rooms behind them.
D
Ancient Mesopotamians were not generally taller than 5 feet at adult height.
E
Human height in ancient times is comparable to modern human height.
Correct Answer: D
The correct answer is (D). The author’s conclusion is that the rooms were for children/young adults, based on the evidence that the doorway height was 4.5 feet tall.
(D) If the ancient Mesopotamians were not generally taller than 5 feet at adult height, it is still possible to conclude that the chambers found were intended for children and young adults. For example if the ancient Mesopotamians were generally 4.9 feet tall on average at adult height, there might be reason to believe that the intended occupants of the chambers were either children or young adults below the average adult height of 4.9 feet. If we negate the statement in (D), the argument still stands.
All the other answer choices provide statements that must be true in order for the conclusion to hold.
For example, if we apply the negation test to answer choice E, the conclusion falls apart. If human height in ancient times is not comparable to modern human height, then it is possible that the intended occupants of the chambers were adults and not children or young adults as the argument suggests (if the average adult height in ancient times was less than 4.5 feet).
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products. Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:
A
assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.
B
lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.
C
doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.
D
suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.
E
limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.
Correct Answer: C
The correct response is (C). This question asks about a flaw in logic. Reflect upon the argument and expose its logical flaw before reading the answer choices. The reasoning here is that if one product’s popularity increases, while another’s decreases, it must mean that consumers are choosing the one over the other. The assumption is that there is no other reason to explain these statistics. Any number of things could have caused these changes in patterns of consumption, so it is irresponsible to assume that one was directly linked to the other.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
A: assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.
This option doesn't address the main flaw of failing to consider alternative explanations for the observed trends.
B: lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.
While specific numbers might strengthen the argument, the primary flaw lies in the logical leap made without considering other possible explanations.
D: suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.
The argument does not hinge on the assumption that iPod and iPhone retailers are the same, so this is not the primary flaw.
E: limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.
The flaw is not about the scope being limited but about the failure to consider other possible reasons for the observed trends in sales.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: Many of the yachts anchored in Cannes boast a luxurious Jacuzzi on their uppermost deck. Almost 80% of the yachts that were sold in the past ten years in Cannes are older models, and none of them had built-in Jacuzzis. Q. The information above most strongly supports which of the following?
A
Only new yacht-models come with Jacuzzis.
B
None of the newer yacht-models with Jacuzzis will be sold in the next ten years.
C
All yachts in Cannes without Jacuzzis were sold in the past ten years.
D
People shopping for yachts will likely choose an older-model with a Jacuzzi than an older-model without a Jacuzzi.
E
Some newer yacht-models were sold in the past ten years in Cannes.
Correct Answer: E
The passage provides two key pieces of information: 1. Many yachts in Cannes have Jacuzzis. 2. Almost 80% of yachts sold in the past ten years were older models without Jacuzzis.
Option E is correct because: If 80% of yachts sold were older models, then approximately 20% of yachts sold were newer models. Since newer models could have Jacuzzis and older models did not, it is logical to infer that some newer models, possibly with Jacuzzis, were sold in the past ten years.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect A: Only new yacht-models come with Jacuzzis. The passage does not provide enough information to support the exclusivity of Jacuzzis to new models. It only states that many yachts have Jacuzzis and none of the older models sold in the past ten years had them.
B: None of the newer yacht-models with Jacuzzis will be sold in the next ten years. The passage does not provide any information about future sales trends, so this statement cannot be supported.
C: All yachts in Cannes without Jacuzzis were sold in the past ten years. This option is too strong and not supported by the passage. It only mentions the percentage of yachts sold and their features but does not account for all yachts in Cannes.
D: People shopping for yachts will likely choose an older model with a Jacuzzi over an older model without a Jacuzzi. The passage does not discuss buyer preferences in this way. It only provides sales data and features of yachts, not the reasons behind purchase decisions.
Option E is the only choice that can be directly inferred from the given information.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: Botanist: The Lady’s Slipper is a type of orchid that requires bright light, but no direct sun, relatively consistent room temperature, and water no more than twice a month for maximum growth. Our newest greenhouse comes with a watering system that has been tested with the Lady’s Slipper orchids, and can be programmed to release water onto the orchids once every two weeks. The new greenhouse is already capable of maintaining a constant room temperature and blocking out direct sunlight, so we can confidently state the new greenhouse is ideal for their growth. Q. Which of the following is an assumption required by the botanist’s conclusion?
A
The watering system will not over-water the orchids when it does release water.
B
The new greenhouse is capable of either emitting or permitting light to reach the Lady’s Slipper.
C
The average consumer will have the ability to program the watering system.
D
The constant room temperature can be set at a variety of degrees.
E
The greenhouse is large enough to accommodate the average maximum growth of the Lady’s Slipper.
Correct Answer: B
The botanist’s conclusion is that the new greenhouse is ideal for the growth of Lady’s Slipper orchids. This conclusion relies on the assumption that all necessary conditions for the orchids' growth are met.
Option B is correct because:
For the new greenhouse to be ideal, it must provide "bright light" necessary for the orchids, which is not addressed by its ability to block direct sunlight.
