prethinking for CR

Question

Hi,

I wanted to know the utility of prethinking in CR. I mostly read the question stem and then look at the choices and take a decision based on the alignment of choice with the question stem. I am not used to prethinking at all and rely on spotting the choice and relating it with the content. Kindly advise if this method is fine or shall I change my approach. At present CR seems to be my weakest area as per the mock CATs.

bb · Answer

Well.... there is no perfect solution. However based on your own indicators, your current method is not working and since all of the best and brightest GMAT tutors suggest pre thinking, I would highly recommend that you seriously look into it.

The prethinking does deliver results.

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The prethinking does deliver results.

Sent from my iPhone using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Pushpak21 · Answer

If your current method is not achieving desired result then it is better to use prethinking in CR.

As it will help you to narrow down the answer choices because after prethinking you will get the idea about what information your answer choice should convey.

AjiteshArun · Answer

If it helps, I do exactly what you do (evaluate each option independently). Trying to "prethink" my way to the answer almost always slows me down.

ccooley · Answer

I'd recommend 'prethinking', but, don't think of it as a way to predict the exact correct answer. Sometimes, if you're doing particular problem types where the answer is often 'vague' and 'boring' (assumptions come to mind), you may very well be able to predict the actual answer ahead of time. In other problem types, though - such as Strengthen/Weaken, where the right answer will often introduce a brand new fact - you shouldn't waste your time trying to predict the exact form of the answer. Instead, 'prethink' about these three things:

1. Why does the author believe his/her conclusion? Get into the author's head, rather than taking their argument for granted. Ask yourself why the author believes that the evidence supports the conclusion. In what way does it support the conclusion?

2. Why is the argument logically weak? CR arguments are  always  weak (unless they're Inference or Discrepancy problems, which don't have a conclusion at all!). Articulate the biggest problem(s) with the argument.

3. What  sort  of thing are you looking for in the right answer? It isn't enough to just say that it'll 'weaken' the conclusion. Specify to yourself  specifically  what it would mean to weaken the conclusion. For example, you might think to yourself 'okay, I need to find an answer choice that shows that the government's plan  won't  lead to increased revenues', or 'I need to find an answer choice that shows that the better quality of carpentry in older buildings  isn't  due to greater carpentry skill.'

keats · Answer

Very nicely articulated  ccooley

VerbalBot · Answer

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prethinking for CR

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