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