Help with Critical Reasoning Questions

Question

Hi all,

I went through Manhattan CR guide, followed their approach but questions are not completing in 2 min time frame and I am not also getting all of them right. CR is pretty bad in a nutshell. I went through some of the discussions here and people recommend Powerscore CR bible.

I have below questions

1. Do we need to diagram as suggested in MGMAT guide?

2. Are there specific question types where diagramming absolutely helps? Are there question types where we can avoid diagramming totally?

3. While using Powerscore CR, I am assuming they dont ask to diagram from what I read in the forum? If so what do they ask to focus on in the whole passage or question type?

4. While going through Powerscore CR, if I had to make notes for each question type what is the easiest way to do that? Something that I could go over before taking any practice test and also before GMAT.

Please let me know.

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks

raviram80 · Answer

Could some one please reply to my questions?

Thanks

gmatpunjabi · Answer

1. Do we need to diagram as suggested in MGMAT guide?

Yes the most important thing in the Manhattan CR Guide is diagramming. Learn and master it so it is second nature.

2. Are there specific question types where diagramming absolutely helps? Are there question types where we can avoid diagramming totally?

I use diagramming for all questions, but its most helpful in Cause and Effect Reasoning Questions.

3. While using Powerscore CR, I am assuming they dont ask to diagram from what I read in the forum? If so what do they ask to focus on in the whole passage or question type? I would diagram anywaya. focus on diagramming the passage.

4. While going through Powerscore CR, if I had to make notes for each question type what is the easiest way to do that? Something that I could go over before taking any practice test and also before GMAT.

Make a copy of the page at the back of each chapter it has a great summary that you can add notes too. Most likely it has everything. Thats what I use.

raviram80 · Answer

Thanks,

I am not able to diagram within 30 seconds and it usually takes longer for me to complete the question. Do you have any list of abbreviations that you end up using most often in all the questions you have done?

gmatpunjabi · Answer

Diagramming comes with practice. Take some OG questions you have already done and practice diagramming them. The symbol I use the most is the down arrow it indicates that one thing caused. I use three dots for the conclusion. My Diagramming is nothing pretty lol

raviram80 · Answer

Thanks,

While Diagramming, do you put the conclusion down first by reading the question (if it says anything abt conclusion) or you read the argument, take note of premise and in the end note down the conclusion

Another thing how much of the premise info that you put supporting conclusion or negating it do you end up really using or it is mainly to help you keep in mind what the passage said. 2 mins may not be enough to always re read all your notes.

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