Verbal Fundamentals

Question 1

What defines an argument on the GMAT?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 1

A set of statements where some (premises) support another (conclusion). Used to persuade, not just describe.

Tip: Always ask, What is the author trying to convince me of?

Question 2

What are common markers that signal premises?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 2

since, because, for, given that, seeing that, after all

Tip: Premises provide evidence; they are not optional.

Question 3

What are common markers that signal conclusions?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 3

therefore, so, thus, it follows that, hence, clearly

Tip: Find these to pinpoint the author’s main claim.

Question 4

What’s the difference between an intermediate and a main conclusion?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 4

Intermediate: Supported by a premise, and itself supports the main conclusion. Main: Final claim with no further role in supporting anything else.

Tip: Ask: Does this claim support anything else? If yes → intermediate.

Question 5

How do you tell an argument from an explanation?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 5

Argument: Tries to convince. Explanation: Clarifies why something happened — no persuasion.

Strategy: If there’s no attempt to prove anything, it’s an explanation.

Question 6

What’s the difference between an argument and a plan?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 6

A plan lays out steps toward a goal. A prescriptive argument might recommend a plan but also gives reasons why.

Tip: If the goal is assumed, it’s a plan. If the goal is being argued for, it’s an argument.

Question 7

How do you apply assumptions to plans?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 7

Necessary: Plan can’t work without it. Sufficient: If true, plan will work.

Test: Ask “Must this be true for the plan to succeed?” → Necessary.

Question 8

What are the 5 types of arguments?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 8

Prescriptive → what should be done Evaluative → good/bad, desirable/undesirable Interpretive → what something means Causal → one thing causes another Factual → claims something is true or not

Question 9

How do you identify the author’s purpose?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 9

Look at tone, verbs, and conclusions. Purposes: explain, argue, propose, criticize, support

Tip: “Why did the author write this?” → Usually aligns with main conclusion.

Question 10

How do you find an assumption in a passage?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 10

Assumptions fill the gap between premise and conclusion. Use the negation test: if assumption is false, does the argument fall apart?

GMAT Tip: Assumptions are never explicitly stated.

Question 11

What are the most common gaps in GMAT arguments?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 11

Mistaking correlation for causation Generalizing from insufficient data Ignoring alternate explanations

Strategy: Always ask: “What’s missing?”

Question 12

How do you approach ‘evaluate the argument’ questions?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 12

Look for an assumption Ask: What info would confirm or deny that assumption? Choose the answer that creates a fork in the road: if true → strengthens; if false → weakens

Question 13

How do you strengthen an argument?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 13

Confirm an assumption Provide more evidence for a premise Eliminate alternate explanations

Tip: Avoid answers that restate the conclusion.

Question 14

How do you weaken an argument?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 14

Undermine the assumption Provide a counterexample Show alternate cause or disprove a premise

Tip: Be precise. Only attack the logic, not just the topic.

Question 15

How do you recognize supporting ideas?

Section 1: Analyzing Passages

Answer 15

They reinforce the main idea or help prove a conclusion. Often marked with moreover, in addition, for example

Strategy: Ask, “Is this a reason for another claim, or just a detail?”

Question 16

What is inductive reasoning on the GMAT?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 16

Uses specific examples or evidence to support general conclusions. Conclusions are probable, not certain.

Tip: Strength depends on how well the evidence supports the generalization.

Question 17

How does a generalization argument work?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 17

Takes evidence from a sample → concludes something about a population.

Trap: Small, unrepresentative samples = weak generalization. Strategy: Ask: Is the sample valid and large enough?

Question 18

What is a hasty generalization?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 18

Drawing a conclusion from too small a sample.

Example: “Two people liked it, so everyone must like it.” Weaken: Show bias or low sample size.

Question 19

How does a biased sample weaken an argument?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 19

Sample doesn’t represent the full population.

Strategy: Question how the sample was chosen. Red flag: Phone, online, or voluntary surveys.

Question 20

How is prediction a form of generalization?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 20

Uses past or current trends to forecast future behavior.

Weaken: Show conditions have changed or past doesn’t reflect future. Strengthen: Show consistency over time.

Question 21

How do analogies work in inductive reasoning?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 21

Two situations are similar → expect similar outcomes.

