How to Approach Critical Reasoning Questions

Here is a tried and true process for approaching critical reasoning questions:

Categorize

Start by reading the question stem to determine the question type (i.e. Weaken, Strengthen, etc..). Your strategy will depend solely on the question type.

Read the Argument

Pay careful attention to the pertinent information as determined by the question type. For example, in a paradox question, it is crucial to identify and understand the paradox before reading the answer choices.

Pause

Before reading the answer choices, take a few seconds to recap your understanding of the pertinent information in the passage. If you complete this step, then there should be no need for you to reread the passage.

Read Answer Choices

Use the process of elimination.

Review (After the Test)

Jot down a summary of each sentence and categorize it as either context, premise, counter-premise, conclusion, or counter-conclusion. This exercise will help you develop a deeper understanding of the arguments that you encounter on your practice tests.