GMAT CR: Vocabulary Test 5 for Boldface

GMAT Critical Reasoning Boldface questions are an essential part of GMAT prep course for a serious candidate. In these items, you receive a brief passage with one or more bolded portions, and your task is to select the answer that best explains the role those bolded parts play in the argument. The correct method is to first identify the argument’s conclusion, then link each boldface to that conclusion, next set a broad expectation for the correct answer choice, and then proceed by elimination. After removing four options, confirm that everything aligns with the remaining choice before marking it. One of the major hurdles in Boldface questions is the demanding vocabulary, so steady practice with the words frequently tested in GMAT CR is an important part of preparation. We will undertake five vocabulary drills for GMAT CR; this article presents the fifth. Please watch the video carefully and then read the detailed textual explanation that follows.

 

Vocabulary Test # 5 for Boldface GMAT CR Questions

In GMAT boldface questions, a passage is shown with one or more parts in bold. The goal is to determine the role those parts play in the argument. Because the vocabulary in these questions is often demanding, and accurately understanding the purpose of each bolded section is vital, practicing with targeted vocabulary drills in this area is highly valuable.

Please read the following argument, carefully:

The GDP of Xitora has grown by 15% during the tenure of the current political party. This is the highest growth during any tenure over the previous 50 years. Since the GDP growth is a fine indication of the economic growth of a nation, the party must be applauded for its role. However, the recent opinion polls reflect a steep decline in the popularity of the party owing to its perceived softness on long-standing social and diplomatic issues. Therefore, the party is unlikely to win another term in the forthcoming elections.

Please go through the following list of terms. See which of these terms apply to the bolded portion. Once you have arrived at your answer, read further to see an explanation for each option.

Choices

1. Main Conclusion
2. A Conclusion
3. Fact/Finding
4. Opinion
5. Judgment
6. Circumstance
7. Evidence
8. Prediction
9. Assumption
10. Consideration

Explanation

Mind-Map

GDP growth has been great –> party deserves credit –> party has been soft on other issues –> the party is not likely to win (main conclusion)

1. Main Conclusion

   By reasoning, the bolded portion is the main conclusion of the argument. Therefore, the first choice is a fine answer.

2. A Conclusion

   While the bolded section is technically a conclusion, this is not a good choice because on the GMAT “a conclusion” means an intermediate conclusion, as distinct from the main conclusion.

3. Fact

   The bolded section is too subjective to be called a fact, hence this is a poor choice, as well.

4. Opinion

   The bolded section can also be called an opinion, as it is the author’s point of view that the party will not win the next election.

5. Judgment

   The bolded section can also be called a judgment, for the same reason that it can be called an opinion.

6. Circumstance

   It would not be accurate to call the bolded section a circumstance.

7. Evidence

   The bolded section does not serve as evidence towards any conclusion, so this is not a good choice.

8. Prediction

   The bolded section can be called a prediction, however, as the author is speculating upon possible future events.

9. Assumption

   The bolded section makes no assumptions.

10. Consideration

    The bolded section is in no way a consideration.

Why This Boldface Is the Main Conclusion

The boldface statement here represents the author’s central message. It is not an intermediate conclusion, which would serve as a stepping stone toward the main point. Instead, it is the ultimate claim that the argument is trying to establish. This makes it the most defining part of the reasoning.

Why It Is Not Other Roles

• It is not a fact, because facts are objective and verifiable, while this is an evaluative claim.
• It is not evidence, because evidence supports a conclusion but is not itself the conclusion.
• It is not a circumstance, since it does not describe a condition or event.
• It is not an assumption or a consideration, since the author explicitly presents it as the final point rather than an underlying thought.

Other Worthy Choices

Yes, the boldface may also be called an opinion, a judgment, or even a prediction, depending on the wording. These are secondary classifications. But the strongest and most precise role is that it is the main conclusion. This is the reason the argument was constructed.

 

Key Takeaways

Link each boldface to the main conclusion before labeling it. Distinguish main conclusion from intermediate conclusion, fact, and evidence. Ask if a statement reports, supports, or decides. Build a mind map, set an expectation for the correct choice, and eliminate with discipline. Here, the boldface is the author’s central claim. Opinion, judgment, and prediction may overlap, but “main conclusion” is the most precise role. Practice using drill and GMAT simulations sharpens speed, accuracy, and confidence.

Parting Thought

Boldface mastery is a promise to think with care. You map the claim, test roles, and let the strongest reason lead. That is GMAT preparation at its finest. MBA applications ask the same discipline. You gather evidence, confront doubts, and present a conclusion that aligns values with goals. Life continues the lesson. Facts ask for respect, interpretations ask for humility, and decisions ask for courage. When you honor this order, you choose better paths. Keep practicing structure, and your choices will carry clarity, kindness, and strength. Over time, careful thinking becomes habit, and habit becomes character and leadership for others.