The 800 Gmat Blog

Critical Reasoning is the part of the GMAT where you have a short argument and then a question stem that follows.

For example,

Argument Stimulus:

Since there is little rainfall, crop prices will increase not only in crop producing states but also in other states.

Question Stem:

Which of the following is best supported by the argument above?

Before we can evaluate arguments, it is essential that we understand the parts of an argument. An argument is any text that an author writes to convince us of his idea.

For those interested, the best critical reasoning book on the market is the critical reasoning bible. Don’t be afraid to get a book dedicated solely on critical reasoning.  The techniques addressed in the book are far ahead of any other similar book.  After reading this book, you won’t have to think on critical reasoning section as answers come natural.  This book is recommended for people looking to dramatically improve their overall verbal score and score in the 700s.

Parts of An Argument

There are four major parts to an argument:

Premises: These are the facts that the authors give to support the conclusion.  They are always given in the argument.

Conclusions: The idea that the author is trying to persuade us to accept. Conclusions are usually given in the argument.

Assumptions: A specific unstated bridge between the premise and conclusion. Essentially, its an unwritten premise that if you put into the argument,  the argument becomes stronger. Without it,  the conclusion might be invalid.

Inferences: Any next step that must be true on the basis of the premises and conclusions.  Essentially, its an unwritten conclusion that must be true based on what you just read.

The first step in a evaluating a critical reasoning question is being able to separate the premises from the conclusion. You must find the conclusion to understand the argument.

Here’s is a list of clue words that signify a conclusion:

Typically, conclusions are found at the beginning or end of a passage.

The clue words that signify a premise are:

because

if

in evidence that

owing to

since

given that

as

Try to find the premises and conclusion in the following example.

BECAUSE education is important, we SHOULD take every opportunity to learn.

BECAUSE signals a premise: education is important

SHOULD signals a conclusion: take every opportunity to learn

Scope: Less is more

Underline! Circle it. Remember it. The scope of the argument is the range of knowledge that the premises and conclusions encompass. Limit your answer choices to the information given in the passage without using outside knowledge or experience.  In other words, approach critical reasoning as if you are an alien to the topic at hand.

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