Integrated Reasoning Sample Questions

Question Type 1: Multi-Source Reasoning

Question Setup:  Multi-source reasoning questions test your ability to interpret two or three sources of information and respond by answering four questions. Sources appear labeled with tabs as (1) one passage, and either (2) a second passage or (3) a short passage with a table/graph/chart. Questions appear as three statement questions that ask you to click on the correct “yes” or “no” button to answer questions related to the sources, and one multiple-choice question that is related to the same sources of information.
Number of questions in each problem set: 3 yes/no questions plus 1 multiple-choice question.

Sample Question
For three questions, decide whether the three statements are true or false. For one question (not appearing), answer a standard multiple-choice question with five answer choices. Information may include communications in the form of articles from newspapers or journals, e-mails, notes, letters, presentations, charts, and other sources.   

Question Type 2: Table Analysis

Question Type: Table with data and a passage — click on the correct “yes” or “no” answer to three statements (or math expressions)
Number of questions in each problem set: 3

Each table contains specific headings for easy reference. Based on data from a table provided, questions will ask you to determine whether statements (or math expressions) are true or false (yes or no). On the actual exam, this type of question allows you to sort columns in increasing or decreasing order by clicking on a column’s heading (and viewing a drop-down list).
Read the passage and determine if each statement can, or cannot be determined based on your analysis of the table.

Sample Question
The depth of statistical research helps advertising sponsors refine advertising campaigns based on viewing audience composition. The table below lists Nielsen Ratings with a detailed analysis of viewers for four popular primetime television series. Statistical analysis includes demographics and viewer behaviors.

Question Type 3: Graphics Interpretation

Question Type: A graph (or diagram) with a short passage are followed by two fill-in-the blank statements.
Number of questions in each problem set:  2 (sometimes one statement with two blanks).

Graphics Interpretation questions appear with a bar, line, pie scatter plot graph, or flow/organizational chart. Questions in this format require that you interpret data from a graphic figure to complete a statement. Each statement contains one or two blanks with a “drop-down” menu to help you select the correct answer choice from among three to five choices.

Graphs fall into several categories:

• Bar graph―Shows comparisons among items in a data set.
• Line graph―Shows change in data over time.
• Pie chart―Shows comparisons of data as percentages of a whole.
• Scatter plot―Shows where individual data points fall in relation to a pair of variables.
• Flow/organizational chart―Shows a visual organization of steps in a process or the structure of relationships.

Sample Question

Question Type 4: Two-Part Analysis

Question Type:  Short passage (scenario) and statement outlining the task, followed by a two-column table with five to seven choices.
Number of questions in each problem set:  2

Two-part analysis questions ask you to read a short passage (scenario) and select two choices (parts) that best complete the task.  Two columns with five to seven choices are provided from which you are to select your answers (one answer per column). The two-column headings are different, yet connected in some way. For example, “cause/effect,” “increase/decrease,” true/false,” “strengthen/weaken,” “height/width,” etc.

Sample Question                 
At 9:00, Jacob and Keith were exactly 11,100 feet apart and Jacob began walking towards Keith at a constant rate. At 9:20, Keith also began walking at a constant rate towards Jacob. They reached the same point at exactly 9:30.

Indicate in the table below the rate which each man walked. Make only one selection in each column by filling in the oval in the row that represents the correct answer. Note: on the actual exam, you will click on the two ovals that represent the correct answers.

ANSWER KEY

1A (yes), 1B (yes),  1C (no, answer 15.9%)

2A (yes), 2B (no), 2C (no, answer 17.5)

3A (6, 10), 3B (increasing)

4A (300 ft/minute), 4B (210 ft/minute)

GMAT Integrated Reasoning Overview

What is the Integrated Reasoning Section?

Taking the GMAT? Here’s what the new Integrated Reasoning section is all about.

The Integrated Reasoning Section is unlike other sections found on standardized exams. Strong math and verbal skills will help with this section, but integrated reasoning requires more than a solitary focus of math and English.

We live in a technologically advanced world where decisive and accurate interpretation of data is essential. Recognizing the importance of quantifying the organizational skills necessary for the many challenges of today’s businesses, integrated reasoning reflects real-life situational problems that examine your ability to evaluate and respond to multiple sources of information under time constraints.

What skills are necessary for the Integrated Reasoning Section?

Your experience in multi-tasking, decision-making and maneuvering data in spreadsheets can be an advantage.  While formal training in business technology or computer skills is not necessary to perform well, you will be required to make sound analytical decisions and be able to extrapolate and assimilate data that is presented in short reading passages, statements, graphs, spreadsheets, and tables.

It is important to check with individual graduate programs about integrated reasoning’s weighted value of importance in the application process. Although the Quantitative and Verbal scores carry the greatest importance on the GMAT, many business schools will use the Integrated Reasoning section as an additional evaluation point in the overall application criteria.

Study Material

1.  In the near future, look for CliffsNotes GMAT with CD-ROM  study guide (ISBN #978-1118077528) to be released in the fall of 2012. This newly updated study guide reflects significant content changes with critical information about the new integrated reasoning question types, and explains what to expect in understanding the “thinking processes” required of each exam subject area. Written by the faculty of BTPS Testing, CliffsNotes GMAT contains a diagnostic test, evaluates the exam content format, and prepares you by utilizing four complete model tests (with answers and complete explanations). This up-to-date study guide is provided to all students registered in BTPS Testing workshops offered through the California State Universities.

2.  The Official Guide for the GMAT (13^th edition) includes stimulated practice problems for the new integrated reasoning section.

3.  BTPS Testing administers GMAT preparation workshops through the California State Universities. All workshops include an online integrated reasoning practice test. Click here to view sample integrated reasoning practice problems.

 Key Features of Integrated Reasoning

• Questions consist of 12 data problem sets (from 2 to 4 questions in each data problem set).
•  Multiple “parts” of each problem set must be completed correctly to receive credit. No partial credit is given.
• As you work, consider each problem set holistically and strategize to solve each one of its components.
• Do not skip questions and answer all parts. Otherwise score results will show an “incorrect” answer. Always take an educated guess.
• You have 30 minutes to complete this section, or approximately 2 ½ minutes per “problem set” to answer all of its parts.
• IR questions have an on-screen calculator available, but the calculator is NOT available for the math questions in the Quantitative Section.
• The IR section is NOT computer-adaptive (like the verbal and quantitative sections).
• Similar to the rest of the GMAT, students cannot move backwards to review previous questions.
• The score range is from 1 to 8, scored separately (like Analytical Writing).
• Some “experimental” IR questions appear on the GMAT to gauge their appropriateness for future tests.
• Just like the Analytical Writing section, IR scores are NOT available on the day of the test. Official scores are mailed separately.

 Integrated Reasoning Question Types