GMAT Critical Reasoning - Questions, Strategies, and Practice Papers

Critical Reasoning is a section of GMAT Verbal Reasoning. It examines the logical reasoning of the candidate in the test. The Critical Reasoning question type is used to measure critical business skills.GMAT Critical Reasoning questions assess a distinct set of qualities associated with logic. The students preparing for the GMAT will experience the argument analysis of Critical Reasoning for the first time to substantiate their logic. Three types of GMAT Critical Reasoning questions are-

Before criticising the argument, one must find the flaws in answer choices that either support or weakens the argument
The candidates need to analyse and depict the line of reasoning operated within the argument.
The candidates must provide a relevant conclusion depending on the discussion of the argument.

The arguments encompass various types of subject areas and strategies. These strategies need to be comprehended by the GMAT test taker. The GMAT Verbal Critical Reasoning passage usually consists of 100 words or less. The Critical Reasoning question is followed by five choices of answers.

Table of Content

GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions
1.1 Types of GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions
1.2 Analysis
1.3 Construction
1.4 Critique
1.5 Plan
GMAT CR Strategies
GMAT Critical Reasoning Book
GMAT Critical Reasoning Practice Questions

GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions

The three types of GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions are:

The type 1 questions include strengthen, weaken, assumption, explain the paradox and useful to evaluate.
The type 2 questions are generally bold-faced reasoning questions.
The type 3 questions refer to the conclusion or interference questions.

Analysis Boldface Reasoning-based questions	Construction Inference Paradox Assumption Logical Inference
Critique Evaluate Strengthen Weaken Flaw	Plan Construction Type Critique Type

Types of GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions

The GMAT Critical Reasoning question types can be categorized on the basis of the skills level of the candidate. The types of questions are as follows:

Analysis	Construction	Critique	Plan
Boldface	Inference	Evaluate	Construction Type
Reasoning-based questions	Assumption	Strengthen	Critique Type
-	Logical Inference	Weaken	-
-	Paradox	Flaw	-
-	-	-	-

Analysis

In this case, the candidates must analyse the argument. Analysis of an argument is all about the logical reasoning or structure of the argument. The candidate needs to understand the relationship between different arguments.

Boldface

In this Critical Thinking Logical Reasoning Question type, the candidates were given two statements in bold. The candidates need to detect the functions of the bold-faced statements discussed in the argument. Here given below one of the Critical Reasoning Examples with tips to solve the question.

Boldface Sample Question

Explanation
The candidate needs to identify the boldface statements in the correct way. The candidate should have a complete understanding of the purpose of the arguments. This question assesses the ability of the candidate to derive the conclusion of the argument.

Reasoning-based questions

These miscellaneous question types focus on apprehending the reasoning line or apprehending the logical structure of the argument. Presenting a GMAT CR question sample to illustrate the application of critical thinking logical reasoning.

Reasoning-based Sample Question

Explanation
To solve the intelligence and critical reasoning question type, the candidate needs to determine a well-structured argument. The candidate must understand the passage to evaluate the conclusion logically.

Construction

Here, the ability of the candidates is tested to create solid arguments. For instance, to find new information, the candidates must conclude or infer the information as given in the argument for holding the truth.

Inference

In this phase, the candidates need to conclude logically or reasoned out accurately on the basis of the given passage. Here given below CR question with proper explanation.

Inference Sample Question

Explanation
The candidate needs to detect the GMAT CR question type to properly infer the argument. It is required to untangle the argument. The candidate must predict the answer by evaluating the choices of critical thinking logical reasoning.

Paradox

The paradoxical situation seems to make the argument logical. Therefore, it seems to contradict what is expected logically. Here given below is one of the Critical Reasoning Examples that will give an idea of how to resolve the paradox.

Paradox Sample Question

Explanation
The candidates initially need to read the prompt to answer the question of GMAT Critical Reasoning Tests. It is important for the candidate to understand the argument of the paradox. The candidates must contradict the paradox in their own words. To solve the question the candidate needs to go through the answer choice that matches well with the argument of the paradox.

