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Test your basic knowledge |
GMAT Critical Reasoning
Start Test
Study First
Subjects
:
gmat
,
logic-and-reasoning
Instructions:
Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
If you are not ready to take this test, you can
study here
.
Match each statement with the correct term.
Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.
This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Stated pieces of information or evidence that provide support for the conclusion (facts - opinions or claims).
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
The AC that gives a new - fact-based premise
Premise
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
2. Identify the conclusion and choose the best AC that restates or paraphrases it
Negating an assumption
Restate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
'Fill in the Blank'
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
3. An answer choice that weakens the conclusion without requiring significant leaps of logic is likely correct. Use an S-W-slash chart on EXCEPT questions with confusing wording. Four answer choices will weaken - one will not. The correct answer choice
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4. Is a disguised version of a known question type. Once you recognize what type it is - use the standard strategies for that type.
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5. Proposes faulty mathematical or logical reasoning - make sure that any substituted expressions are truly synonyms
S-W-Slash Chart
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Follow on
6. To help the process of elimination: 1. Write down letters A-E. 2. Evaluate each answer choice and note whether a. It strengthens the conclusion with an S b. it weakens the conclusion with a W c. Is irrelevant to the conclusion with a slash through it
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
S-W-Slash Chart
7. Provides an assumption that is not actually necessary for the conclusion to be logically valid. - breaks up a category subtype
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Follow on
Major Question Types
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
Identify all claims from facts (which can be proven) - Alternate Way to Find the Conclusion
8. Arguments contain 2 opposing points of view. Assess answer choices by holding them in opposition to the conclusion or one of its assumptions. 1. Identify the conclusion from the point of view of the author. 2. Note the counter-claim and it's proponen
Major Question Types
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
What Correct answers do
9. Follows on from the conclusion instead of identifying an assumption that underlies the conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Follow on
The T Diagram
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)
10. Describe the role of a part or parts of an argument - often use argument/counterargument structure (use modified T-diagram) Don't spend too much time - eliminate a few choices and move on. Two boldfaced statements - determine the role each one plays
Strengthen the Conclusion
Eliminate alternate paths to reach a given conclusion
Draw a Conclusion
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
11. A category of assumption - Reflects opinions or claims and that these are true or that a sequence of events will occur in a way the argument assumes.
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
The 'Therefore' test
Boundary Words
Answer Choices: Process of Elimination
12. Look for the assumption to: 1. Bridge agap between any premise and the conclusion. 2. Support/strengthen/validate the conclusion. The answer doesn't have to be the only necessary assumption. The right answer is often 'necessary but not sufficient.' I
'Except' and 'Fill in the Blank' Questions
Argument Structure
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
13. Solve a problem posed by the premises - correct AC should directly counteract or fix a given problem. Tend to appear as a new premise - wrong AC will address some piece of the argument but not counteract or fix the problem. Some wrong AC will reinfor
Resolve a Problem A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Weaken the Conclusion
'Fill in the Blank'
Signal Words for Premises
14. Only use this method when the primary patterns do not apply. A) predict the future - will - should - can be expected to - could result in - are likely to B) subjective opinion - anything that cannot be proven C) cause & effect - if...then - as a resu
Identify all claims from facts (which can be proven) - Alternate Way to Find the Conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
'Except' and 'Fill in the Blank' Questions
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)
15. The main point of the argument - logically supported by the assumptions and premises. In the form of an opinion or claim.
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
Conclusion
16. Unstated parts of an argument that are necessary to reach the given conclusion. NEVER stated in the written argument.
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
Assumption
Strengthen the Conclusion
17. 1. Draw a large T - leaving more room on the left 'pro' side than the right 'con' side. 2. Look for the conclusion and write it on the top of the T. 3. Read the argument sentence by sentence. Write any pro premises on the left and cons on the right.
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
The T Diagram
Signal Words for Premises
Answer Choices: Process of Elimination
18. 1. Focus on the essential meaning. 2. Use EXTREME shorthand.3. Keep terms the same - try to keep exact wording of key points. 4. Make sure you understand what you are writing.
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
S-W-Slash Chart
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
19. Extreme words make the answer choices incorrect - unless the argument explicitly justifies/states extreme words. A correct answer choice must be 100% true. When you see boundary or extreme words in an answer - ask 'what is the most extreme example I
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
Diagramming Efficiently
Extreme Words
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
20. The answer choice MUST be true!
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
21. They limit the scope of an argument and can be useful in identifying incorrect answer choices. They provide nuances to the argument - which can help you make some answer choices correct or incorrect. When diagramming - be sure to include boundary wor
Boundary Words
Signal Words for Conclusion
Find the Assumption Questions
Premise
22. In order to clarify a question stem with EXCEPT - rephrase the EXCEPT statement into a question - inserting the word NOT and eliminating the word EXCEPT. Ex: 'Each of the following helps to explain event X except...' turns into 'Which one does NOT ex
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23. Read the passage and label each boldface as Fact - Opinion - or Conclusion. Skim each answer choice - only looking for terminology matching F - O - C. Eliminate AC that don't match F - O - C classification.
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure - faster approach
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
24. A category of assumption - uses some type of superlative qualifier like only/best/worst way - there shouldn't be another way or better/worse way.
