GMAT Critical Reasoning Syllabus: Questions, Preparation Tips

Preparing for GMAT is a tough nut to crack. However, we are here to help you out. In this article, we will talk about the Preparation Tips and Questions for GMAT Critical Reasoning, the exam patterns, syllabus, and more.

GMAT is one of the most popular exams widely preferred by students wishing to pursue an MBA degree. According to the official GMAT website, the GMAT exam is used by 7 out of 10 candidates who submit applications to the top 100 MBA programmes. In addition to this, 9 out of 10 MBA admissions happen with the help of GMAT Scores. When we talk about the acceptability of the GMAT exam, we find that more than 2,400 B-schools accept the GMAT exam across more than 110 countries. With more than 1 million GMAT exams in the Testing Year 2022, GMAT plays a significant role in MBA admissions.

The time required for the GMAT exam is typically 3-6 months depending on your current preparation levels. All it needs is a plan of action and dedicated studies. In the year 2023, GMAC is all set to release the GMAT Focus Edition which is quite different from the current GMAT exam. In this article, we will discuss the GMAT Critical Reasoning section, GMAT Critical Reasoning questions, and the GMAT Critical Reasoning syllabus. In addition to this, we will also look at the current GMAT exam pattern and the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus.

GMAT Pattern

Candidates must remember that it is vital to understand the GMAT exam pattern and GMAT exam syllabus before starting the GMAT preparation. The GMAT Focus Edition's format differs significantly from that of the GMAT Current Edition. GMAC intends to introduce the GMAT Focus Edition in 2023. The current GMAT exam will also be available until at least early 2024. The Data Insights topic has been added to the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus while other GMAT topics, such as Sentence Correction (SC) and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), have been dropped, making it significantly different from the current GMAT exam. Let us look at the exam pattern for both editions.

GMAT Focus Edition Pattern

With the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, GMAC has changed the syllabus as well. GMAT Focus Edition is about an hour shorter than the current GMAT edition. Moreover, SC (Sentence Correction) and AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) have been eliminated. Instead, a new section, called Data Insights (DI), based on Integrated Reasoning (IR), has been introduced. Data Sufficiency (DS), which used to be a part of the GMAT Quants section, will now be a part of the Data Insights (DI) section. The table given below provides the GMAT Focus Edition pattern:

Section	Questions and Time	Question Type
Quantitative Reasoning	21 Questions in 45 Minutes	Algebra Arithmetic
Verbal Reasoning	23 Questions in 45 Minutes	RC CR
Data Insights	20 Questions in 45 Minutes	Data Sufficiency Multi-sources Reasoning Table Analysis Graphics Interpretation Two-part Analyses

Students must note that the current version of the GMAT exam will be available until at least early 2024. Hence, those who have prepared for the current version must not wait if they are well-prepared. In case, if they do not score well, they may consider switching over to the GMAT Focus Edition as and when it is launched (testing will start in Q4 of 2023).

GMAT Critical Reasoning Syllabus

Now that you are well aware of the GMAT pattern, it is time that we understand the GMAT CR section. In the GMAT Focus Edition, we can see that the verbal section will have 23 questions. Since Sentence Correction has been removed, it is expected that GMAT Critical Reasoning will have 10-12 questions. The syllabus of Critical Reasoning on GMAT 11th Editions is as follows:

• Argument structure
• Evaluate arguments and assumptions
• Formulate or evaluate a plan of action
• Strengthen/weaken an argument
• Complete an argument

When it comes to the GMAT Critical Reasoning question types, there are 8 types of questions. These include:

• Strengthen the argument
• Weaken the argument
• Assumption finding
• Drawing an inference or conclusion
• Paradox
• Evaluation of the conclusion
• Completion of the given argument
• Structure of an argument

The following GMAT critical reasoning question will help you understand how the questions are framed:

Question) Universities in various parts of the US offer skills development courses to their students. Despite the availability of courses and training faculties, students are not able to find the right type of employment. The preliminary research by a research organization has revealed that the content of the courses must be changed as per the industry requirements.

Which of the following supports the preliminary research of the organization?

A) The universities are of sub-standard quality

B) There is a lack of study material for the students

C) The study material provided by the universities cannot be comprehended by the students

D) The courses provided by the universities do not match the demand of the markets and various sectors of the economy

E) Universities are not able to provide proper campus facilities to their students

Answer) D

Explanation) The course structure provided by the universities is not able to fulfill the demand of the market. For e.g., if Michigan requires training in automobile manufacturing, universities provide skill development in event management. Thus, there is a demand-supply mismatch.

GMAT Critical Reasoning Tips

Here are a few GMAT Critical Reasoning tips that will help you solve the GMAT CR questions:

• Read the question first: Read and understand the question first. You must be clearly able to identify the question type (which option strengthens the argument, which option weakens the argument, etc.)
• Break down the argument: Break down the argument and understand the core information. As you do this, try to find the essential links and the conclusion in the argument.
• Practice: You must practice the art of finding flaws/assumptions in the practice questions. It will help you improve your accuracy.
• Elimination: Elimination is an extremely effective technique for reaching the correct answer. Instead of looking for the right answer, you must learn the art of eliminating the wrong ones.
• Resources: You may start with the GMAT official study material and then move on to other authentic resources such as Manhattan Prep Guides. Make sure to appear for as many mock tests as possible.

Make sure that you take your GMAT preparation very seriously. At the same time, you must focus equally on application documents such as an updated resume, an SOP, LORs, admission essays, etc.

For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.