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GMAT Critical Reasoning Question Types, Explained with Examples

Critical Reasoning is half of GMAT Focus Verbal. Recognising the question type is the first step to answering it.

Abhishek Leela Pandey13 October 20262 min read
On this page
  1. Start with the argument
  2. The types
  3. Common traps
  4. Practise

Start with the argument

Every CR question gives an argument: evidence leading to a conclusion. Before reading the options, find the conclusion and ask what the argument takes for granted. That gap is what most questions are about.

The types

  • Assumption: what must be true for the conclusion to follow? Negate the option; if the argument collapses, it is the assumption.
  • Strengthen: which option makes the conclusion more likely? Usually it supports the assumption.
  • Weaken: which option makes it less likely? Usually it attacks the assumption or offers another explanation.
  • Evaluate: what information would help judge the argument? Look for the question whose answer would change your view.
  • Inference: what must be true given the statements? Stay strictly within them.
  • Paradox: two facts seem to conflict; find the option that lets both be true.
  • Boldface: what role does each bolded sentence play: evidence, conclusion, or counter-point?

Common traps

Options that are relevant but do not affect the gap, options that go further than the argument, and options that strengthen when the question asks you to weaken.

Practise

Pick GMAT in the header on GRADFLIX and every essay ends with GMAT-style questions, including CR. The GMAT room explains the format in full.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main GMAT CR question types?

Assumption, strengthen, weaken, evaluate, inference, paradox and boldface.

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