Evaluate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
Eliminate alternate paths to reach a given conclusion
25. A powerful technique. If an answer choice in a question is negated and the argument becomes nonsensical - then the answer choice is almost certainly correct. An argument might depend on several assumptions - any of which could be the answer. However
Resolve a Problem A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Major Question Types
LEN: Least Extreme Negation Technique
Negating an assumption
26. If you have two claims X & Y - ask yourself which leads to the other. A) 'X - therefore Y'. If this works - Y is the conclusion. B) 'Y - therefore X'. If this works - X is the conclusion. The deduction that takes place last logically in the sequence
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27. Identify information that would help evaluate the validity of a given conclusion - the correct AC will provide a way to TEST the conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
Resolve a Problem A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
Evaluate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
28. A category of assumption - 'how do we logically get from Point A to Point B?' - key words: therefore - because - for this reason - etc. - fact-based or background information; occasionally reflects an opinion or claim
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Resolve a Problem A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
Fill in a logic gap
29. 1. Look for the conclusion - often the last sentence of an argument - but sometimes the first. 2. Find the premises that lead to the conclusion - provide ALL the pieces of information written in the argument. - provide evidence that supports or leads
'Fill in the Blank'
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
Fill in a logic gap
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
30. A category of assumption - cause and effect conclusions; correlation is not causation. - look for an assumption that eliminates an alternate model of causation - you must rule out the causality in the other direction
Restate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Can eliminate alternate causes for a given conclusion
Strengthen the Conclusion
Argument Structure
31. Select a situation that best exemplifies the conclusion
Assumption
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Wrong direction
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Weaken the Conclusion
32. Answer choice replaces a fundamental term with something that seems like a synonym or introduces extreme words - common between numbers - percentages and proportions
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Find the Assumption Questions
S-W-Slash Chart
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
33. Always - never - all -none - etc. They make the argument very broad or far-reaching - making it susceptible to attack. Note any extreme language used in premises or conclusions with an (!). This strategy ONLY applies to words in the argument. _______
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Wrong direction
Extreme Words
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
34. 1. Abbreviate anything you can but don't abbreviate so much that you change or lose the argument. 2. Underline key words - details and boundary words. 3. Use arrows to indicate cause and effect relationships. 4. Identify point of view with a colon to
Minor Question Type: Explain an Event or Discrepancy
Diagramming Efficiently
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
Strengthen the Conclusion
35. 1. Expose a faulty or tenuous assumption OR 2. Negatively impacts the conclusion directly
Diagramming Efficiently
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
S-W-Slash Chart
What Correct answers do
36. Answer choice provides the opposite of what you are looking for
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Wrong direction
37. Most common among critical reasoning questions.Correct answers do NOT need to make the conclusion false or invalid; just needs to make it less likely that the conclusion is valid.
Evaluate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Weaken the Conclusion
Eliminate alternate paths to reach a given conclusion
Diagramming Efficiently
38. When reading any question stem - try to classify the problem. Then - as you diagram - proactively find answers for the question type. Read the question stem first. If it is not immediately helpful - do not dwell. The process of diagramming will gener
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Identifying the Question Type
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
The 'Therefore' test
39. Use your paper to visibly eliminate answer choices A-E. Cross out incorrect choices and circle the correct answers. Check all of the answer choices even if you believe you have found the correct one. You may find that another answer choice is potenti
Strengthen the Conclusion
Diagramming Efficiently
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
Answer Choices: Process of Elimination
40. Answers require you to assume at least one piece of information not explicitly presented in the argument.
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
Evaluate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Signal Words for Premises
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
41. Since - Due to - As a result of - Because - Given that - As
LEN Examples
Diagramming Efficiently
Negating an assumption
Signal Words for Premises
42. Premise + (assumption) = Conclusion
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Wrong Direction
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
Argument Structure
43. Provide unnecessary information about a premise - make sure answer choices are not simply related to the conclusion but also weaken it - an answer choice can seem realistic - but only need to determine whether it weakens the argument
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No tie to the conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
44. Conclude something from a given set of premises - the conclusion you draw must be true as a result of only the given premises; it should not require any additional assumptions. Sample question stems: 'If the statements above are true - which of the f
Draw a Conclusion
Argument Structure
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Major Question Types
45. Presented in 3 common ways - so read the question first! 1. Question contains the conclusion. 2. Question hints at the conclusion in the argument. 3. Argument contains an obvious conclusion - indicated by a clear signal word. Some GMAT questions ask
Finding the Conclusion
Resolve a Problem A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
Identifying the Question Type
46. Analyze the logical flow of a argument and choose the AC that most closely mimics the argument flow or structure - be sure to not spend too much time
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
The T Diagram
What Correct answers do
47. In 'Explain an Event or Discrepancy' - Look for __________ that shows why the discrepancy is not one - after you add it to existing premises - it shoul make sense all together - correct AC fills a logical hole in the argument - allowing all premises
The AC that gives a new - fact-based premise
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
Can eliminate alternate causes for a given conclusion
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
48. The conclusion you select should be supported by at least some of the premises. The conclusion does NOT need to address all of the premises. A correct answer may be a mathematical or logical deduction. In this type of question - the entire body of th
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
Answer Choices: Process of Elimination
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
Diagramming Efficiently
49. Commonly uses words 'assumption - assume - flaw or questionable'. Assumptions serve as a necessary bridge between the premises and the conclusion. The correct answer choice of an assumption question must be necessary to the conclusion of the argument
Negating an assumption
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Find the Assumption Questions
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
50. 1. Find the assumption. 2. Draw a conclusion. 3. Strengthen the conclusion. 4. Weaken the conclusion. 5. Explain an event or discrepancy. 6. Analyze the argument structure. 7. Evaluate the conclusion. 8. Resolve a problem. 9. Provide an example. 10.
The AC that gives a new - fact-based premise
Boundary Words
Major Question Types
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument