GMAT+Critical+Reasoning+Bible+Notes.docVIP

Critical Reasoning Bible Notes Chapter 23 Basic Principles Basically, GMAT critical reasoning stimulus has two types: an argument or a set of factual statement. To deal with stimulus, there are three steps: 1. Make a quick analysis of the topic under discussion 2. Read the entire stimulus very carefully 3. Analyze the structure of the stimulus Based on these steps, there are several primary objectives when reading stimulus: Objective 1: Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or only a set of factual statement Difference: The lack of a strong reaction is often an indication that you are not reading an argument and are instead reading just a set of facts. Objective2: If the stimulus contains an argument, identify the conclusion of the argument. If the stimulus contains a fact set, examine each fact. One Important Principle: Order of presentation has no effect on the logical structure of the argument. The conclusion can appear at the beginning, the middle, or the end of the argument! Objective3: If the stimulus contains an argument, determine whether the argument is strong or weak. What is crucial here are the hidden assumptions. The context of premises could never be treated as untrue, but the line of reasoning may not be valid. So, the hidden assumptions play crucial role in the line of reasoning. Objective4: Read closely and know precisely what the author said. Do not generalize! Pay attention to Quantity Indicators Probability Indicators. Objective5: Carefully read and identify the question stem. Do not assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain question types. Objective6: Prephase: After reading the question stem, take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem. Objective7: Always read each of the five answer choices. Objective8: Separate the answer choices into Contenders and Losers. After completing this process, review the Contenders and decide which answer is the correct one. Objective9: If all five