Critical Reasoning Flashcards
because of, since, due to , or as a result of
Think PREMISE!
part of the core
supports author’s conclusion
can be fact, opinion, description, or comparison
therefore, thus, so or Consequently
Think CONCLUSION part of the core in MOST arguments represents the author's main opinion, or claim, can be a prediction, outcome of a plan supported by at least one premise
historical info, data, descriptions
Think BACKGROUND
not part of core nor always present
provides context to understand core.
is almost always fact-based, historical info, data , descriptions of plans, definitions
Although, though, however, yet and but
Think COUNTERPOINT
is sometimes present. is not part of core
opposes or goes against author’s conclusion
can trick you into thinking the conclusion is the opposite
Critical Reasoning Methodology. what is it?
- Identify the question family and type
- deconstruct argument
- state the goal of the question
- work from wrong to right
What are the types of CR and how can you identify? CR36-38
Structure based (2 types)- building blocks/roles of info in argument:
- Describe the role: boldface text in question.
- Describe the argument: how one person responds or objects to another’s argument. right answer must match what the second person did.
Assumption Based (4 types) author makes an assumption, conclusion is in the argument.
- Find the Assumption: Right answer will be an assumption required by the argument. “what must be true”
- Strengthen/Weaken: right answer will be a new piece of info that makes the conclusion more likely or less likely.
- Evaluate the argument: Right answer will be a question that best helps test the assumptions in the argument.
Evidence based (2 types) -dont have conclusions
- Draw a conclusion (inference): right answer will be what MUST be true.
- Explain the discrepancy: right answer will explain the surprise.
Describe the Role : Structure Based CR
Goal: Describe role of bold phrase(s)
Method 1:
Classify each bold statement as either conclusion (C), premise (P), or something else (X) (counter, background etc) then read the ac to see which definition it matches
Method 2
answer 3 questions:
Is the statement a fact or an opinion?
is the statement for or against the conclusion
if there are two, are they on the same side of the fence or opposite?
What is an assumption? How do you identify it?
Assumption is something the author believes to be true but is not stated in the argument
To identify the assumption, first look at the core argument and identify the premise and conclusion.
Then identify the gap. The assumption would fill that gap.
eg “No athlete under 14 can qualify for Olymp from Y”—(Adrienne is an athlete from country y who is under the age of 14)—> adrienne can’t qual for Y’s olympic team.
CRSGp95
What are two ways to test assumptions?
- Negative test. Is the assumption necessary? If you took the assumption ac away, would the argument still stand? IF it doesn’t, keep it in!
- Pretend like you’re arguing with someone. What assumptions are they making to make their point? Those are the needed assumptions.
CRSGp97
Does an assumption have to be true?
no it only has to be true to the author CRSGp98
When I see:
Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?
THINK Find the Assumption question
cRSGp98
What’s the evaluate argument process?
Find the core-conclusion, premise and be sure to understand the logic gap. look for words that appear in the conclusion and no where else in the argument.
For each answer choice, imagine a possible answer to the question it poses. IF useful, keep it.
What do evaluate the argument questions test? There are only a few on the test.
They are asking for information that would test the validity of the argument. Would strengthen or weaken the argument. The answer choice should create two paths (strengthen or. Weaken argument) with the 2 options
What is the main claim of the argument called and what are the signal words for it?
The main claim is the CONCLUSION. This is the final statement. Conclusions do not support any other claim in the argument.
Signals: Therefore, Thus, So
What are the supporting pieces to a claim? And what are the signal words?
These are called premises. These provide evidence for the conclusion.
Singals: Since, because, For
What is the argument against the main claim called? What are the signal words?
The argument against the main claim is the counter argument.
Signals: Though, Even though, Although
What is the THEREFORE test and how should you use it?
When you are stuck between two statements that appear to be conclusions, line them up with therefore in the middle. Which combination makes sense? The last conclusion is the main conclusion.
How do you save time and energy (your most valuable resources) in critical reasoning?
Look for the STRUCTURE of the argument (conclusion, premise, counterargument, and background). DO NOT try to logically understand the argument in full. There is no time for that.
When approaching boldfaced phrases, how do you simplify the text to solve it?
First ask, is the statement “FOR” “AGAINST” or “CONCLUSION”, then ask is it a “FACT” or an “OPINION”
Then go through the answer choices
What is the process for answering a CR question about bolded statements?
- Read like a caveman
- Find the conclusion (using the therefore test)
- Relate the bolds to the conclusion (For, Against, conclusion)
- Go through the answers and mark what they should be (For, against, conclusion). You can do all “first phrases” first, then do all of the second phrases.
- Eliminate answer choices.
What are assumptions? And what are their roles?
It is an unstated premise. It helps bridge the gap between the premise and conclusion. They hold up the therefore bridge.
How do you find the assumptions?
Draw a therefore bridge and ask “What if…” those what ifs are assumptions if they are necessary to hold up the bridge.
How do you eliminate between two assumptions?
Negate the assumption answer and ask if the argument still holds. If the argument is still true then the assumption is not necessary. Cross it off.
What is the process for CR assumption questions?
- Identify the question
- deconstruct the argument (identify parts of arg bk, premise, conclusion, and create a therefore bridge)
- pause and state the goal of the argument
- eliminate the answers based on the therefore bridge
In assumption questions what should you be careful about in the answer choices?
Assumptions that argue with the premise. When the GMAT gives you a premise, treat ti like a fact.
When I see:
The claims above, if true, most strongly support which of the following conclusions?
Think: Inference question
When I see:
The statements above, if true, best support which of the following assertions?
Think: Inference question
When I see:
If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?
Think: Inference question
When I see:
If the statements above are true, which of the following can properly be inferred on the basis of them?
Think: Inference question
When I see
The conclusion above would be more reasonably drawn if it were established that…
Think Find the Assumption
What is special about the evidence family?
They are NOT complete arguments. They don’t have a conclusion or logic gap in the argument. Treat them like mini RCs.
How do you find the right answer to an inference question?
Inference questions don’t have a conclusion in the argument.
So the right answer will be something that must be true or is most provable.
Before reading Acs: Carefully read the passage and pay attention to wording.
Ask for each AC: Does this HAVE to be true?
Final test: reread the passage and think what could go wrong with this answer choice, why might it not be true?
How do you find the right answer to an explain the discrepancy question
The right answer will be new information that removes the surprise from the argument
Before reading Acs: be sure you understand the discrepancy. reword the passage to highlight it.
Ask for each AC: if this is true, does it explain my situation?!
Final test: If you have more than one AC, check to see if you have the discrepancy wrong or if you’re adding additional assumptions.
