GMAT Reading Comprehension

Instructions:

• Answer 43 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. Classic flaws in Critical Reasoning 'Flaw Questions' stem
Mistaking correlation for causation - confusing actual value with percent
Non countable things 'How much'
OTHER
A common flaw where... argues from a generalization true for the most part to a particular case (in contrast to induction - which argues from particular cases to generalisations).


2. In Critical Reasoning Inference questions - an inference may follow from a single...
Non countable things 'How much'
From -between... and
Identify another flaw in author's reasoning; explain why it is questionable
Sentence or fact


3. Bolded statement questions commonly ask to choose the answer that...
A common flaw where... argues from a generalization true for the most part to a particular case (in contrast to induction - which argues from particular cases to generalisations).
'but also'
Identify most offensive flaw in author's reasoning; explain why it is questionable
Finds a connection between the 2 parts of the stimulus in boldface


4. Limiting Words

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5. Items being compared must be both ... and ... comparable
Grammatically...logically
Describe evidence that would STRENGTHEN the argument and CONCLUDE that without such evidence you're not persuaded (DON'T have 1 sad and lonely sentence here).
Only infinitive e.g. 'to turn' (never 'to turning')
Point of the author's argument. Conclusion words - the One Sentence Test - Fact vs Opinion


6. 'Not only' is always followed by

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7. Reading Comprehension Inference questions
OTHER
'as'
Parallel structure
Make sure there is DIRECT DETAILED support for inference in the question stimulus but usually NOT CATEGORICAL


8. Strategy for Critical Reasoning questions
At FEWER than 68000 people
Make sure that the subject of that phrase is what follows the comma (e.g. p175 qq34-36 of coursebook)
1. Identify the question type 2. Untangle the stimulus 3. Predict the answer 4. Evaluate choices
'as'


9. Typical pronouns that cause trouble
'as'
It - they - its - their - them - which and that
Parallel structure
A common flaw where... lack focus of evidence and focus of conclusion


10. Answer choices with word 'being'...
After the verb
Are usually wrong
'with'
Parallel structure


11. Disconnect
A common flaw where... (Most of what authority a has to say on subject matter S is correct. a says p about S. Therefore - p is correct.)
A common flaw where... lack focus of evidence and focus of conclusion
Answers are outside scope - 180s - and irrelevant comparisons.
Sentence or fact


12. Answer choices with 'There is/are/has/have'...
1) Read strategically: Passage Map - Topic/Scope/Purpose or Main Idea 2) Analyse question stem 3) Research relevant text in passage 4) Make Prediction 5) Evaluate answer choices
Are usually wrong
Answers are outside scope - 180s - and irrelevant comparisons.
Finds a connection between the 2 parts of the stimulus in boldface


13. Argument Essay Para 4

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14. To be regarded 'as' or not 'as'

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15. To+verb: verb can be in which tense?

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16. Preposition after verb 'to credit'

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17. When there is a modifying phrase at the beginning of the sentence -
Make sure that the subject of that phrase is what follows the comma (e.g. p175 qq34-36 of coursebook)
A common flaw where... argues from a generalization true for the most part to a particular case (in contrast to induction - which argues from particular cases to generalisations).
Only infinitive e.g. 'to turn' (never 'to turning')
Show that you understand the argument by PARAPHRASING it and saying IT FAILS TO CONVINCE (don't have to say why yet)


18. Typical wrong answers in Critical Reasoning
Make sure that the subject of that phrase is what follows the comma (e.g. p175 qq34-36 of coursebook)
Sentence or fact
A native of
Answers are outside scope - 180s - and irrelevant comparisons.


19. Strategy for Reading Comprehension
Grammatically...logically
A common flaw where... (is the relationship causal? are there other possible causes?)
1. Identify the question type 2. Untangle the stimulus 3. Predict the answer 4. Evaluate choices
1) Read strategically: Passage Map - Topic/Scope/Purpose or Main Idea 2) Analyse question stem 3) Research relevant text in passage 4) Make Prediction 5) Evaluate answer choices


20. Argument Essay Paragraph 1

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21. Causation/correlation
Grammatically...logically
OTHER
Answers are outside scope - 180s - and irrelevant comparisons.
A common flaw where... (is the relationship causal? are there other possible causes?)


