Planning on taking GMAT soon? How are you preparing for it? Have you already figured out a strategy? How do you intend to tackle the different sections of GMAT? Each section is unique on its own. Do you know what type of questions these will be? Or how difficult they will be? If you want to know how you can prepare for the Integrated Reasoning section of GMAT, then this article is for you!
GMAT Integrated Reasoning - What is being tested?
Your ability to critically analyse and interpret data is what is being tested in this section. You are presented data in multiple formats and you have to answer questions based on them. This is a very desirable skill in the real world of business, as you will be looking at a lot of different data from varying sources. One thing that you should note is that whatever you prepare for Integrated Reasoning is based on Quant and Verbal.
GMAT Integrated Reasoning - Time Duration
You have 30 minutes to answer 12 questions. That’s a little over 2 minutes per question. However, they won’t all be the same kind of question.
It is important to note that Multi-Source Reasoning is the most time consuming of the Integrated Reasoning questions, simply because you have 3 tabs/pages of data to analyse. Make sure that you:
Read the given data carefully. It is meant to be challenging. Some ideas (especially if given in a paragraph) are developed sequentially. Make sure you’ve read and understood all the data before moving on to the questions.
Read each question carefully before answering them. The answers need to be derived through careful analysis.
Some questions require you to identify discrepancies in the provided data. Again, your ability to understand and interpret data is vital to solving these questions properly.
While answering these questions, make sure you choose answers based on logical conclusions derived from the given data. It is possible that the given data is based on a subject that you know a lot about. Based on your general knowledge, the answer might be different from what is derived logically. The logically derived answer is the correct one.
To practice, solve as many sample questions and mocks as possible. Initially, you will take some time to solve questions. With time, you will be able to solve this section faster. Since this is a challenging section, spend more time preparing, as you will need the practice.
GMAT Integrated Reasoning - Table Analysis
You are provided data in the form of a table. Like the previous question type, you have to understand and analyse data to be able to answer questions.
You will be given dichotomous answers (yes-no, true-false, etc.). Based on your analysis, you have to choose one of them.
Read the given statements carefully before choosing your answer. Some of the statements are intentionally convoluted to confuse you. Make sure you understand them properly before choosing one.
When preparing, make sure you pay attention to both questions as well as answers. Understanding more is key to cracking these types of questions.
Data is provided in the form of line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, etc.
Familiarize yourself with the different graphic types that appear in the exam. There are different kinds of labels, texts and data accompanying the graphics.
This isn’t a very time consuming section. The questions asked are fairly easy, depending on your ability to read the graphics. The more familiar you are with reading different graphics, the faster you will be able to solve the questions.
The questions are akin to the Quant section, meaning they need to be solved using arithmetic formulae, concepts from mathematics, etc. For eg. you might be asked to calculate the mean based on data provided on a graph.
Make sure you read all the options before choosing an answer.
GMAT Integrated Reasoning - Two-Part Analysis
You are given a brief scenario and are expected to answer questions based on that. You are presented with a table with the answers.
All questions in this section are Verbal or Quant.
To find an answer, you will have to solve the problem using a two-step process, meaning you will have to apply multiple concepts to arrive at the answer.
Sometimes, the answer will involve two separate tasks. These tasks might be independent or dependent. Depending on that, your answers will vary.
Two-Part Analysis might seem tricky, but with practice you will be able to solve it with better accuracy and speed.
That’s all for today folks! Did we miss anything? Have you taken the GMAT? If you have any comments, or suggestions, do write to us in the comments. Until next time!
