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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. 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
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
S-W-Slash Chart
2. 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.
Draw a Conclusion
The T Diagram
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
3. 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
Assumption
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
Diagramming Efficiently
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)
4. 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.
Finding the Conclusion
Argument Structure
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
5. 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.
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
Major Question Types
Extreme Words
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
6. 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
Fill in a logic gap
Identifying the Question Type
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
7. 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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8. 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
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Wrong Direction
Find the Assumption Questions
The T Diagram
9. Since - Due to - As a result of - Because - Given that - As
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Wrong Direction
Weaken 'EXCEPT' Questions
Signal Words for Premises
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No tie to the conclusion
10. Answers require you to assume at least one piece of information not explicitly presented in the argument.
Strengthen the Conclusion
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
Restate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
11. 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 the Conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
The AC that gives a new - fact-based premise
Signal Words for Conclusion
12. Unstated parts of an argument that are necessary to reach the given conclusion. NEVER stated in the written argument.
Assumption
Extreme Words
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
Diagramming Efficiently
13. Therefore - As a result - Suggests - It follows that - Indicates - Accordingly - So - Consequently - Thus - Hence - Should
Signal Words for Conclusion
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
Argument Structure
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
14. 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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15. 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.
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
Establish the feasibility of the premises of an argument
Extreme Words
Strengthen the Conclusion
16. Explains or leads to a premise instead of the conclusion
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
What Correct answers do
Identify all claims from facts (which can be proven) - Alternate Way to Find the Conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Addresses the premise only
17. 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
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
Diagramming Efficiently
18. 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
Identifying the Question Type
Draw a Conclusion
Signal Words for Premises
Signal Words for Conclusion
19. 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
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
Diagramming Efficiently
Identifying the Question Type
Finding the Conclusion
20. 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
LEN: Least Extreme Negation Technique
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
21. 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
Extreme Words
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Wrong direction
The 'Therefore' test
22. 1. Expose a faulty or tenuous assumption OR 2. Negatively impacts the conclusion directly
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Extreme Words
What Correct answers do
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
23. The main point of the argument - logically supported by the assumptions and premises. In the form of an opinion or claim.
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
Signal Words for Conclusion
The T Diagram
Conclusion
24. 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.
Boundary Words
Weaken the Conclusion
Identifying the Question Type
The AC that gives a new - fact-based premise
25. 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
Evaluate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Strengthen the Conclusion
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
Identifying the Question Type
26. 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 -
'Except' and 'Fill in the Blank' Questions
LEN Examples
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
27. 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
The 'Therefore' test
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
28. Stated pieces of information or evidence that provide support for the conclusion (facts - opinions or claims).
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
Premise
Finding the Conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
29. Select a situation that best exemplifies the conclusion
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
30. 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
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
'Fill in the Blank'
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - No ties to the conclusion
31. Proposes faulty mathematical or logical reasoning - make sure that any substituted expressions are truly synonyms
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
How to Diagram an Argument: The T-Diagram
Extreme Words
32. Many answer choices weaken the argument instead of strengthening it - make sure to note the question type so as to choose the correct answer
Negating an assumption
Identifying the Question Type
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Wrong direction
33. 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
Weaken 'EXCEPT' Questions
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No tie to the conclusion
Diagramming Efficiently
Find the Assumption Questions
34. The answer choice MUST be true!
Weaken 'EXCEPT' Questions
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices
35. Answer choice replaces a fundamental term with something that seems like a synonym or introduces extreme words - common between numbers - percentages and proportions
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Switching Terms
Boundary & Extreme Words in Answer Choices
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
36. 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
'Except' and 'Fill in the Blank' Questions
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Out of Scope
Strengthen the Conclusion
Negating an assumption
37. 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
Weaken the Conclusion
Identify all claims from facts (which can be proven) - Alternate Way to Find the Conclusion
Boundary Words
LEN Examples
38. 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
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No tie to the conclusion
Assumption: Ties to the Conclusion
39. 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
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Switching terms
Argument Structure
MQT: Analyze Argument Structure
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
40. Identify the conclusion and choose the best AC that restates or paraphrases it
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Follow on
Find the Assumption Questions
Identify all claims from facts (which can be proven) - Alternate Way to Find the Conclusion
Restate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
41. If an argument involves percentages - use real - concrete numbers. The words inference - assertion - prediction and claim are all synonyms for conclusion.
Draw a Conclusion: Stay Close to the Premises
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
'Fill in the Blank'
Use Real Numbers - Make an Inference
42. 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
Provide an Example A Minor Question Type (MQT)
LEN: Least Extreme Negation Technique
Can eliminate alternate causes for a given conclusion
Evaluate the Conclusion A Minor Question Type (MQT)
43. 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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44. 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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45. Tied to a premise and provides unnecessary information about a premise - if the premise is already a stated fact - it doesn't need support - make sure the answer choice is not simply related to the conclusion but supports it
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - No Tie to the Conclusion
The 'Therefore' test
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
The AC that gives a new - fact-based premise
46. 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
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
S-W-Slash Chart
Signal Words for Premises
Weaken the Conclusion: Argument/Counterargument
47. Premise + (assumption) = Conclusion
Identifying the Parts of an Argument
Argument Structure
Weaken the Conclusion
Strengthen the Conclusion
48. 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. _______
'Fill in the Blank'
Wrong Answer Choice Types: Draw a Conclusion - Wrong Direction
Extreme Words
What Correct answers do
49. 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
Diagramming Efficiently
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
Minor Question Type: Explain an Event or Discrepancy
Mimic the Argument A Minor Question Type (MQT)
50. Follows on from the conclusion instead of identifying an assumption that underlies the conclusion
Assumptions: Wrong Answer Choices - Follow on
Strengthen the Conclusion: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong Direction
Weaken: Wrong Answer Choice Type - Wrong direction
Negating an assumption