Pulling my hair out critical reasoning= frustrating

Question

Why is CR so frustrating, I'm using the CR guide. Trying to attempt the latter part of find the assumption questions. Getting most wrong, is it the book or is CR just so frustrating.

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bakfed · Answer

CR is pretty frustrating. But like everything else on GMAT, it's definitely beat-able. With practice and clear understanding of why you get something wrong, you'll soon realize that most questions have similar arguments. Keep at it!!!

pike · Answer

Have you had a look at the Powerscore CR Bible? It really is a great resource. https://www.amazon.com/PowerScore-GMAT-C ... 0972129634

scbguy · Answer

Thank you guys for the encouragement. I appreciate it. You guys motivate me Soo much. I will keep at it.

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scbguy · Answer

What are your views on the MGMAT CR strategy guide ? Is it any good or should I change the book ?

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pike · Answer

I have this book, it looks pretty god. I haven't actually used it though, and don't plan to, as I am focusing on using the Powerscore book which seems far more comprehensive.

scbguy · Answer

Let me see if there is some way I can get this book. Thanks

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Eden · Answer

Ditto! I've tried almost every suggestion/techniques but to no avail.I am using mgmat cr...so I Guess it must be my brain

I averaged about 50% on a good day....pathetic ! Posted from my mobile device

anilwanted · Answer

powerscore CR bible seems better than MGMAT..
I have both ..

Top5Gun · Answer

I second Powerscore! It is truly the best thing that ever happened to perfecting CR. Well worth the investment.

Posted from my mobile device

scbguy · Answer

Thanks guys

. What are your views on MGMAT SC ? Is that any good ? Or are much better books out there for SC. https://gmatclub.com/static/posted_from.png Posted from GMAT ToolKit

pike · Answer

MGMAT SC is undoubtedly the best, and you should get it. I also have Powerscore SC and it is pretty good too.

anilwanted · Answer

It's a very good book.
Read it atleast twice.

People say that it is the best and I would agree with that.
(I read just one other verbal book that isnt so great)

Top5Gun · Answer

MGMAT SC definitely lives up to all the hype. Interesting you're from UAE. I was about to get a job and move there...

scbguy · Answer

Hi topgun, actually I'm not from the UAE, I live here and work here, been here for a little over 2 years, I'm originally Pakistani.

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scbguy · Answer

Is the MGMAT sentence correction book good for non native and gramatically weak students also ?

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anilwanted · Answer

non-native-->yes
weak in grammer, really depends on how weak.
but still yes.
I do not think it is for advance guys only. If that is wht your concern

BM · Answer

I used the Powerscore CR Bible, and this book is fantastic. In fact, it ranks as my favorite GMAT book. For CR, I always advise three courses of action:

1. Multiple Reads  - This is so crucial. Don't just read the book; re-read it, and then read it again. 
 2. Maximum Question Practice  - You need to practice with hundreds of CR problems. This can be done via the OG material, Manhattan word banks, GMATClub verbal forums, and LSAT SuperPrep.
 3. Explanation Review  - Fully read every single explanation, even for the questions that you answer correctly. You will learn more, gain more insights into the test makers mind, and notice patterns.

I can't say that these suggestions above are absolute truths, but they worked for me! You may notice one pattern, though: all require hardwork and an active (not passive) mentality. And that's perhaps the most important thing. Just keep working at it and try to improve or do something with CR everyday.

rustypolymath · Answer

Generally I like the MGMAT guides because I think they do a good job juggling technicality and accessibility, but to be honest, their CR book is my least favorite in their set. As for the PowerScore Bible touted on this thread, it has many useful breakdowns and the writing is fairly accessible, so among the CR-specific books currently on the market it is probably the best. However, it is long and at times the explanations are convoluted.

In truth, I have yet to find a CR book presently on the market that explains the questions in a concise manner in terms of:

- Deductive validity
- Scientific comparisons
- Functional syntax of writing

I have taught GMAT full-time for over two and a half years and written over 300 CR practice questions and my conclusion is that EVERY Critical Reasoning question that could ever appear boils down to one of the above three logical areas - deduction, science, rhetoric.

That said, you do need a bit of training for the particularities (question types, grammatical traps, juggling of various "personalities"--there is quite a bit of critical reading involved here) and PowerScore does that quite well, but the reason why the book is in my opinion convoluted is because it is not animated systematically with the above-mentioned themes.

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Pulling my hair out critical reasoning= frustrating

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