GMAT Critical Reasoning Syllabus: Questions, Preparation Tips
GMAT
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.
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- GMAT Pattern
- GMAT Critical Reasoning Syllabus
- GMAT Critical Reasoning Tips
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.
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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 |
|
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 Questions in 45 Minutes |
|
| Data Insights | 20 Questions in 45 Minutes |
|
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.
GMAT Focus Edition syllabus includes three sections each of the same time limit. Check out the sections on the new GMAT along with the number of questions and topics tested on the exam:
- Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Algebra + Arithmetic
- Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Reading Comprehension + Critical Reasoning
- Data Insights (20 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Data Sufficiency + Multi-source Reasoning + Table Analysis + Graphics Interpretation + Two-part Analysis
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Sentence Correction (SC) do not form a part of the GMAT Focus Edition.
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
The English language test score required at the Univerisyt of South Wales are mentioned in the table below for the international applicants whose first language is not English
Exam | Minimum Scores |
|---|---|
IELTS | 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band |
TOEFL | 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing |
PTE | a score of 59 overall and 59 in each component. |
The minimum IELTS score required for studying in the UK ranges from 6.0 to 6.5. Most undergraduate programs require a minimum score of 6.0, while postgraduate courses often require at least 6.5. However, there are some 5.5 IELTS band score accepting universities in UK for foundation or pre-master's courses.
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
The University of Manchester acceptance rate is 39% for international students, which means admissions are highly competitive. Out of 100 applicants, only 39 are admitted to the university. This also shows that the university has particular standards for admission, and potential students should be prepared for admission. Early applicants can primarily benefit as it gives students a better chance of acceptance. Therefore, international applicants who wish to study at the University of Manchester must have a good acdemic profile.
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After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.