Strengthen: Add relevant similarities. Weaken: Point out key difference.

Question 22

What makes an analogy strong or weak?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 22

Strong: Similar in relevant traits. Weak: Similar only in superficial or irrelevant traits.

Strategy: Ask, “Do these things share traits that affect the conclusion?”

Question 23

What’s the difference between an inference and a generalization?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 23

Inference: Drawn directly from a given passage or facts. Generalization: Applies a rule from a sample to a broader case.

Tip: Inference = what must be true. Generalization = what’s likely to be true.

Question 24

How do you approach inference questions?

Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 24

Look for what must logically follow from the info. Don’t overreach — avoid extreme or exact numerical conclusions unless clearly supported.

Test: Can this be proven from what’s stated or strongly implied?

Question 25

How do application questions test inductive reasoning? | Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 25

Ask you to apply principles or logic from one situation to another. ## Footnote Tip: Focus on parallel logic, not surface details.

Question 26

How do you strengthen an inductive argument? | Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 26

Provide more evidence. Show the sample is representative. Eliminate alternative explanations.

Question 27

How do you weaken an inductive argument? | Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 27

Show the evidence is flawed or doesn’t support the conclusion. Highlight alternate explanations. Show faulty logic or exceptions.

Question 28

How does causal reasoning appear in inductive logic? | Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 28

Observes patterns (X occurs before Y) → concludes X causes Y. ## Footnote Strengthen: Rule out other causes, show consistent pattern. Weaken: Suggest reverse causality or 3rd factor.

Question 29

How do you challenge a causal claim? | Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 29

Ask: Could something else cause the observed effect? Look for hidden variables, flawed timing, or correlation without causation.

Question 30

How can you tell if a pattern is just coincidence? | Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 30

No mechanism or plausible link between the variables. ## Footnote Weaken: Show it could be random or test with changed conditions. Strategy: If A and B occur together, ask: Why? Could it be luck?

Question 31

What is the fallacy of specificity? | Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 31

Drawing an overly precise conclusion from limited data. ## Footnote Example: “Avg frog weight is 32.86g based on 50 frogs” Weaken: Show natural variation or imprecise data collection.

Question 32

How is inductive reasoning used in the Data Insights section? | Section 2: Inductive Reasoning

Answer 32

Interpreting charts, trends, and survey results. Drawing conclusions from data samples. Must evaluate sample size, bias, relevance, and prediction. ## Footnote Tip: Think like a critical reasoning detective with numbers.

Question 33

What is deductive reasoning? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 33

Logic that guarantees the conclusion if the premises are true. Used for valid arguments, proofs, and logical certainty. ## Footnote Tip: Deductive logic is strict. If there’s a crack, the conclusion collapses.

Question 34

How do you know if a deductive argument is valid? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 34

Valid: Conclusion must follow if all premises are true. Invalid: Even with true premises, the conclusion might still be false. ## Footnote Tip: Think structure, not truth content.

Question 35

What’s the difference between a sound and valid argument? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 35

Valid: Correct structure. Sound: Valid + premises are all true. ## Footnote Tip: GMAT mostly tests validity—truth is secondary.

Question 36

What is the meaning of 'If A, then B'? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 36

If A is true, B must be true. Only two valid deductions: A → B and Not B → Not A (Contrapositive).

Question 37

What are common mistakes with 'If A, then B'? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 37

❌ If A → B; B → A ❌ If A → B; Not A → Not B. These are converse and inverse errors. Don’t fall for them.

Question 38

What are examples of logically equivalent statements? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 38

If not-B, then not-A is the contrapositive of If A, then B. Not (A and B) = Not A or Not B. Not (A or B) = Not A and Not B.

Question 39

What’s the difference between 'and' and 'or' in logic? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 39

And (A ∧ B): Both must be true. Or (A ∨ B): At least one must be true. ## Footnote Tip: 'Or' on the GMAT is usually inclusive unless it says 'but not both.'

Question 40

What are common negation patterns? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 40

Negate a conjunction: Not (A and B) → Not A or Not B. Negate a disjunction: Not (A or B) → Not A and Not B. ## Footnote Tip: Negating complex statements is crucial in assumption questions.

Question 41

How can you recognize conditionals? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 41

Common conditionals: If A, then B; B only if A; A unless B; A provided that B. ## Footnote Strategy: Translate all to 'If A, then B' form before evaluating.

