Is CR more of a process of elimination?

Expert replies

Riggz: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 28; Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2007 7:58 am; Thanked: 1 times

by Riggz » Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:01 pm

as subject reads, is it easier to approach CR answers as a process of elimination?

Of course this process coupled with a thorough understanding of the conclusion and its premises.

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Critical Reasoning | Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:01 pm

torontogmat.com: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 26; Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:34 am; Location: Toronto; Thanked: 7 times

by torontogmat.com » Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:09 pm

My opinion is a resounding NO!

Just as in SC, it helps a lot to prephrase possible solutions. This will help to avoid getting misled by the answer choices.

Once you get good at identifying the conclusion, evidence, and 'hole', or when there is no evidence, the link between cause and effect in the conclusion, it is not difficult to guess a few cases that would strengthen or weaken, or be required for the conclusion.

THEN, you can examine and eliminate answer choices. I use a checkmark in my answer grid for Yes, a small checkmark for 'sounds ok but I could imagine better', a small x for 'I don't like it but I'm not going to rule it out at this time', and a big X for 'no way'. (good habit for RC as well)

Just the other day a small checkmark won out vs. 4 X's, so in that sense I did answer by process of elimination. However, the small checkmark matched reasonably well one of my prephrases, and my student who hadn't yet learned this method missed it as a possibility because the relation was not obvious.

---

In summary,

1) assess (the logic)
2) guess (possible solutions)
3) process (of elimination!)

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

lunarpower: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 3380; Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:20 amFollowed by: 1535 members; Thanked: 2256 times; GMAT Score:800

by lunarpower » Tue Mar 04, 2008 2:14 am

torontogmat.com wrote:My opinion is a resounding NO!

Just as in SC, it helps a lot to prephrase possible solutions. This will help to avoid getting misled by the answer choices.

Once you get good at identifying the conclusion, evidence, and 'hole', or when there is no evidence, the link between cause and effect in the conclusion, it is not difficult to guess a few cases that would strengthen or weaken, or be required for the conclusion.

THEN, you can examine and eliminate answer choices. I use a checkmark in my answer grid for Yes, a small checkmark for 'sounds ok but I could imagine better', a small x for 'I don't like it but I'm not going to rule it out at this time', and a big X for 'no way'. (good habit for RC as well)

Just the other day a small checkmark won out vs. 4 X's, so in that sense I did answer by process of elimination. However, the small checkmark matched reasonably well one of my prephrases, and my student who hadn't yet learned this method missed it as a possibility because the relation was not obvious.

---

In summary,

1) assess (the logic)
2) guess (possible solutions)
3) process (of elimination!)

this post is extremely accurate and helpful.

i take issue, though, with its very first sentence: your answer is not actually a resounding 'no'. rather, your answer is a resounding 'not at the beginning of the problem'.

in short:
process of elimination should not be the primary strategy. however, beyond primary reasoning, process of elimination is absolutely essential.

Ron has been teaching various standardized tests for 20 years.

--

Pueden hacerle preguntas a Ron en castellano
Potete chiedere domande a Ron in italiano
On peut poser des questions Ã Ron en franÃ§ais
Voit esittÃ¤Ã¤ kysymyksiÃ¤ Ron:lle myÃ¶s suomeksi

--

Quand on se sent bien dans un vÃªtement, tout peut arriver. Un bon vÃªtement, c'est un passeport pour le bonheur.

Yves Saint-Laurent

--

Learn more about ron

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review