A Complete Guide for Integrated Reasoning GMAT Strategy

GMAT integrated reasoning was introduced in 2012 after discussions with business schools and employers about the skills needed for success. The section tests the integration of your math and verbal skills of the candidate. The integrated reasoning section is conducted for a duration of 30 minutes and consists of 12 questions. There are four types of questions asked- Table Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning, 2-part Analysis, and Graphics Interpretation. Students must prepare well in the integrated reasoning section to score well. Keep reading to learn more about integrated reasoning GMAT strategy.

How is the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Section different from the Quant and Verbal Sections?

The GMAT integrated reasoning section is different from the other sections of the GMAT exam. Namely,  writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. The following are the ways the integrated reasoning section is different from other sections.

• The integrated reasoning section is not a computer-adaptive section. It means the question of difficulty varies on the basis of the question provided.
• The scores of this section are given separately in 1-point intervals from 1-8. Additionally, the percentile score is also reported.
• The question can contain 2-3 associated tasks that have to be correctly answered. Partial credit is not given.
• A calculator is provided for the integrated reasoning GMAT strategy.

Also Read: GMAT– A Complete Study Guide to know GMAT Inside Out

How to Prepare for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Section?

To prepare well for the integrated reasoning sections students must improve their quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. The following are some Integrated Reasoning GMAT Strategies that students can adopt.

GMAT Integrated Reasoning – Graphics Interpretation Questions

The graphics interpretation questions consist of data presented in charts and graphs. The question also contains some textual information on the topic. Below are some integrated reasoning GMAT strategies to ace the graphics interpretation questions.

• Read the test carefully and understand the question
• Pay attention to the units of measurement mentioned in question 
• Try to identify the relationships and trends between the data given in the question. For example, inverse, spikes, or direct relationship.
• Check the answers provided in the question before selecting an option. It is also important not to confuse numbers with percentages or rates.

GMAT Integrated Reasoning – Table Analysis Questions

The table analysis questions data is given in the form of a spreadsheet-like table. Using the data provided students have to answer the questions. Below is the integrated reasoning GMAT strategy to clear the table analysis questions.

• Read the column titles and note down the columns that require further analysis. 
• Note down the units and calculations required to analyze the values provided in the data 
• Read the text provided and check the information that clarifies the questions
• Carefully read the question, and determine the best way to sort the data for each statement.

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GMAT Integrated Reasoning Section – Two-Part Analysis Questions

The Two-Part Analysis Questions include text information to complete 2 main tasks. Both tasks share the same answer choices. However, there are 5-6 choices provided. The questions can be further divided into – Critical Reasoning Type Questions, Quant Type Questions, and Follow the Rules Type Questions.

• First, determine the question type. For example, identify the premises and conclusion. of critical reasoning questions,
• Summerise the information provided in the question and determine the required tasks. Also, do not rely on columns or headings to give direction.
• Summerise the rules provided in the text passage for the rules type question
• Identify if the tasks are dependent or independent.  That is, the value of one answer determines the value of the other or not.
• Look for an approach to relate the answers for the dependent tasks, and tackle the easier tasks first for the interdependent tasks,
• Apply the best technique to answer the question based on the question type
• Don’t forget that the answer can be correct for 2 columns

Multi-Source Reasoning Questions

Below are Integrated Reasoning GMAT Strategy for Multi-Source Reasoning Questions.  In these types of questions, data is provided in the form of 2-3 tabbed pages. Below is the integrated reasoning GMAT strategy to ace the multi-source reasoning questions

• Look for information to answer the question while reading the content
• Summerise the key information provided 
• Divide the scratchpad into different columns- 1 for each page of the information provided 
• Keep reading the content even if you have found the answer to a particular question. It is entirely possible that additional information can be found that affects the answer choices,

Also Read; Top Universities Accepting GMAT Scores

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