GMAT Critical Reasoning (2024 Guide)

The GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) is a standardized exam that is part of the application process for business school, especially if you are looking to study for an MBA.

The GMAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based test broken into sections. The whole test should take about 3.5 hours to complete and features a computer-adaptive set of questions.

In the Verbal section of the test, you will be asked approximately 36 questions within the following three sections:

• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Reasoning
• Sentence Correction

Around 10 of the questions in the Verbal section will focus on critical reasoning. This article will help you improve your score in that section by making you familiar with the question structure, what to expect, and methods for better performance.

How the GMAT Critical Reasoning Section Works

As a business leader, one of the key skills you will need to be successful is to be able to analyze and evaluate information to help you make important decisions.

The GMAT Critical Reasoning section involves questioning and scrutinizing material to make clear, coherent and logical judgments, without subconscious bias or previous knowledge.

You will be given a paragraph of information, often about a business-related scenario, along with any numerical or written data you might need. You will then be asked to identify which of the answer options strengthens or weakens the argument given in the paragraph.

The answers will be multiple-choice and there will be five possible responses, one of which is correct.

The GMAT Critical Reasoning section has approximately 10 questions and each needs to be completed in order – you cannot skip ahead and come back.

Each question will have a clear directive; although it is designed to be confusing, the answer will be provided in the information you are given.

What Question Types to Expect on the GMAT Critical Reasoning Section

Identifying the question type that you are facing before you read the passage will help you to quickly predict the correct answer.

There are eight question types used in the GMAT Critical Reasoning section. Most of the questions in the test will involve the first four types:

1. Weaken the Argument

If the question is asking you to select the answer that weakens the argument, look for three types of answer:

1. Those that undermine the pivotal assumption that connects the premise and the conclusion. If the unstated assumption is false, the conclusion must always be false.

2. Those that question the evidence given in the paragraph. This might mean the validity of the source or data – is it a person, a study or something else? It might be that the data provided is irrelevant to the premise or the conclusion.

3. Those that show the assumption leads to further, unreasonable conclusions. By demonstrating that taking the conclusion further leads to an absurd result, you weaken the argument.

2. Strengthen the Argument

These questions will ask you to identify an answer that:

• Supports
• Confirms
• Provides evidence for
• Weakens objections to

the argument being made in the passage you have been given.

Start by ensuring you understand the paragraph’s main argument and then look for an answer option that bolsters either the premise, assumption or conclusion.

3. Find the Conclusion

In this question type, you will need to find the conclusion that is best supported by the evidence. This conclusion will be undeniable given the information.

4. Find the Assumption

To choose the correct answer in this category, you need to be able to explicitly state the link between the premise and the conclusion (the assumption).

If you take a moment to simplify the argument, you will be able to find out how they have come to the conclusion, based on the premise.

5. Paradox Questions

In this question, the statement or argument will appear to contradict itself. You will be asked to resolve the contradiction with the answer options you have been given.

6. Structure of the Argument

There are two types of question in this section:

• Boldface questions – These will present the information paragraph with two sections highlighted in bold. You will be asked to identify the role that each of these bold sections plays in making the argument.

• Dialogue structure questions – You will be given an argument from two different people’s points of view. Usually, these points of view will disagree. You will need to understand the position of both speakers in context – are they providing evidence, an assumption or a conclusion?

Both of these question types are asking not about the specifics of the argument, but rather about the way the argument has been structured and the role that part plays.

7. Complete the Argument

Here you will be given a passage that is incomplete (this will usually be indicated with a blank underline). You need to choose the answer that completes the argument.

To do this, look for corroborative evidence that cannot be weakened and avoid any further assumptions.

8. Evaluate the Conclusion

This question is asking you to choose an answer based on its relevance to the issue being discussed in the passage.

This means avoiding answers that have only tangential relevance to the conclusion being made, even if they have been mentioned earlier in the passage.

Example GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions (2024)

Here are some example questions to help you practice:

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Final Thoughts

The most important thing to remember about the GMAT is that knowing what you are facing in each section will make the whole test less stressful. By taking the time to fully understand exactly what you are required to do in each part, you will be better equipped to make the correct decisions.

When it comes to the Critical Reasoning section of the GMAT, make sure you read the question before you look at the information so that you can predict the answer.

Simplify the complicated language and identify the premise, the assumption, the evidence and the conclusion – remember that all the information you need is in the information you have been given. Subconscious bias may actually harm your score in this section.

Give yourself the best chance by practicing as many questions as you can before the exam. There are many practice questions available and this can help you get used to the way questions are presented. These practice questions also give a full explanation of each possible answer, so you can work through your understanding.

Getting through the GMAT with a great score because you have prepared will ensure that you are best placed for further study and that MBA.