GMAT CR: Ten Main Question Types

Quick Summary

Know the ten main CR question types: assumption, strengthen, weaken, explanation/paradox, evaluation, inference, conclusion, paragraph completion, dialogue, and boldface. Identify question type, map premise and conclusion, locate the missing link, then test options against the task. Go by elimination and not selection.

Overview

Critical Reasoning on the GMAT benefits from clarity about task. This overview introduces the ten main question types and the habit of identifying the stem first, then mapping premise, conclusion, and the link between them. You will see how recognizing type guides elimination and prephrasing without overcomplication. The upcoming video and article expand each type with stems and goals, enabling efficient study during GMAT prep and argument evaluation across MBA admissions. Approach the set systematically to build speed and accuracy.

 

The Ten Main Question Types in GMAT Critical Reasoning

The GMAT Critical Reasoning section revolves around a few carefully designed question types. Once you know these types, the questions become easier to approach because you are not just reading blindly but entering with clarity about the task ahead.

Assumption Questions

These questions ask you to uncover what the argument is silently relying on. Typical forms include: “Which of the following is an assumption made in the argument?” or “Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?”

Strengthening Questions

Here you are asked to add weight to the conclusion. The common phrasing is: “Which of the following statements, if true, would most significantly strengthen the conclusion drawn in the passage?”

Weakening Questions

These aim at challenging the argument. They usually ask: “Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the argument drawn in the passage?”

Explanation Questions

Sometimes arguments seem contradictory or puzzling. Explanation questions resolve that tension. They may ask: “Which of the following would reveal most clearly the absurdity of the conclusion drawn?” or “Which of the following would best resolve the paradox in the passage above?”

Evaluation Questions

These questions test whether you can identify what information would help judge the argument’s strength. They typically read: “Which of the following will help in evaluating the validity of the argument above?”

Inference Questions

You are asked to state what must be true if the passage is taken as true. For example: “Which of the following can be correctly inferred from the passage above, or the statements above?”

Conclusion Questions

These are straightforward and ask you to capture the main point. Typical forms are: “The author’s main point is that…” or “The author is arguing that…”

Para Completion Questions

Here you see an incomplete passage, and the question asks: “Which of the following options best completes the passage?”

Dialogue Questions

These involve two individuals speaking, followed by a question about their dialogue. The underlying task may be assumption, strengthening, weakening, or any of the other types described above.

Boldface Questions

Perhaps the most unique, these present parts of the argument in bold. The question then asks: “In the argument, the portions in the boldface play which of the following roles?” These test your ability to analyze structure and function.

Learning to Recognize the Patterns

Each type has its own rhythm. By recognizing the question type early, you give yourself a clear sense of direction. That clarity allows you to filter the answer choices with precision and confidence.

 

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Question Type	Typical Question Stem	Task for the Student
Assumption	“Which of the following is an assumption made in the argument?” “Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?”	Identify the unstated belief or premise holding the argument together.
Strengthening	“Which of the following statements, if true, would most significantly strengthen the conclusion drawn in the passage?”	Find information that supports or reinforces the conclusion.
Weakening	“Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the argument drawn in the passage?”	Find information that undermines or challenges the conclusion.
Explanation	“Which of the following would reveal most clearly the absurdity of the conclusion drawn?” “Which of the following would best resolve the paradox in the passage above?”	Provide information that explains a paradox or resolves a conflict.
Evaluation	“Which of the following will help in evaluating the validity of the argument above?”	Identify what further information is needed to judge the argument’s strength.
Inference	“Which of the following can be correctly inferred from the passage above?”	Deduce what must logically follow from the given statements.
Conclusion	“The author’s main point is that…” “The author is arguing that…”	Identify the central point or claim of the passage.
Para Completion	“Which of the following options best completes the passage?”	Choose the sentence that logically and meaningfully completes the paragraph.
Dialogue	Dialogue between two people followed by a question (could be any of the types above).	Analyze the exchange and apply the appropriate question type.
Boldface	“In the argument, the portions in the boldface play which of the following roles?”	Understand the function of each bolded part within the argument’s structure.

Key Takeaways

Success in Critical Reasoning rests on identifying the question type before analyzing the passage. The ten major types—assumption, strengthen, weaken, explanation, evaluation, inference, conclusion, paragraph completion, dialogue, and boldface—each direct attention to a specific task. Map the premise, locate the conclusion, and anticipate the missing link. Use systematic elimination to narrow choices with precision. Practicing these methods in GMAT simulations ensures timing discipline, reinforces recognition patterns, and strengthens the ability to apply structured reasoning across varied question formats.

Parting Thought

Knowing the ten question types in Critical Reasoning is more than an exam strategy; it is a reminder that clarity comes from recognizing patterns and responding with purpose. In GMAT preparation, this awareness sharpens focus and reduces wasted effort. In MBA applications, it parallels the skill of understanding what is being asked and structuring responses with precision. In life, too, progress often depends on seeing the framework behind complexity. Engaging with each GMAT mock develops not only accuracy but also a disciplined approach to reasoning that serves well beyond the test.