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A second question-type is Critical Reasoning. You'll be asked to
understand, analyze and manipulate a text-based logical
argument. Typical questions ask you to identify: an argument's
conclusion and evidence, an assumption made by the author, an
addition to the argument that would either strengthen it or
weaken it, or even an additional statement that can be inferred
from the argument. The level of English is advanced, so expect
plenty of tough vocabulary, be it in the opening text (the
"stimulus"), the assigned task (the "question stem") or the
answer choices. The correct answer is the one that best fulfils
the task presented in the question stem. Think of Critical
Reasoning as the verbal analogue to Data Sufficiency. Both test
your reasoning and judgment.A sample critical reasoning
question looks like this.
Some advisors to the American President urge
that next year's Federal budget include sizable provision for
foreign aid to the Asian countries worst hit by the economic
crisis. A number of American senators, however, have vowed to
vote down this measure saying a large influx of American funds
will only encourage a rebirth of the corruption between Asian
governments and big business that was, according to many
economists, a primary cause of the crisis in these countries.
Which of the following most weakens the
senators' argument?
A. The aid will economically and politically
strengthen those worst hit by the crisis, laborers and the
emerging middle classes, who are uniformly opposed to corruption
between government and big business.
B. Some economists believe that corruption was
but one of many causes of the Asian economic crisis.
C. Many international organizations have
claimed there is an alarming risk of famine and political
instability in the worst hit countries.
D. Much of the foreign aid sent to these
countries in the 1970's was secretly funneled to corporations
with close personal ties to the government to support
large-scale business development.
E. The current high value of the dollar
compared to the crisis countries' currencies will increase the
relative value of American-provided foreign aid.
Tips: Read first, identify your boundaries second, and
only then reason!
Remember our discussion of subject "boundaries" in the AWA
section above? Both Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension
constantly ask test-takers to locate and respect the boundaries
set by a text. In a Critical Reasoning question, the very first
boundary is the question stem itself:
Which of the following most weakens the
senators' argument?
Well, what's the senators' argument? Since we want to weaken
their argument, the correct answer choice must attach the
senators' reasoning. Which answer choices discuss corruption?
Cancel those that don't.
Neither C nor E.
Of the remaining choices, only one will weaken the senators'
argument. The others must either strengthen it or remain
neutral. Let's look at the first:
A. The aid will economically and politically
strengthen those worst hit by the crisis, laborers and the
emerging middle classes, who are uniformly opposed to corruption
between government and big business.
If the aid helps people opposed to corruption, then the
senators are wrong. You needn't go further. This is the right
answer.
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