22. What is the conclusion in Critical Reasoning questions? How do you find it.

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23. 'Less' and 'amount' refer to ...and answer the question...

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24. Preposition after 'to be considered'
Make sure that the subject of that phrase is what follows the comma (e.g. p175 qq34-36 of coursebook)
Identify another flaw in author's reasoning; explain why it is questionable
'with'
None


25. A person is 'a native of' / 'native to' the UK?
A native of
None
At FEWER than 68000 people
Only infinitive e.g. 'to turn' (never 'to turning')


26. Argument Essay Para 3

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27. 'Fewer' and 'number' refer to ...and answer the question...

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28. A statistical syllogism (proportional syllogism or direct inference)
At FEWER than 68000 people
Identify most offensive flaw in author's reasoning; explain why it is questionable
1) Read strategically: Passage Map - Topic/Scope/Purpose or Main Idea 2) Analyse question stem 3) Research relevant text in passage 4) Make Prediction 5) Evaluate answer choices
A common flaw where... argues from a generalization true for the most part to a particular case (in contrast to induction - which argues from particular cases to generalisations).


29. Preposition after 'to be modelled'
Countable things 'How many'
Parallel structure
1) Read the original sentence carefully - LOOKING FOR ERRORS; if you don't spot errors - go to step 2: 2) Scan and group the answer choices 3) Eliminate choices until only one remains
After


30. A llama is 'a native of' / 'native to' Peru
1. Identify the question type 2. Untangle the stimulus 3. Predict the answer 4. Evaluate choices
Native to
Are usually wrong
From -between... and


31. What is the evidence in Critical Reasoning questions?

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32. 'Distinguish red ... green' 'distinguish .... red ... green
Make sure that the subject of that phrase is what follows the comma (e.g. p175 qq34-36 of coursebook)
From -between... and
Are usually wrong
Finds a connection between the 2 parts of the stimulus in boldface


33. 'With total employment at less than 68000 people...' what should change?
Are usually wrong
A common flaw where... lack focus of evidence and focus of conclusion
At FEWER than 68000 people
Make sure there is DIRECT DETAILED support for inference in the question stimulus but usually NOT CATEGORICAL


34. Strategy for Sentence Correction

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35. Argument Essay Paragraph 2

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36. 'Like' or 'unlike' triggers

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37. Various subjects enumerated with an 'OR' indicates singular or plural for verb conjugation?
None
Grammatically...logically
To shrink back physically or emotionally
Singular


38. Recoil
Describe evidence that would STRENGTHEN the argument and CONCLUDE that without such evidence you're not persuaded (DON'T have 1 sad and lonely sentence here).
'but also'
To shrink back physically or emotionally
Identify another flaw in author's reasoning; explain why it is questionable


39. Appeal to authority
Make sure there is DIRECT DETAILED support for inference in the question stimulus but usually NOT CATEGORICAL
A common flaw where... (Most of what authority a has to say on subject matter S is correct. a says p about S. Therefore - p is correct.)
Non countable things 'How much'
1) Read the original sentence carefully - LOOKING FOR ERRORS; if you don't spot errors - go to step 2: 2) Scan and group the answer choices 3) Eliminate choices until only one remains


40. 'There is' 'There are'. where is the subject
After the verb
1) Read the original sentence carefully - LOOKING FOR ERRORS; if you don't spot errors - go to step 2: 2) Scan and group the answer choices 3) Eliminate choices until only one remains
Make sure that the subject of that phrase is what follows the comma (e.g. p175 qq34-36 of coursebook)
Describe evidence that would STRENGTHEN the argument and CONCLUDE that without such evidence you're not persuaded (DON'T have 1 sad and lonely sentence here).


41. 'Better than at any time' or 'better than at any OTHER time'?
OTHER
Countable things 'How many'
None
Point of the author's argument. Conclusion words - the One Sentence Test - Fact vs Opinion


42. Confusion of absolute numbers and percentages
Are usually wrong
A common flaw where... for example - which is larger - one-third of x or one-half of y? Without any information to compare x and y - we cannot answer this question.
A common flaw where... argues from a generalization true for the most part to a particular case (in contrast to induction - which argues from particular cases to generalisations).
From -between... and


43. Analogies - metaphors and other comparisons all require...
Parallel structure
Countable things 'How many'
After
Grammatically...logically