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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. Follows on from the conclusion instead of identifying an assumption that underlies the conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Follow on
'Except' and 'Fill in the Blank' Questions
Weaken the Conclusion
Extreme Words
2. Many answer choices weaken the argument instead of strengthening it - make sure to note the question type so as to choose the correct answer
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Weaken the Conclusion
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
3. 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.
S-W-Slash Chart
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Wrong Direction
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
4. 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
Identifying the Question Type
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
Negating an assumption
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
5. Since - Due to - As a result of - Because - Given that - As
Find the Assumption Questions
Conclusion
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
Signal Words for Premises
6. 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
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Negating an assumption
7. Provides a conclusion that is opposite of what the argument says.
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Wrong Direction
Argument Structure
Weaken 'EXCEPT' Questions
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
8. 1. Expose a faulty or tenuous assumption OR 2. Negatively impacts the conclusion directly
What Correct answers do
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
Diagramming Efficiently
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
9. 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
Weaken 'EXCEPT' Questions
The AC that gives a new - fact-based premise
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
10. 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
Evaluate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Fill in a logic gap
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Follow on
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
11. Answer choice replaces a fundamental term with something that seems like a synonym or introduces extreme words - common between numbers - percentages and proportions
Minor Question Type: Explain an Event or Discrepancy
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
12. Proposes faulty mathematical or logical reasoning - make sure that any substituted expressions are truly synonyms
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
Finding the Conclusion
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No tie to the conclusion
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
13. 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
14. Premise + (assumption) = Conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Wrong direction
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
Argument Structure
15. Provides an assumption that is not actually necessary for the conclusion to be logically valid. - breaks up a category subtype
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
The 'Therefore' test
Answer Choices: Process of Elimination
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
16. 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
Weaken 'EXCEPT' Questions
Extreme Words
Assumption
Fill in a logic gap
17. 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.
Weaken 'EXCEPT' Questions
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Wrong direction
Negating an assumption
Major Question Types
18. 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
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure - faster approach
Strengthen the Conclusion
S-W-Slash Chart
Extreme Words
19. What do you do when two or more answer choices are very tempting? Use the Least Extreme Negation (LEN) technique. - negate answer choices to see whether the argument fails - use the least extreme negation possible. If the conclusion can still follow
Fill in a logic gap
Boundary Words
LEN: Least Extreme Negation Technique
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
20. 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
Diagramming Efficiently
Signal Words for Premises
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No tie to the conclusion
Conclusion
21. Unstated parts of an argument that are necessary to reach the given conclusion. NEVER stated in the written argument.
Assumption
Major Question Types
Draw a Conclusion
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure - faster approach
22. Make sure to note if a question is strengthen or weaken the conclusion so as to not mistakenly choose the wrong answer - use an S-W-slash chart
Finding the Conclusion
'Except' and 'Fill in the Blank' Questions
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
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.
S-W-Slash Chart
Strengthen the Conclusion
Conclusion
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure - faster approach
24. 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
Premise
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
Restate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
25. 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
26. The main point of the argument - logically supported by the assumptions and premises. In the form of an opinion or claim.
Conclusion
Fill in a logic gap
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
Major Question Types
27. The answer choice MUST be true!
Can eliminate alternate causes for a given conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
Restate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
28. 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.
Eliminate alternate paths to reach a given conclusion
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
Fill in a logic gap
Major Question Types
29. Therefore - As a result - Suggests - It follows that - Indicates - Accordingly - So - Consequently - Thus - Hence - Should
Negating an assumption
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
Signal Words for Conclusion
Resolve a Problem A Minor Question Type (MQT)
30. Stated pieces of information or evidence that provide support for the conclusion (facts - opinions or claims).
Find the Assumption Questions
Premise
S-W-Slash Chart
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Follow on
31. 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.
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Wrong Direction
The T Diagram
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
Weaken 'EXCEPT' Questions
32. 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
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
Negating an assumption
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
Identifying the Question Type
33. To strengthen an argument - look for an answer choice that fixes a weakness of the conclusion - validates an assumption - or introduces new supporting evidence. A premise can strengthen or support a conclusion without being necessary for that conclus
'Fill in the Blank'
Strengthen the Conclusion
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
34. If an argument involves percentages - use real - concrete numbers. The words inference - assertion - prediction and claim are all synonyms for conclusion.
Assumption
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure - faster approach
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
Find the Assumption Questions
35. Identify information that would help evaluate the validity of a given conclusion - the correct AC will provide a way to TEST the conclusion
Evaluate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Minor Question Type: Explain an Event or Discrepancy
Argument Structure
Find the Assumption Questions
36. Always - only - all >> insert not necessarily or sometimes... Not - Never - none - not one - not once >> at least one - at least once - Some - a few - several >> no - none - Sometimes - on occasion - often >> never - At least - at most - more than -
LEN Examples
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
37. Is a disguised version of a known question type. Once you recognize what type it is - use the standard strategies for that type.
38. 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
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
Assumption
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
39. Poses two seemingly contradictory premises and find the AC that best reconciles them - Question will indicate the discrepancy or provide a keyword pointing to it in the argument: yet - however - nonetheless - paradoxically - surprising because...Argu
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
Minor Question Type: Explain an Event or Discrepancy
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
40. 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
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
Find the Assumption Questions
LEN Examples
41. 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
Can eliminate alternate causes for a given conclusion
Finding the Conclusion
What Correct answers do
Resolve a Problem A Minor Question Type (MQT)
42. 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
Identifying the Question Type
Answer Choices: Process of Elimination
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
43. 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)
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Strengthen the Conclusion
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No tie to the conclusion
44. 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
Major Question Types
Negating an assumption
Minor Question Type: Explain an Event or Discrepancy
Boundary Words
45. 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
Finding the Conclusion
Find the Assumption Questions
Identify all claims from facts (which can be proven) - Alternate Way to Find the Conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Wrong direction
46. Answers require you to assume at least one piece of information not explicitly presented in the argument.
The T Diagram
Assumption
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
S-W-Slash Chart
47. 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.
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
Minor Question Type: Explain an Event or Discrepancy
Weaken the Conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
48. 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
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
Fill in a logic gap
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
Negating an assumption
49. 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. _______
Can eliminate alternate causes for a given conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
Extreme Words
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
50. Select a situation that best exemplifies the conclusion
Signal Words for Premises
Premise
Minor Question Type: Explain an Event or Discrepancy
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)