How to Prepare for the GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized test used by colleges and universities to evaluate applicants for graduate degrees in business-related programs. The critical reasoning section of the test is meant to test logical reasoning skills, and requires a great deal of preparation.
- Understand the content of the critical reasoning section of the GMAT. Determining what will be asked of you is an essential part of preparing for any exam. The critical reasoning section consists of a series of arguments that vary in length. The examinee is expected to evaluate each argument based on its strengths, weaknesses and structure. It is not uncommon for more than one of the answers to be plausibly correct, but the examinee must select the best answer, or in other words, the answer that is most correct.
- Learn and practice analyzing the components of an argument. You will need to choose the stronger and weaker components of an argument. You can prepare for this by studying the logical reasoning behind arguments and reading analyses of arguments. A good strategy is to find arguments that have been expertly analyzed before evaluating them yourself; you can then compare you analysis to that of an expert.
- Study the basic structure, or form, of an argument. A simple argument consists of one or more premises that support a conclusion. These arguments are often quite easy to analyze. However, you are much more likely to encounter complex arguments while taking the GMAT. Complex arguments include ultimate premises, premises, intermediate conclusions and final conclusions.
- Take as many practice tests as possible. There is no better way to evaluate your abilities and progress than by taking actual GMAT exams.