Without this assumption, the greenhouse cannot be deemed suitable for the orchids, as bright light is a crucial requirement.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
A: The watering system will not over-water the orchids when it does release water.
This option addresses the functionality of the watering system but does not affect the provision of light, which is a critical part of the conclusion about the greenhouse being ideal.
C: The average consumer will have the ability to program the watering system.
This is irrelevant to the greenhouse’s conditions. The ability of consumers to program the system does not impact the orchid’s growing conditions.
D: The constant room temperature can be set at a variety of degrees.
This option is not relevant to the assumption needed for bright light. The temperature control is already stated as a feature.
E: The greenhouse is large enough to accommodate the average maximum growth of the Lady’s Slipper.
This focuses on the size of the greenhouse, not on the light conditions necessary for the orchids.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: In most truck drivers, taking caffeine pills regularly usually leads to a higher average efficiency in terms of miles travelled each day. Recent data has shown that the locations of the greatest number of car accidents involving multiple trucks occurred near stores selling large quantities of the types of caffeine pills most frequently purchased by truck drivers. Thus, caffeine pill intake among truck drivers leads to an increased number of car accidents. Q. Which of the following most accurately describes the major flaw in the author’s reasoning?
A
The author assumes that truck drivers speed because of the caffeine pills.
B
The author does not allow for other reasons for the proximity of the caffeine suppliers to the location of the car accidents.
C
The argument assumes that higher average efficiency means truck drivers are speeding.
D
The author assumes speeding causes most serious accidents.
E
The argument fails to take into account the actions of any non-trucks potentially involved in these accidents.
Correct Answer: B
Flaw in Reasoning: The author assumes a causal link between caffeine pill consumption and accidents based on their proximity to stores selling these pills, without considering other potential reasons for the location of these accidents.
Correct Answer: Option B: The author does not allow for other reasons for the proximity of the caffeine suppliers to the location of the car accidents. This is correct because the argument overlooks other factors that might explain why accidents happen near these stores, such as high traffic areas or other common destinations for truck drivers.
Incorrect Options
Option A: Assumes truck drivers speed because of caffeine pills. This isn't the main flaw, as the argument doesn't explicitly link caffeine pills to speeding.
Option C: Assumes higher efficiency means speeding. The argument does not hinge on the relationship between efficiency and speeding.
Option D: Assumes speeding causes most serious accidents. This assumption isn't central to the argument's flaw.
Option E: Fails to account for non-truck actions in accidents. While potentially relevant, this isn't the primary issue with the causal link being made.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Try yourself: The city council of Town X has very little effective power. It has been primarily a deliberative body, with real decisions coming down from the mayor’s office. No city can claim to have effective leadership without a strong city council, and Town X is widely praised for its effective leadership. It follows, then, that the city council of Town X _______. Q. Which of the following best completes the argument?
A
could not be considered effective unless it’s false that Town X has strong leadership
B
actually wields the true power within Town X’s leadership branch
C
supports unilaterally the decisions from the mayor’s office
D
is representative of most deliberative bodies
E
is able to bolster Town X’s leadership through deliberation
Correct Answer: E
The correct response is (E). The issue that needs to be resolved here is: why is Town X praised for its leadership, though its city council has very little effective power? It must be that a “strong city council” and a city council that is “deliberative” are not mutually exclusive.
If you chose (A), this simply negates part of the premise. The phrase “it follows” indicates an extension of the previous sentence’s idea, not a negation of it.
If you chose (B), this is too extreme. It must be true that the city council is “strong,” but stating it wields the “true power” is too big a leap.
If you chose (C), there is no evidence about the interactions between the city council and the mayor’s office. We only know the mayor’s office makes the major decisions. It is possible that as a deliberative body, many members of the city council do NOT support these decisions.
If you chose (D), this is irrelevant. What does and does not characterize deliberative bodies is outside the scope of this argument.
FAQs on Critical Reasoning (CR) Practice Questions - 2
1. How can I improve my critical reasoning skills for the GMAT?
Ans. To improve your critical reasoning skills for the GMAT, you can practice regularly with official GMAT practice questions, analyze your mistakes, and focus on understanding the logic behind each answer choice.
2. What are the common types of questions in the GMAT critical reasoning section?
Ans. Common types of questions in the GMAT critical reasoning section include strengthen the argument, weaken the argument, identify the assumption, and draw a conclusion.
3. Can I use outside knowledge or personal opinions in GMAT critical reasoning questions?
Ans. No, you should only rely on the information provided in the passage to answer GMAT critical reasoning questions. Using outside knowledge or personal opinions can lead to incorrect answers.
4. How can I effectively manage my time during the GMAT critical reasoning section?
Ans. To manage your time effectively during the GMAT critical reasoning section, practice pacing yourself with timed practice questions, and prioritize questions based on difficulty.
5. What is the best approach to tackle GMAT critical reasoning questions with multiple answer choices?
Ans. The best approach to tackle GMAT critical reasoning questions with multiple answer choices is to eliminate obviously incorrect choices first, and then carefully evaluate the remaining options based on the logic of the argument.
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