GMAT Critical Reasoning: Weakening, Strengthening, and Assumption Strategies
Introduction to GMAT Critical Reasoning
GMAT Critical Reasoning questions test your ability to analyze arguments. Common question types include weakening, strengthening, and assumption questions. A useful approach is logic chain analysis, which breaks an argument into its premises and conclusion to evaluate the reasoning.
Key Strategies for Weaken, Strengthen, and Assumption Questions
- For weaken questions, find the option that attacks the logic chain, often by undermining a premise or showing an alternative explanation.
- For strengthen questions, select the option that supports the chain, possibly by adding evidence or removing doubts.
- For assumption questions, identify the unstated premise that must be true for the argument to hold.
Practicing with real GMAT-style questions helps you recognize these patterns and build speed.
Applying Logic Chain Analysis
Logic chain analysis involves mapping the argument: identify the conclusion, the evidence, and the logical connection. Then evaluate how each answer choice affects that chain. This method works across all three question types.
For a detailed breakdown with example questions, see our linked article on GMAT Critical Reasoning.
GMAT Critical Reasoning: Weakening, Strengthening, and Assumption Questions
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