GMAT Integrated Reasoning Section

To get success in the business world, you will need to analyze information from a variety of sources, develop strategies and make decisions from the available information. This section of the GMAT Exam is meant to checks the ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats, from multiple sources, skills you already use, and skills you need to succeed in this data-rich world. The section is scored between 1 and 8 in single unit intervals.

When you look at Integrated Reasoning sample questions, you will see a variety of tables, charts, and graphs. Some questions will also feature passages. Your job in this section is to interpret and synthesize data from multiple sources and to use this data to draw conclusions and evaluate statements.

Types of questions in GMAT Integrated Reasoning

The Integrated Reasoning section consists of 4 types of questions in which you have to analyze data given in different formats and from multiple sources.

1. Graphics Interpretation

Interpret the in a graph or other graphical image (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to discern relationships or make inferences and select the option from a list to make the answer statements accurate.

2. Two-Part Analysis

Here you have to select one answer from each column to solve the given problem with a two-part solution. The possible answer choices will be given in a table format with a column for each part. They could be verbal, quantitative, or a combination of both. The format is intentionally versatile to cover a wide range of content.

3. Table Analysis

Here you are required to sort the table to organize the data so that you can determine whether certain conditions are met. Each question will have statements with opposing answers from that you have to select one answer for each statement.

4. Multi-Source Reasoning

Click on the page to read different data and recognize the data you are in need to answer the question. Some questions will require you to recognize discrepancies among different sources of data. Others will ask you to draw inferences, and still, others may require you to determine whether data is relevant.

Skills Measured in GMAT Integrated Reasoning

The skills which are measured in this section are:

1. Your ability to Analyze information presented in graphics, text, and numbers.
2. Your ability to understand the relevant information from different sources.
3. Your ability to organize the information to see relationships, to solve multiple interrelated problems.
4. Your ability to Combine information to solve complicated problems that depend on information from one or more sources.

6 Things you should know About Integrated Reasoning Questions

The questions in the Integrated Reasoning section include both quantitative and verbal reasoning, either separately or in the combination of both. Some questions may require more than one answer.

1. All the answer options for a given question are shown on the same screen.
2. You must submit answers to all parts before moving on to the next question.
3. You must answer all the given parts of a question correctly only then you are eligible to gain points.
4. Once you submit your response, you may not go back and change the answer.
5. You may get many questions for one set of data. If you answer one question incorrectly, your incorrect answer will not affect how you answer another question based on the same set of data.
6. While the questions may contain quantitative elements it is not to test your quantitative skills. However, an online calculator with basic functions will be available.

Guidelines for Answering GMAT Integrated Reasoning Questions

Here are some tips to guide you for the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT exam:

• Develop your time management skills to make sure that you attempt all the questions and sub-questions.
• Write down the notes of each tab, so that it will help you keep the track of the volumes of information in the question of multi-source reasoning.
• Don’t waste a lot of time reading the introductory paragraph for table analysis questions. Instead, read the question and table directly because everything you need comes from the table.
• Very carefully read the introductory paragraph of the two-part analysis questions.
• Look at the answer options in the menu for graphics interpretation questions before you start analyzing the question.
• Check the value of each increment on the axes of bar and line graphs so that you can calculate correctly.
• Prepare yourself for the online calculator by practicing with the calculator installed on your computer.

So now you know what type of questions are asked, how to prepare and crack the Integrated Reasoning Section of GMAT. So do your best to keep all the tips in your mind and crack it well.

All the best.!!

Read also

• Complete Guide for GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Section
• Complete Guide for GMAT Quantitative Aptitude Section
• Complete Guide for GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section