Critical Reasoning- trust my instincts or start from scratch?

Question

Hey,

i have a question regarding the CR-prep.

In the GMAT exam I failed, I felt pretty confident with CR, somewhat confident with RC and absolutely not confident at all with SC. Sadly I did not use an error log for my first prep to base my strengths and weaknesses conclusion on and because I did an online exam I can't get the ESR (why GMAT WHYYYY?). I did only SC in the last days and feel way better prepared now (Mprep, careful error reviews and binge watching the GMAT-Ninja(Charles you're the man btw)).

Now I did a bunch of CR questions to figure out my current level and plan my studies. I get about 90% of easy and medium difficulty and 80% of hard questions right. But I basically do these problems without any clear game plan or strategy, I just carefully read the question, think a second about it and start the process of elimination.
So, should I just keep that approach on CR and spend my time on SC and quant (did not went well also), or should I work trough the whole Mprep CR guide or any other CR resource? (If yes, I am happy for recommendations

)

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

The Online does not give the option for an ESR.

bb · Answer

So your question is whether you should continue to use the approach that you have stumbled upon in the dark and that has led to a not optimal score OR use the strategy perfected a multi million dollar company employing 99% scoring instructors that has been proven to work... is that what you are asking?

I just want to make sure I understood your question correctly.... 😂

Posted from my mobile device

I just want to make sure I understood your question correctly.... 😂

Posted from my mobile device

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi peterputer,

To score well on GMAT, mainly Verbal section, you need to have strong application skills along with the conceptual knowledge. Each module in Verbal, has to be approached in a certain way. The test makers set a lot of traps in answer choices and if you don't use the right methodologies and strategies to solve questions, then there are high chances that you end up getting stuck between two answer choices.

For example, while solving CR questions, you can't just directly jump into answer choices once you read the argument. You have to take a moment to 
  Understand the scope of the argument 
 Identify the premise and the conclusion 
 Understand what the question statement is asking 
 Identify the missing link (Which is nothing but pre-thinking)

And only then you start eliminating answer choices which are irrelevant, out of scope and half-truths. As you see, the process of solving the question is a lot more structured when you do it using the right methodology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZP1tJ_e-4I

I suggest you to follow a structured approach to solve not only CR questions but any kind of question on GMAT. This way, you will feel much more confident on the test day and there are less chances that you will falter during the test.

You can also attend our free webinar series that we are currently running to learn a few strategies that will help you solve questions in a methodical way . You can register for the webinar series using the below link.

Registration Link:   Click here

If you have any more queries regarding the study strategy, you can get in touch with me using the below link.

Click here to schedule a call

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi peterputer,

To start, are you referring to the At-home GMAT you took back in February or to a more recent attempt? If it is a more recent attempt, then did you take the At-home GMAT again or did you take your GMAT at a Test Center? Since your first Official Score included a V28, you would have lost significant points in all 3 major Verbal categories (RC, SC and CR), so depending on your Score Goal, you might need to work on your Verbal skills in all 3 areas (and you have the potential to pick up some significant points in all 3).

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied in total? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

ScoreLeap · Answer

Hey Peterputer

On GMAT Verbal CR is as important as RC and SC. It is important you need at least 6-7 questions right in CR to get a good score in Verbal. If you are doing good in RC, ideally CR shouldn’t be a problem. In CR, it is important that you devise your strategy. Before you jump to answer choices, try to predict the answer - not in specific but in general and then eliminate the answer choices that doesn’t fit into your prediction. Also, when you read the argument, I would recommend you to create a small diagram to ensure that you understood the flow - it helps you predict the answer. Practice from Official Guides, and the official materials from MBA. com - the best resources for the practice. Feel free to write if you have any further questions.

All the best

EducationAisle · Answer

If you are consistently getting such  high  accuracy rates using your instincts alone, I would  not  suggest that you follow any alternate strategy.

I would suggest that you utilize your preparation time more efficiently, by preparing for SC and Quant, which do not seem to be your instinctive areas of strength.

Good luck for your prep!

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