Assumption

The assumption questions enable the candidate to detect an assumption of the author. The author made the argument to claim a conclusion depending on the information of the argument. The CR question sample is given below to boost up the practice level of the candidate:

Assumption Sample Question

Explanation
Firstly, to solve the assumption GMAT CR question, the candidates need to go through the statement to identify the assumption. The candidate should not behave too logically with the arguments. It is essential to follow the common assumption without aligning the argument with General Knowledge.

Logical Inference

This question includes an incomplete passage that holds a blank. This GMAT CR Question asks the candidate to fill in the blank. The candidate needs to complete the passage in a logical way.

Logical Inference Sample Question

Explanation
In order to answer this GMAT Critical Reasoning Question, the candidates need to fill in the blank with the correct answer option. The candidate must choose the answer that satisfies the arguments logically. The answer must strengthen or supports the conclusion of the statement.

Critique

In this point, the validity of arguments is questioned by the candidates. The candidate is able to identify the strength or weaknesses of the arguments. The candidate needs to detect the flaw of the argument. In other words, the candidates are criticizing the argument.

Evaluate

An evaluation of an argument assesses the strength and validity of the argument. It is an assessment to evaluate if the conclusion follows the premise logically or not. Here, a Manhattan GMAT Critical Reasoning question sample is given to strengthen the business skills of the candidates.

Evaluation Sample Question

Explanation
To solve this Manhattan Critical Reasoning question, the candidate needs to identify the flaw of the argument. The candidate should spot the gaps, and doubts of the argument’s logic. The candidate needs to deconstruct the argument logically to state the goal of the argument.

Strengthen

In this section of Critical Thinking Logical Reasoning, the candidate must asses the statement logically. The statement of the passage should aim to increase the belief of the candidate in that conclusion.

Strengthen Sample Question

Explanation
To solve the GMAT CR Strengthen questions, the candidates must identify an argument first. The argument should convey new data that goes with the conclusion of the argument.

Weaken

The candidates in this section of Critical Thinking Logical Reasoning asses and identify the statement. The statement mainly discusses the argument that reduces the belief of the candidates in that conclusion.

Weaken Sample Question

Explanation
To solve the Weaken questions, the candidate must detect the statement of the passage that conveys new data. This information tends to doubt the conclusion of the argument.

Flaw

This section asks the candidate to assess the statement of the passage. The candidate needs to find the logical flaw in the argument of the passage.

Flaw Sample Question

Explanation
This GMAT CR flaw question can be solved with intelligence and critical reasoning skills. The candidate must look for a logical statement among the other options. The candidate needs to focus on a logical flaw present in the argument of GMAT CR.

Plan

Plan questions examine the capability of the candidates to critique and construct arguments to plan for action. For instance, a question may be given to look over the flaw in the plan, or the underlying assumption may also find a plan to work.

Construction Type

This type of GMAT critical reasoning question is logically concluded. The candidate needs to asses to statement to derive a logical conclusion.

Critique Type

This type of GMAT critical reasoning question criticises the statements. The candidates must find an argument that supports the notion of the argument.

Read GMAT Critical Reasoning Samples

GMAT CR Strategies

To achieve better scores in GMAT CR, candidates need to follow the below GMAT preparation tips:

The candidate initially needs to go through the question stem.
The candidate must attack the question to deconstruct the arguments.
The candidates need to find flaws within the line of critical reasoning.
The candidates must derive a logical conclusion by assessing the argument of the question.
The candidates must analyse the answer to get the correct answer.

GMAT Critical Reasoning Book

The candidates need to prepare from the GMAT critical reasoning book to score good marks in GMAT critical reasoning. The students need to follow Powerscore CR Bible and Manhattan GMAT Critical reasoning for better understanding. The GMAT CR Bible is one of the best books that would help candidates to enhance their skills in critical reasoning.

