GMAT Verbal Strategies: Critical Reasoning

As you map out your Master’s or MBA application plan, one of the pivotal things that you need to make time for is preparing for the GMAT. A strong GMAT score will go a really long way in giving you an edge over other candidates. While the thought of prepping for this important exam may be daunting, rest assured that with the right study plan, expert guidance, and smart GMAT strategies, you can give yourself the best chance at success in this test.

?The GMAT Verbal section is divided into three distinct types of questions – reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. To tackle the Critical Reasoning (CR) questions of the GMAT Verbal section, here are a few proven strategies you should employ:

1.????Understand what you have to do – In CR questions, you are expected to read a short passage of ~100 words and answer questions pertaining to the argument presented in the passage. This is to test your skills in creating and evaluating a verbal argument.

2.????Don’t question the facts – A CR argument includes facts or premises and a conclusion. Don’t get stuck on whether or not the facts are true as that is irrelevant. Focus on questioning the space in between the facts and the conclusion—the assumptions made by the writer of the argument.

3.????Simplify – While solving Sentence Correction questions, you will find that the simplest answer is generally the correct one. However, this is not true for CR where most answers will be worded in a confusing and roundabout manner. Learn to simplify the language to its bare bones to help you solve the question.

4.????Answer before you see the answers – To ace CR questions, you should have an answer ready without reading the choices offered. Answer the question IN YOUR OWN WORDS first, and then find the corresponding right choice hidden behind the confusing language.

Try these tips the next time you practice CR questions—as with most other endeavors in life, practice makes perfect!