GMAT® Integrated Reasoning Questions
Table Analysis
Multi-Source Reasoning
Two-Part Analysis
Graphics Interpretation
Types of Questions to Expect in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Section
A Look at AnalystPrep's Preparation Platform for Integrated Reasoning Questions
What to Expect in the Integrated Reasoning Section of the GMAT Exam
The integrated reasoning section of the GMAT exam consists of 12 questions distributed across four different categories that a candidate needs to complete within 30 minutes. Generally, for these questions test takers are required to analyze and synthesize data in different formats from multiple sources.
Here’s what’s required of you in the integrated reasoning section of the GMAT exam:
- Synthesize and analyze data presented in texts, numbers, or graphics
- Evaluate relevant data from different sources
- Analyze and manipulate data to solve complex problems relying on information from multiple sources
- Organize data presented in tables to figure out relationships and solve multiple, interrelated problems
How Scores are Reported in the Integrated Section of the GMAT Exam
Scores in the integrated reasoning section range between 1 – 8 in 1-point intervals. Usually, the score is reported separately, and it’s not part of the 200 – 800 GMAT score. Some questions in the Integrated Reasoning section may consist of multiple subquestions. Therefore, to score full credit for these types of questions, you must answer all the subquestions correctly. It’s worth noting that no partial credit will be awarded for these types of questions if you give a wrong answer to any of the subquestions.
Table Analysis
In this section, you’ll be given a sortable table of data similar to a spreadsheet, which you’re required to analyze and determine whether the answer statements are correct based on the information provided. Table analysis combines two skills – making logical deductions and breaking down tabular data.
The main challenge you’ll face when handling table analysis questions is facing a new set of data and figuring out how to fit all those pieces together. Table analysis is meant to determine your skills in solving real-world problems. Since you’ve already dealt with plenty of spreadsheets in your life, it shouldn’t be challenging to interpret this sort of data.
Multi-Source Reasoning
Multi-source reasoning offers three pieces of information on tabbed pages – data, tables, articles, emails, etc. While these pieces provide lots of information, not all of it is necessary to answer the question. The information provided may be quantitative or verbal in nature, or sometimes a combination of both. While working on these three pieces of information you may be required to click back and forth between them and locate the needed data.
The questions consist of either a set of yes/no statements or multiple-choice questions. You’ll need information from multiple tabs to answer the questions. However, you can use the same tab to answer more than one question. The questions in this category are designed to mimic the case study approach used by most management programs, therefore, examining one’s ability to put together different types of information from different sources.
Two-Part Analysis
In two-part analysis, you’ll be given a task that involves two components. It’s worth noting that each question is more than one question and based on the passage provided, you’ll be asked to evaluate two things – they could be definitions of two terms or two completely separate issues. Solving this kind of question isn’t usually complicated. However, it requires more work as you’re required to answer more than one question. Answers in two-part analysis can take multiple forms. You might be asked to fill in a black using a pull-down menu that provides multiple choices or answer a traditional multiple-choice question. Moreover, you may be required to select certain options in a table or give answers to two statements in the form of yes/no or true/false.
It’s worth noting that sometimes the two sections of a two-part analysis question may depend on each other or may be determined independently. Whichever the case, you only get credit if both halves are answered correctly.
Graphics Interpretation
Graphics representation questions require you to interpret a graph or graphical image in order to select the correct response from the choices provided based on the information you get from the graphs. These types of questions will always contain a graph and are designed to test your ability to analyze and interpret the information presented therein. In most cases, you’ll come across traditional graphs such as pie charts or bar graphs. However, in some cases, you may also see more unusual graphs, which shouldn’t be a cause for concern as the questions are answered the same way as those for traditional graphics.
The types of graphs you’ll come across include:
- Bar graphs
- Line graphs
- Flow charts
- Organization charts
- Venn diagrams
- Scatter plots
It’s advisable to read the introductory text before examining the graph. At the start, don’t try to analyze the graph. Instead, take a few moments to know how the graph works and the kind of information it represents. Since Graphics interpretation questions are usually less dense compared to other types of questions in the Integrated Reasoning section, you should spend less time here.
How Many Hours Should You Devote?
It’s recommended that one should start studying at least 3 – 6 months before sitting for the exams. In order to achieve an overall score of 700+ in the GMAT exam, it’s advisable to devote 120-150 hours of prep time. That means, from this total of 120-150 hours, you should spend approximately 30 hours or more learning about the questions you expect in the integrated reasoning section using real-exam scenarios.
Benefit of Study Materials Provided by Exam Preparation Platforms
Studying alone can be daunting, especially if you’re planning to take your GMAT exam within a given timeframe. Taking a GMAT prep course not only gives you a sense of structure to your studying but also helps you maintain the discipline required for efficient study. Instead of sitting down each day to decide what you’re going to study, a GMAT prep course like AnalystPrep will have all the study content divided up into modules or blocks to ease your work. All you need to do is flip through the pages or the slides provided.
With lots of study resources, including video lessons, study notes, and practice questions, you’ve got everything at your disposal to prepare adequately for the GMAT exam. Given that most prep course materials are prepared based on current exam trends and difficulty levels, you’ve got the opportunity to study under real exam conditions. If anything, you get to discover specific task-taking tips and tricks that can improve your guessing accuracy, exam timing, and overall efficiency.
FAQs About the Integrated Reasoning Section of the GMAT Exam
| What’s the time allocation for questions in the Integrated Reasoning section? | You’re given 30 minutes to solve the 12 questions of the Integrated Reasoning section covering the four question types: Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, and Two-Part Analysis. |
| Can I go back and change the answer after I’ve answered a question? | Unfortunately, once you submit an answer, you can’t go back and change it. That’s why it’s very essential to be sure of your answer before submitting it. |
| Do I need a calculator for the exam? | The Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT exam is not meant to test your quantitative skills. An online calculator with basic functions is available, so remember to use it! |
| Do you get partial credit if you get one part of a single question correct? | Unfortunately, you get a credit only when you answer all the parts of a single question correct. No partial credit is given for questions in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section. |
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