Here given below are certain best Critical reasoning books for GMAT:

Powerscore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible
Gmat Critical Reasoning Bible
Manhattan Critical Reasoning-Check PDF
Wiley GMAT Critical Reasoning

GMAT Critical Reasoning Practice Questions

The GMAT CR question will help the student to perform better. The candidates should prepare them by following the set of questions. This CR question will enable the candidate to identify the weak points. The candidates can improve themselves by looking into their flaws. Here given below are certain critical reasoning practice test papers for GMAT:

GMAT Critical Reasoning Practice Test 1	GMAT Critical Reasoning Practice Test 2
GMAT Critical Reasoning Practice Test 3	GMAT Critical Reasoning Practice Test 4

The GMAT Critical Reasoning can be aced with the help of proper GMAT resources. The GMAT strategies and CR question samples can make the candidate more logical and analytical to achieve targetted GMAT scores. The colleges accept both GMAT critical reasoning scores as well as GRE critical reasoning scores. Since it is difficult for the candidates to score high in the GMAT CR, the students can opt for GRE CR to get a chance at better colleges.

GMAT 2024 : 27 Answered QuestionsView All

• Top Answer By Uday Pawar on 30-Jan-2023

Ans. Generally speaking anything above 750 is a good score for admission to IBS Hyderabad. But even a high GMAT score does not guarantee admission to IBS Hyderabad because the shortlisting is profile-based. GMAT score is just a part of the entire selection process. You need to improvise your profile by working on other aspects also like essays profile academics extracurricular activities Academics: Your 12th class marks graduation grades, post-graduation, and certification scores along with the GMAT cutoff is considered in your academic profile. Leadership: The leadership skills of the aspirants are tested on the basis of their prior achievements and roles. Personal attributes: This comprises your personal qualities like hobbies, talents, and extracurricular skills. Aspirants from diverse work experiences, cultures, and educational backgrounds are welcomed at IBS Hyderabad. So along with preparing well for GMAT, give importance to these parameters as well to increase your chances of admission. Read more

1 Answer

• Top Answer By Akanksha Sharma on 30-Jan-2023

Ans. In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780. Read more

1 Answer

• Top Answer By Yash Bhati on 30-Jan-2023

Ans. Yes, it certainly is worth paying a hefty fee of 30k for GMAT coaching at Crack ISB Hyderabad. The quality of trainers and the certainty of admission is what draw the candidates here. While there are many institutes that specialize in training for the CAT, very few institutes offer training for GMAT. Crack ISB Hyderabad has many features that have made it so popular and demanding among GMAT aspirants The peer group is a productive and effective group discussion is possible The institute gives the admission essay reviews free of cost while most institutes charge around 20-25k The quality of editing is much better at this Institute mainly because the faculty comprises alumni of top B Schools So it’s better to pay more for quality education than pay less or the same for substandard education. But remember an Institute can just prepare you for your entrance exam. It’s upon you to put in maximum effort and achieve your goals. Read more

1 Answer

• Top Answer By Nia Malhotra on 17-May-2021

Ans. There is hardly any B-school in India that accepts GMAT scores for full-time MBA. IIMs, FMS, XLRI, JBIMS, IIFT, MDI, etc. are some of the institutions that accept GMAT scores. However, students applying through a foreign national quota or NRI quota are eligible for GMAT score. ISB on the other hand accepts the GMAT for its full-time program MBA program. Here is the list of some B-Schools that accepts GMAT scores in India XLRI, Jamshedpur XIM, Bhubaneswar VIT Business School TISS, Mumbai TERI School of Advanced Sciences, TERI University TASMAC, Pune TAPMI, Manipal School of Management, Udaipur School of Management, NMIMS, Mumbai School of Management, International Institute of Management This is why most students go for CAT, XAT, SNAP, and other management exams for admission in MBA. Only foreign nationals or students with NRI Quota can apply through GMAT. Read more

1 Answer

• Top Answer By Bejoy John on 30-Jan-2023

Ans. Yes, ISB Hyderabad’s PGP program requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time paid work experience. This criteria came into force on 31st March 2016 and is still a necessity. For candidates who lack in this aspect, there is a back door entry called the Early Entry Option or the EEOs. Under this, you can apply right away, go through the selection process, and receive the admission offer but join only after working for 2 years. This can also be referred to as Deferred admission. Read more