Question 42

How do you tell if something is necessary or sufficient? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 42

Sufficient: Guarantees result (If X happens, Y must happen). Necessary: Must be true for result to occur. ## Footnote GMAT Tip: Sufficient = power trigger. Necessary = essential precondition.

Question 43

What are the 3 most tested valid inferences? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 43

If A → B; A → therefore B. If A → B; Not B → therefore Not A (contrapositive). A and B → therefore A (or B).

Question 44

What are the most common invalid inference traps? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 44

If A → B; B → therefore A ❌ If A → B; Not A → therefore Not B ❌ A or B → therefore A ❌.

Question 45

What are quantifiers and how do they work? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 45

Indicate how many: all, some, most, none. Key logic: All As are Bs ≠ All Bs are As. Some As are Bs ≠ Some Bs are As. No As are Bs = No Bs are As.

Question 46

Which quantifier forms are logically equivalent? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 46

All As are Bs = No As are not Bs. Some As are not Bs = Not all As are Bs. Some As are Bs = Some Bs are As.

Question 47

What’s an example of a valid quantifier syllogism? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 47

All As are Bs. All Bs are Cs. Therefore, All As are Cs. ✅ ## Footnote Tip: Always watch direction of relationships.

Question 48

What are common quantifier flaws? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 48

Assuming 'All A → B' means 'All B → A' ❌ Mixing up 'Some' and 'Most' Ignoring what’s actually quantified (people, events, places).

Question 49

How is deductive logic used in the Data Insights section? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 49

Interpreting if-then relationships from tables. Eliminating options based on rules. Using logic puzzles and grids to test conditions. ## Footnote Tip: Treat each multi-source problem like a mini-logic game.

Question 50

What does a necessary assumption look like in deductive logic? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 50

Often the missing link in a chain of if-then statements. Use negation test: If assumption is false → argument falls apart.

Question 51

How do you apply a general principle in logic? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 51

Principle = rule or law (If A, then B). Question gives a new situation → apply the same logic. ## Footnote Tip: Use abstract matching: structure > topic.

Question 52

How do you tell the difference between deductive and inductive logic? | Section 3: Deductive Reasoning

Answer 52

Deductive: Proves something (certainty). Inductive: Suggests something (probability). ## Footnote GMAT Tip: CR and DI test both — know when to trust evidence vs. structure.

Question 53

How do you approach a question that asks you to identify the conclusion of an argument? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 53

Spot the question: “Which of the following is the author’s main conclusion?” Strategy: Find the statement that everything else supports. Look for conclusion markers: therefore, thus, so. Avoid premises disguised as opinions. Trap: Choosing intermediate conclusions or final facts.

Question 54

How do you strengthen a GMAT argument? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 54

Spot the question: “Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?” Strategy: Find the assumption. Support it or add relevant evidence that bridges premise → conclusion. Eliminate alternative explanations. Trap: Restating the premise or making the conclusion more extreme.

Question 55

How do you weaken an argument? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 55

Spot the question: “Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?” Strategy: Find the assumption. Disprove it, show an alternative cause, or challenge the data. Trap: Attacking something unrelated to the reasoning.

Question 56

How do you find an assumption in a Critical Reasoning question? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 56

Spot the question: “Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?” Strategy: Use the Negation Test: If the answer were false, would the argument collapse? Look for gaps between premise and conclusion. Trap: Choosing something that strengthens but isn’t necessary.

Question 57

How do you evaluate an argument? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 57

Spot the question: “Which of the following would be most useful in evaluating the argument?” Strategy: Identify the assumption. Look for an answer that creates a yes/no fork: If true → strengthens; if false → weakens. Trap: Picking answers that are just relevant but don’t test the logic.

Question 58

How do you explain a puzzling phenomenon? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 58

Spot the question: “Which of the following best explains the results?” Strategy: Accept both facts as true. Look for a missing factor that explains both. Trap: Denying either fact or choosing an unrelated third event.

Question 59

How do you solve a CR inference question? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 59

Spot the question: “Which of the following must be true based on the statements above?” Strategy: Eliminate anything not directly supported. Use strict logic — if it’s not provable, it’s out. Trap: Choosing what’s likely or tempting, but not guaranteed.

