GMAT Critical Reasoning: No Coincidence

The verbal section of GMAT includes critical reasoning questions, where the prompt are given as an argument. The main task is to analyze the argument by either strengthening it, or weakening it, or looking for any kind of assumptions. The candidates must understand that there is no coincidence while analyzing the argument logically correct. This article includes the details and a few tips for GMAT no coincidence critical reasoning.

GMAT Critical Reasoning: No Coincidence – An Overview

There are almost 13 Critical Reasoning questions that are asked in the GMAT Verbal section, which makes it one-third of the verbal section. In GMAT Critical Reasoning, the candidates don’t need to read a prompt; rather, thinking and reasoning skills are needed with reading skills. The argument prompt is much shorter than a

Unlike GMAT reading Comprehension passage, the arguments are short and have a single question with it.

Common Terms of Critical Reasoning questions are:

• Argument
• Conclusion
• Facts or premises
• Assumption
• Inference

GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions types

GMAT Critical Reasoning questions include

• Weaken the argument by looking for the loopholes in the argument
• Strengthen the argument
• Look for the assumptions as well
• Coming to the conclusion
• Structure of the argument
• Paradox
• Evaluate the conclusion
• And complete the argument

The first four questions hold almost 75% of all GMAT CR questions. The basic idea is when you know what you do then you will be reading the given argument with that mindset only. GMAT critical reasoning is difficult, but it is possible to ace these questions with these following GMAT Critical reasoning tips:

Read and Know What You are Looking For

Read between the facts and the conclusion, though concluding might get complex. Understanding what the examiner asks is useful to answer GMAT critical reasoning question. Many times the students get confused, so reading is important.

Check the Conclusion

Rather than hovering over the starting point, move on to the conclusion. This is one of the best ways to attack an argument without even getting into the specifics of the argument.

If the original conclusion of the argument required is unreasonable, illogical, or absurd, be sure that there is something wrong. It doesn’t matter how you reached to any conclusion using the argument given if it implies something faulty, it’s a faulty conclusion.

Review all the Answers

In all Critical Reasoning questions, there is only one correct answer. Rest of the answers are confusing as they are close to the correct one. We advise the candidates to mark the answer by reviewing all the answer options. Reaffirming or undercutting the assumption of an argument is the best way to strengthen or weaken your answer.

By looking for the assumptions in the argument, you can find the flaw of the arguments, whether you are supporting the argument or not, it must be logically correct and not based on any kind of coincidences.

Use own Words

Examiners intentionally write the sentences in the most confusing way to make it more difficult for the test takers. The question where you are not able to predict the answers, using own words can help to crack GMAT Critical Reasoning questions faster and more accurately.

This technique also contributes to a better understanding of the question itself. Summarizing each sentence can give the main idea of the passage and it becomes easy to manipulate things.

Understand Bad Evidence

Good evidence is the basis of everything, but for GAMT critical reasoning, test-takers have to pick the good ones. It is difficult to call a scientifically validated study into question, but that is not the case of held beliefs. An argument with a general belief can weaken the argument in many cases.

While weakening the Argument, remember to

• Question the evidence cited, and/or question the starting point
• Show argument that leads to an illogical or absurd further conclusion
• Ensure whether the arguments are real or coincidental while dealing with the causality or false causality arguments
• Understand the cause to get the right answer

GMAT Critical Reasoning is a test to test your Logical skills and is not based on Coincidence, so candidates need to stay logical throughout while reaching the conclusion. The conclusion can be inductive or deductive – so, don’t get confused. You can assume all the options are true, if it still appears difficult, remember your task is not to check whether the answers are true or not; rather you need to logically reach a conclusion. It is definitely not easy– but the good quality practice of GMAT verbal can make it a fun learning.