1 Answer

• Top Answer By Mahak Nigam on 30-Jun-2022

Ans. More than 140 Business Schools in India accept GMAT scores. Here is a list of popular B-School that accept GMAT scores. IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX) IIM Bangalore (EPGP) IIM Calcutta (PGPEx) IIM Indore (EPGP) IIM Kozhikode (EPGP) IIM Lucknow (IPMAX) XLRI Jamshedpur MDI Gurgaon IMT Ghaziabad IIFT Delhi FMS Deli ISB Hyderabad/Mohali Many other reputed B-School across the country also accept GMAT scores. Read more

2 Answers

• Top Answer By Debadrita Sinha on 10-Feb-2022

Ans. Very few universities in Canada offer MBA without GMAT scores. They will consider other factors as eligibility criteria such as work experience for selection. York University’s Schulich of School of Business, McMaster University’s Degroote School of Business are some of the most reputed business schools in Canada that offer MBA without GMAT. Other than these, other universities offering MBA without GMAT are New York Institute of Technology, Thompson Rivers University, Lakehead University, Wilfrid Laurier University. You have the option to apply for executive MBAs without a GMAT score, too. Read more

1 Answer

• Top Answer By Nishant Shouri on 16-Jan-2023

Ans. IIM Shillong accepts GMAT scores of only for International students for the PGP flagship program The Executive PGP program For International students who are targeting the PGP flagship program, the cutoff is as follows Category SSC Percentage HSC percentage General 80 80 EWS 80 80 DA 50 50 ST 50 50 SC 55 55 So a good GMAT score for an International student is anything above 700. For the Executive program too, a GMAT score of 700+ is a good target. If your profile is average you can target a higher GMAT score. Read more

1 Answer

• Top Answer By Aditi Sen on 12-May-2021

Ans. There are many business schools in India that require GMAT scores at the time of admission. Some of the top business schools with requiring GMAT scores in India are: Institute Name GMAT Score ISB, Hyderabad & Mohali 730 or higher S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai 550 IIM Ahmedabad 711 School of Management, NMIMS Mumbai 600 IIM Bangalore 710 Great Lakes Institute of Management 600 IIM Calcutta 701 XLRI Jamshedpur 710 IIM Lucknow 680 IMT (All campuses) 720 IIM Indore 700 ICFAI Business School (Hyderabad & Mumbai) 700 IIM Kozhikode 700 A few other institutes include - MDI Gurgaon, FMS Delhi, Sunstone Business School Noida, ISB Indore, and more. Read more

1 Answer

• Top Answer By Aditya Mahatha on 06-Jan-2023

Ans. I know this decision is a bit difficult to make. What you need to keep in mind is that these two colleges should not be compared to other great IIMs or even ISBs. Those B Schools are at another level and cannot be on par with Kashipur or Raipur. To facilitate a better decision, I will mention the circumstances of these B Schools then you can choose after considering all options. IIM Indore and IIM Kashipur: Both these colleges are not worth a year drop as they will help you earn only an extra 1.5-2 LPA. Moreover, in the coming years, Kashipur and Raipur will have almost the same brand value as that Indore and Kozhikode. IIM Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Lucknow and Bangalore: All these top IIMs are definitely worth a year's drop provided that you are confident enough to cope with the cutoff. All these IIMs consider your academics while selecting so if that is your reason for the year drop I don’t think it will help. There is no surety of admission even after a percentile of 100. ISB: This one is at a whole different level and is in the category of elite B Schools like UCB, NYU, HBS, etc. The top-notch faculty offers amazing pedagogy at relatively low fees. CAT is sufficient for IIMs. But if you want to go for ISB, a work experience of 4+ years and a GMAT are a must. Read more

1 Answer

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College

Table of Contents

GMAT Critical Reasoning - Questions, Strategies, and Practice Papers