Critical Reasoning (GMAT Focus Edition – Verbal Reasoning Content and Tactics)

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Question Frequency
Assumed to be the Least Frequent Verbal Question Type
Usually 9-13 Critical Reasoning Questions per Verbal Section
Potential Content for Integrated Reasoning Two-Part Analysis Questions

Strategic Implications
Approximately 2min per Question Average for Verbal | Approximately 3min per Question for Data Insights
Maximum 3min for Verbal | Maximum 4min for Data Insights
Minimize to a Single Reread Before Eliminating and Guessing to Save Time
Primary Type to Skip Proactively if You are Behind Pace in the Verbal or IR Sections

Critical Reasoning Process

Step 1 – ID Question Task
Skip Prompt, Read Question to Determine Task & Question Category | Argument (Conclusion) or Inference (No Conclusion)

Step 2 – Read Prompt & Take Notes
Argument Task – Read Prompt and Note Exact Conclusion(s)
Inference Task – Read Prompt and Shorthand Note Statements of Fact

Step 3 – Prediction (Argument-Only)
Broadly Predict What Answer Should Do to Address Argument Question Task – ie. Strengthen, Weaken, Identify Flaw, Identify Assumption, Evaluate, Justify, etc.

Step 4 – Process of Elimination
Common Wrong Argument Answers – Reverse Impact | Vague Impact | Added Info Needed to Determine Impact | No Impact (as True or False)
Common Wrong Inference Answers – Reversal of Information| Extreme Inference | Possible, but Not Certain