The GMAT is divided into three parts, including a critical reasoning section. Preparation is key, and strategies such as reading the question first and identifying key words can help. Familiarity with question types is also important, and free test preparation software is available.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is designed to help colleges determine which applicants to their graduate-level business management programs are likely to perform well in the programs. The test is divided into three parts: the analytical writing section, the quantitative section and the verbal section. The verbal section includes the critical reasoning questions. The best way to get a good score on this section is through preparation – understanding the test format, learning strategies for performing that particular part of the test, and studying the subject matter.
It’s important to be familiar with what’s involved when you’re preparing for the critical thinking section of the GMAT. The test uses computer-adaptive technology that selects the participant’s next question based on whether their answer to the previous question was correct or incorrect. While this has several advantages, it also means that you cannot skip a question and change an answer once it has been entered. Instead, the test relies on the computer’s ability to adapt to ensure that the participant returns to questions of the appropriate level.
Once the student is familiar with the test format, they should work on specific strategies for the critical thinking section of the GMAT. One such strategy is to read the question first and then read the applicable passage, identifying objective and factual information in the text. Look for key words like “thus”, “consequently” and “hence” to help find conclusions in the passage. Eliminate obviously incorrect choices from the answer list to narrow down the options. Test the remaining answers by reading the question and filling in the blank with each one to identify which one makes the most sense.
There are different types of questions in the critical thinking section of the GMAT, and each type typically contains hints to help you identify what type of answer you are looking for, making it easier to find the appropriate answer. The words “oppose” or “overrule” indicate that the question is looking for an answer that opposes the conclusion of the passage, while “support” and “strengthen” indicate that the answer will contain support for the conclusion presented in the text. The parsing and logic pattern questions ask that passage-specific information be identified; this requires careful, careful reading to determine the right answer. Questions with the word “explanation” are looking to identify contradictions or missing information from the passage.
Being familiar with the types of questions possible can help a student solve critical thinking GMAT questions faster and more successfully. One way to become familiar with the types of questions is to study and practice taking the test. Free test preparation software is available for download from 2011 on the GMAT website to help students study. Other study programs are also available, online and offline.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
