GMAT Verbal Reasoning – Critical Reasoning Questions

GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions

The Verbal Reasoning Section of the GMAT has two equally represented question types: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Critical Reasoning questions are similar to Reading Comprehension questions in that they begin with a passage of text to read, followed by a multiple-choice question. However, Critical Reasoning passages are shorter than the ones for Reading Comprehension, and you will only answer one question about the passage as opposed to two or four questions for the Reading Comprehension texts. 

Critical Reasoning passages are generally structured as introducing a series of facts, followed by a conclusion made about those facts. In CR questions, the focus is to assess your ability to critically analyze an argument being made and the evidence used to either weaken or strengthen an argument. The aim of the question is different, thus, your strategy to approaching CR questions should also be different. 

Approaching Critical Reasoning Questions

When dealing with Reading Comprehension questions, it makes sense to take the time to give each passage a close read. You are using the same passage for multiple questions, and you are being tested on your ability to comprehend the material. But when answering a Critical Reasoning question, your goal is to analyze a conclusion being made from a set of facts. Thus, your approach shouldn't be the same. Using the following steps, you can cut down the time spent on Critical Reasoning questions and increase your accuracy. 

1. Skim for key words - The first step in approaching a Critical Reasoning question is to skim the text for key words that will point to the claim or conclusion being made in the passage. The question you must answer will be directly related to the conclusion, so save time by first finding that conclusion. Key words or phrases to watch out for:
   • Cause and effect: since, because, therefore, thereby, results in, thus, which means that, it follows that, consequently
   • Conclusion: clearly, obviously, in conclusion
   • Recommendation: should, recommend(ed)
2. Find the Conclusion – Once you have isolated key words, you can find the conclusion the author is drawing in the passage. The question you answer will be directly related to the conclusion, so you want to make sure you have a firm grasp on the claim first.
3. Paraphrase the conclusion – Once you have found the conclusion, you should put it into your own words. In general, using your own words helps you understand the question and simplify the overly confusing writing test-makers tend to use. Once you have reworded the conclusion, it will be easier to quickly find the correct answer.
4. Read the passage with purpose – Now you may need to go back and reread the text with the question and conclusion in mind. This will help you focus on the facts which the claim rests on without wasting a lot of time reading the passage outright.