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Critical Reasoning questions in the GMAT Verbal section test your ability to analyze arguments, identify assumptions, evaluate evidence, and draw logical conclusions. You will face short passages followed by a single question. Precision in reading, thinking, and reasoning is key to performing well.
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Critical Reasoning (CR) questions appear in the GMAT Verbal section and assess your ability to evaluate arguments, judge evidence, and apply logic. Each question presents a short stimulus that includes a conclusion and supporting premises. Your task is to analyze this argument and select the answer choice that best fits the requirement stated in the question. This might involve strengthening or weakening the argument, identifying an assumption, or drawing a conclusion. The argument topics are drawn from a wide range of fields, but the underlying skill tested is logical reasoning, not subject knowledge. A well-structured GMAT preparation course will help you develop the thinking habits, logical discipline, and structured analysis needed for consistent performance.
The CR questions reflect real-world business situations where decisions must be made through sound judgment and limited information. Whether you are evaluating a proposal, assessing a risk, or defending a strategy, the ability to think critically is vital. This article covers the format, question types, core skills, and preparation strategies that will help you master this important part of the GMAT.
CR questions on the GMAT follow a predictable format. You will be presented with a short passage, typically 100 to 150 words, followed by a question and five answer choices. Only one choice is logically correct.
The question types include:
Each question type demands a specific analytical approach. For instance, a strengthen question requires identifying the gap in the argument and finding the choice that bridges that gap. An inference question asks what must be true based on the given information. Dialogue and boldface questions often involve deeper structural understanding. Para-completion questions test your ability to maintain logical flow. Each type is distinct, but all require disciplined reading and clear thinking.
Correct Answer: C
With the right approach, 100 percent accuracy in GMAT Critical Reasoning is a realistic and attainable goal. These questions are based on clear logic, not subjective interpretation. Once you master the structure of arguments and apply a consistent method like the Missing Link Approach, your performance becomes precise and repeatable. With focused preparation, regular practice, and disciplined review, most test takers can eliminate uncertainty and reach perfect accuracy. At Experts’ Global, we have seen thousands of students achieve this level of control, and with the right effort, so can you!
The GMAT uses Critical Reasoning to evaluate a wide range of decision-making and analytical thinking abilities. These include:
Spotting gaps in reasoning is at the heart of Critical Reasoning. Many arguments contain hidden leaps or apparent gaps between what is stated and what is concluded. Identifying such breaks in logic helps you understand the structure of the argument and is essential for solving questions that involve assumptions, strengthening, weakening, or evaluating an argument.
Many arguments contain errors in reasoning. These include false cause-effect relationships, unwarranted generalizations, and unsupported analogies. Recognizing these flaws is crucial.
You must determine how new statements affect the argument. In strengthen or weaken questions, the correct answer either supports or undermines the conclusion based on how it addresses the core logic.
Inference questions require you to determine what must be true based on the information provided. This tests your ability to draw conclusions without making assumptions.
You need to break the argument into its key components: conclusion, premises, and assumptions. Understanding how they relate will help you evaluate new information accurately.
You will often be asked whether a piece of evidence strengthens or weakens the reasoning. This requires the ability to judge relevance and logical consistency.
In boldface and dialogue-based questions, you must determine the function of individual statements or contrasting viewpoints within the argument framework.
These skills go beyond content knowledge. They test your ability to stay focused, think clearly, and reason logically under time constraints.
We devised the “Missing-Link Approach” in 2008 as a structured, reliable method to help students navigate Critical Reasoning questions on the GMAT. Since then, this approach has helped thousands of students across the globe in efficiently solving GMAT’s CR questions. The Missing-Link Approach simplifies complex reasoning by breaking every argument into predictable components and applying a focused, logical strategy for analysis.
Before reading the argument, begin by carefully reading the question stem. Identify what the question is asking, whether it requires you to find an assumption, strengthen or weaken the argument, draw an inference, evaluate a proposal, or complete the passage. Understanding the requirement in advance helps you read the stimulus with purpose and precision.
Now read the argument and determine its main conclusion. This is the claim that the author wants you to accept. It is usually the point that the rest of the passage is trying to support.
Next, understand the statements that lead to the conclusion. These are the premise. Examine how they support the conclusion and whether that support is logically sound. In most cases, there is a gap between the premises and the conclusion. This gap is what we at Experts’ Global call the Missing Link.
Now find the Missing-Link between the premises and the conclusion. This is the implicit assumption or unspoken connector that holds the argument together. The Missing-Link could be a logical assumption, a cause-effect link, a definition, or an extra piece of evidence that completes the reasoning.
Now apply the Missing-Link to the specific task stated in the question stem. If the question asks you to strengthen the argument, choose the answer choice that supports or confirms the Missing-Link. If the question asks you to weaken the argument, select the option that breaks or questions the Missing-Link. If it asks you to evaluate the argument, find the choice that tests whether the Missing-Link is valid. If it is a para-completion or inference question, choose the option that fits logically with the premises and the Missing-Link.
The Missing-Link Approach helps you keep your focus on the logical structure of the argument rather than its content. With this clarity, you can approach every question type with a repeatable and reliable strategy.
Many test takers make predictable errors in Critical Reasoning questions. Awareness of these pitfalls can improve your performance significantly:
Reading the question stem but not fully understanding what the correct answer choice must accomplish is a critical error. This can lead to an incorrect expectation from the correct answer choice, thereby causing the question to be attempted incorrectly.
Identifying the conclusion is central to solving any Critical Reasoning question. If you do not clearly recognize the conclusion, your reasoning will be misaligned from the very start, making it far more difficult to arrive at the correct answer.
Many wrong answer choices are designed to confuse. Common traps include confusing cause with effect, assuming correlation means causation, or comparing things that should not be compared. Falling for these traps can take you away from the right answer.
Your goal is not to evaluate the subject matter but the structure of the argument. Avoid using outside knowledge.
Words such as “some,” “most,” “only,” or “unless” can significantly alter the meaning of a statement. For example, the use of an extreme word such as “must” may become the reason for eliminating an otherwise tempting answer choice.
Since 2008, Experts’ Global has followed the Understand – Practice – Master approach for every concept, question type, and topic. The same structured method works exceptionally well for Critical Reasoning preparation.
Begin by learning how arguments are constructed and how each question type functions. Study the typical reasoning flaws, the role of assumptions, and how premises connect to conclusions. A strong foundation built with the help of expert instruction will ensure clarity from the start.
Solve a large number of questions from all types using official material and reliable practice resources. After each question, identify the conclusion, premises, and Missing-Link. Review every error and every correct answer to understand your decision-making process. This stage builds speed, confidence, and logical precision.
Increase timed practice on full-length GMAT mock tests and sectional drills. Train your mind to remain sharp across different question types and to avoid second-guessing. Maintain an error log to track recurring flaws in your reasoning. Continue refining the strategy so that it becomes second nature under test pressure.
By progressing through these three stages with dedication, you will build the reasoning skill set needed to excel in the GMAT Critical Reasoning section.
An authentic MBA admission consulting team can support your entire journey, not just the applications but also your GMAT prep. If you start early enough, such a team can guide your preparation with expert insights, help you avoid common mistakes, and keep you motivated throughout. Most importantly, they can help you strengthen your profile alongside test prep, ensuring that every step aligns with building a strong, distinctive MBA application.
Critical Reasoning questions test not only your logic but also your discipline, clarity, and ability to remain focused. These are the skills that business schools and global employers value most. Mastering this section will strengthen both your GMAT score and your long-term analytical mindset. With a structured approach, regular practice, and the right guidance, you can turn Critical Reasoning into one of your strongest areas on test day.
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