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rainmaker123
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critical reasoning strategy 09 Feb 2010, 11:00
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Hi Guys,

Probably I am asking a question that has already been asked million times on this forum. But I will still ask it one more time.
What is the best way to study for critical reasoning. I am using the PowerScore CR book. The problem is when I try medium to hard problems from OG, I tend to get quite a bit of them wrong. I am always confused between 2 final answer choices and not able to choose the correct one. Timing is also a huge problem for this section for me.

Can you guys please share your experiences and suggest ways to improve on this section?

Thanks a lot!

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BarneyStinson
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critical reasoning strategy 09 Feb 2010, 14:57
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rainmaker123
Hi Guys,

Probably I am asking a question that has already been asked million times on this forum. But I will still ask it one more time.
What is the best way to study for critical reasoning. I am using the PowerScore CR book. The problem is when I try medium to hard problems from OG, I tend to get quite a bit of them wrong. I am always confused between 2 final answer choices and not able to choose the correct one. Timing is also a huge problem for this section for me.

Can you guys please share your experiences and suggest ways to improve on this section?

Thanks a lot!
Show more

I am pretty much in the same boat. One thing I have been trying is to devotedly apply the principles that PowerScore CR bible preaches. I mean, exactly word-to-word. Looking for conclusion statements, identifying exaggerated or shell-game options etc etc. Nevertheless, my performance is still fumbling yet, I believe I have a better understanding at how the traps work and all it takes is time to learn to train and mend my mind into reading something and identifying them accurately.
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ExecMBA2010
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critical reasoning strategy 09 Feb 2010, 18:41
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rainmaker123
Hi Guys,

Timing is also a huge problem for this section for me.

Can you guys please share your experiences and suggest ways to improve on this section?

Thanks a lot!
Show more

....here is another sailor on your boat! I attempted quite a few CR questions from OG 12 and did it under two conditions: (1) within time limit of 2 mins/question and (2) without limiting time but thinking till I get the right answer. The outcomes were like this:

For (1) I got 50% correct only
For (2) I got 85% correct but within a time range of 3 to 5 mins/question.... :cry:

The good side is the reasoning part is under grip but I need to do something to get to speed. What should that be? Pl help.
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rainmaker123
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critical reasoning strategy 10 Feb 2010, 11:04
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Any instructors/moderators out there, who can provide some help on this.

Much appreciated!
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ManhattanReview
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critical reasoning strategy 10 Feb 2010, 14:36
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rainmaker123
Hi Guys,

Probably I am asking a question that has already been asked million times on this forum. But I will still ask it one more time.
What is the best way to study for critical reasoning. I am using the PowerScore CR book. The problem is when I try medium to hard problems from OG, I tend to get quite a bit of them wrong. I am always confused between 2 final answer choices and not able to choose the correct one. Timing is also a huge problem for this section for me.

Can you guys please share your experiences and suggest ways to improve on this section?

Thanks a lot!
Show more

Critical reasoning and Reading Comp are usually two of the biggest difficulties students face with the GMAT. Critical reasoning is especially hard to improve upon because it does mean changing one's own process in order to fit the reasoning of the test takers. Here are some standard suggestions we give to students:

1. Practice more! There are additional 9 old real GMAT paper tests in pdf files for purchase on mba [dot] com. It is about $25 for 3 tests.

2. Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension are the two areas that require inherent skill sets and knowledge. There are limited shortcuts. You need to find the best way you can read fast and comprehend accurately. Locate a LSAT book and do the Critical Reasoning problems from there. They are harder than the GMAT. It will be a good practice. You need to read editorial columns of a top English newspaper on a daily basis to improve your Reading Comprehension.

3. Private tutoring will be helpful. We have seen our students improved over 1 month's period. Manhattan Review does have tutoring services that can be tailored to your individual needs and that are relatively inexpensive. If you're interested, give us a call at the number in our sig below or just private message us.

If you're not looking for tutoring, our self-study package or our online library is also a good, inexpensive option for extra prep.

Hope this helps!

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Hi there,
This topic has been closed and archived due to inactivity or violation of community quality standards. No more replies are possible here.
Where to now? Join ongoing discussions on thousands of quality questions in our Verbal Questions Forum
Still interested in this question? Check out the "Best Topics" block above for a better discussion on this exact question, as well as several more related questions.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
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