TIPS TO TACKLE THE GMAT CRITICAL REASONING

1. Understand the Argument Structure

Before answering, identify the parts of the argument:

• Conclusion – the main point the author wants you to believe

• Premise – the supporting evidence or reason

• Assumption – what must be true for the conclusion to follow

Tip: Ask, “What is the author trying to prove?” That’s the conclusion.

2. Read the Question Stem First

Always look at the question stem before reading the passage. This tells you what to look for:

• Strengthen? Weaken? Assumption? Inference?

Example: If it says “Which of the following weakens…”, you know to look for flaws.

3. Focus on Logical Gaps

Find the hidden assumptions or weak links between the premise and conclusion.
Ask:

• Is the conclusion really supported by the evidence?

• What else must be true for this to work?

Don’t bring in outside knowledge—stick to what’s in the passage.

4. Pre-think Before Looking at the Options

Try to predict what the correct answer should do before looking at the choices.
This helps you avoid being tricked by tempting wrong answers.

Your brain becomes less vulnerable to trap choices.

5. Eliminate Wrong Choices Smartly

Wrong answers often:

• Talk about things out of scope

• Misrepresent the argument

• Are too extreme or too vague

Eliminate first, then choose the best from what’s left.

6. Manage Time

You should spend about 2 minutes per question.
If stuck between two choices:

• Re-read the conclusion

• Eliminate the one that’s slightly off

Don’t dwell—move on and come back if needed.

7. Practice by Question Type

There are 7 main question types:

• Assumption

• Strengthen

• Weaken

• Inference

• Evaluate

• Resolve the Paradox

• Boldface (Structure)

Master each type separately before mixing them in timed practice.

Final Tip:

Logic > English
It’s not a test of language—it’s a test of clear thinking.
Focus on what the author is claiming and whether the reasoning holds up.