GMAT

VERBAL

Keywords:

Contrast: Nevertheless, despite, although, but, yet, on the

other had
Continuation: Furthermore, moreover, additionally, also,
and
Logic: Therefore, thus, consequently, it follows that,
because, since
Sequence/timings: First, second, finally, in the 1920s,
several steps, later
Illustration: For example, we can see this by, this shows,
to illustrate
Emphasis/Opinion: Unfortunately, happily, crucial, very
important, a near disaster, unsuccessful, she even

Critical Reasoning:

The argument have two basic parts

Conclusion (therefore, for this reason, hence, so, thus, clearly and
consequently)
Evidence (because, for, since, as a result of and due to)
Look for the keyword to find the parts.

Read the question first so that the we can look for what is
asked, either the conclusion or the evidences.
Try to paraphrase the argument in our own style (simple
English). If we cant paraphrase then this means we dont
understand the argument yet.
Recognizing the basic structure of an arguments,
conclusions, assumptions, explanatory or parallels between
structurally similar arguments.

Critical Reasoning(contd..):

Some potential problems in CR questions:

Shift of scopes: Introduction of new term or ideas that wasnt

mentioned before and isnt connected to the rest of the argument.
Mistaking Correlation for causation: Just because two things
happens at the same time doesnt mean one caused the other.
Plans and Predictions: Read actively rather passively.

Answer the Question being asked. We might understood the

argument but supply an answer that wasnt asked.
Get in the habit of framing answers on your head before
looking the multiple choices.
Maintain the scope of stimulus (keyword).

Critical Reasoning(contd..):

In GMAT the following CR question falls under the

following types

Assumption
Weaken
Strengthen
Inference
Explain
Flaw
Others

Argument(given para) is 2 to 4 sentences long

Some are intentionally flawed
Differentiate the conclusion, assumption and evidence.

Assumption Questions:

What is an assumption?

What is a conclusion?

The piece of information not explicitly stated but necessary for

the conclusion to be valid.
The main point of the authors argument. Its the thing the author
try to convince you of.

What is an evidence?

The piece of information that supports the authors conclusion.

Assumption Questions:
Finding Conclusions:

Conclusion Keyword or phrases:

One Sentence Test:

Keywords include thus, so, for this reason, clearly, therefore, hence,
consequently and in conclusion.
Boils down the entire argument and retain the main point of the
argument then which sentence would be that.

Fact vs. Opinion:

Sometimes the conclusion is not explicit. It may take several forms

such as authors plan, prediction, judgment, interpretation or
analysis of the evidence.

Assumption Questions:
Finding Evidences:

Evidence is given to support the conclusion.

What isnt a conclusion is typically an evidence.

Finding Assumptions:

An argument contains one or more assumptions.

It is unstated but necessary for an argument to work.
Bridges the gap between the evidences and the conclusions.
Its what author must believe but not stated in an
argument.
Evidence + Assumption(s) Conclusion

Assumption Questions:
Paraphrase the given argument first to find the
argument stem.
Predict the answer
Use the denial test to neglect the wrong answers.
Connect the keyword in the evidence and the
conclusion.

Say if evidence speak about A and B. And conclusion

speaks about B and C, then there is a assumption made
between A and C.

Strengthen/ Weaken Questions:

Paraphrase the given argument first to find the
argument stem.
It is similar as Assumption Question, to reveal the
Weaken question is the one that reveals an authors
assumption to be untrue and the answer to Strengthen
question adds additional support to the authors
assumption.
Look for the same type of keyword in the evidence and
the conclusion before answering.

Critical Reasoning:

If the underlined sentence contains pronoun (like it) then

check the sentence twice. If the subject is singular then the
pronoun should be it and not they.