Critical Reasoning

I can't remember where I originally found these guidelines--they are an introduction to a relatively new type of CR question called boldface questions. Just some advice: don't freak out about them. While they are difficult, people often make the mistake of overemphasizing them. I only saw one on my GMAT, but I had spent so much time preparing for them needlessly...

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One of the new question types in GMAT CAT is the bolded question in Critical Reasoning Section. In such argument, one or two sentences in stimulus are bolded. A sample question looks like this.

Something must be done to stop spam. In early days, people seldom received unsolicited email advertisement; but now that numerous bulk email software and email address finders are developed to collect email address all around the world. Advertisers use email addresses to market their products and even sell such email lists to other advertisers. As a result, almost everyone ever get junk email, and sometime several and even tens of annoying emails a day. So, relevant anti-spam regulations should be framed to stop unsolicited advertising.

The two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A. Background that the argument depends on and conclusion that can be drawn from the argument.

B. Part of evidence that the argument includes, and inference that can be drawn from this passage.

C. Pre-evidence that the argument depends on and part of evidence that supports the conclusion.

D. Background that argument depends on and part of evidence that supports the conclusion.

E. Pre-evidence that argument includes and a method that helps to supports that conclusion.

The question following requires you to identify the logical relationship between the boldfaced sentences, or how it relates to a particular position (the author agree or disagree).

Boldface question is totally new on computer-based test, but is easy to tackle. All you have to do is to understand the argument: identify the conclusion, evidence, and the reasoning from evidence to conclusion. Sometime, you are required to critique the validity of the argument.

How to approach Boldface Question

1.Identify the conclusion. Ask yourself what the conclusion is, what the author trying to prove, or what the author¡¯s main point is.

2.Look for the evidence that the author uses to support or argue against a position.

3. Search for argument indicator to determine the relationship between evidence and conclusion.

Conclusion Indicators
so
thus
therefore
as a result
consequently
accordingly
hence
imply
conclude that
follows that
means that
infer that


Premise Indicators
because
since
for
as
if
assume
suppose
evidence
on the basis of
the reason is that
may be derived from
in that


Counter-evidence Indicators
actually
despite
admittedly
except
even though
nonetheless
nevertheless
although
however
In spite of
do
may


4. Before you pick up the answer choices, make sure you did NOT mistake counter-evidence as evidence