Question 60

How do you identify a parallel argument? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 60

Spot the question: “Which of the following most closely parallels the reasoning above?” Strategy: Boil the original argument to a logical skeleton: If A → B; A → therefore B. Match logic, not topic. Trap: Matching content or structure, but not the type of reasoning.

Question 61

How do you approach 'fill-in-the-blank' CR questions? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 61

Spot the question: “Which of the following best completes the argument?” Strategy: Predict whether it needs a conclusion, assumption, or evidence. Use POE: eliminate answers that shift topic, reverse logic, or go too far. Trap: Overthinking. Usually a simple assumption or logical next step.

Question 62

How do you evaluate or critique a plan in CR? | Critical Reasoning Questions

Answer 62

Spot the question: “Which of the following would best support/challenge the plan?” Strategy: Identify goal and steps. Check for feasibility, missing steps, unintended consequences. Trap: Ignoring assumptions like “The plan will be carried out as described.”

Question 63

How do you identify the main idea or purpose of a passage? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 63

Spot the question: “What is the author’s main point?” / “What is the primary purpose?” Strategy: Read first + last paragraphs carefully. Ask: Why was this written? Trap: Don’t confuse a supporting detail or example with the main idea.

Question 64

How do you answer a paragraph role question? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 64

Spot the question: “What is the function of the second paragraph?” Strategy: Ask: Does this provide evidence, contrast, example, or summary? Understand how the paragraph fits in the passage’s structure. Trap: Choosing answers that describe content but not purpose.

Question 65

How do you approach supporting idea questions? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 65

Spot the question: “According to the passage…” or “The author states…” Strategy: Go back and locate the exact wording. Match meaning, not just phrases. Trap: Avoid answers that sound right but aren't textually supported.

Question 66

How do you answer an inference question in RC? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 66

Spot the question: “The author implies…” / “It can be inferred that…” Strategy: Find subtle clues and connect ideas logically. Pick what must be true — not what could be true. Trap: Avoid answers that stretch or assume beyond the passage.

Question 67

How do you recognize the author’s attitude? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 67

Spot the question: “The author’s tone can best be described as…” Strategy: Scan for descriptive language, adjectives, and contrast words. Look for neutrality, approval, disapproval, skepticism, etc. Trap: Don’t confuse someone else’s attitude in the passage with the author’s.

Question 68

How do you solve an application question? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 68

Spot the question: “Which of the following situations is most analogous to…” Strategy: Boil the concept down to general logic, then match to a new context. Focus on structure and logic, not wording. Trap: Don’t fall for surface-level or off-topic comparisons.

Question 69

How do you handle a passage structure question? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 69

Spot the question: “How is the passage organized?” Strategy: Track each paragraph’s purpose: introduce, contrast, elaborate, conclude. Outline the flow: Intro → Issue → Evidence → Evaluation → Close. Trap: Choosing answers that summarize content, not structure.

Question 70

How do you determine why the author used a certain word or phrase? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 70

Spot the question: “The author uses the phrase… primarily to…” Strategy: Read the sentence before and after. Ask: Is it evidence? Emphasis? Contrast? Illustration? Trap: Don’t just define the word — explain its purpose in context.

Question 71

How do you evaluate an argument in a passage? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 71

Spot the question: “Which of the following critiques the reasoning?” Strategy: Identify assumptions, flaws, or missing steps. Think like a Critical Reasoning question. Trap: Answers that restate the argument without critiquing it.

Question 72

How do you approach questions that cite a specific line or phrase? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 72

Spot the question: “The author states in line 24…” Strategy: Read 5 lines before and after the reference. Summarize in your own words before reading choices. Trap: Don’t take quotes out of context — always reframe them.

Question 73

How do you handle a question that challenges part of the passage? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 73

Spot the question: “Which of the following would most weaken the author’s claim?” Strategy: Identify what the author is claiming. Look for an answer that undermines the logic behind it. Trap: Don’t confuse new information with contradictory reasoning.

Question 74

How should you interpret examples in a passage? | Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 74

Spot the question: “Which of the following best explains the author’s use of this example?” Strategy: Ask: What does the example prove or illustrate? Examples are usually meant to clarify, support, or emphasize. Trap: Mistaking the example for the main idea or opposing view.