Critical Reasoning is a key skill tested for GMAT in-fact, you could say, it is pretty much the main skill tested across explicitly critical reasoning questions within the GMAT section and also other sections of quantitative and reading comprehension which are also critical reasoning in some way!
Argument Weakening Sample Question
A new smartphone app claims to improve users’ productivity by using AI to automate routine tasks. Early trials showed that users of the app completed tasks 25% faster than those who did not use the app. The app’s developers are optimistic about its potential, and investors have responded by significantly increasing funding for the company.
Which of the following, if true, would most undermine the optimism about the app’s potential?
(A) A competing app with similar features is scheduled to launch next month.
(B) The trials were conducted only on individuals who were already highly productive.
(C) The app’s user interface has been criticised for being difficult to navigate.
(D) A follow-up study found that the productivity gains disappeared after the first week of use.
(E) Some users reported that the app occasionally crashed during important tasks.
Solution
Task: We need to find the option that most undermines the optimism about the app’s potential. This means we’re looking for a weaken the argument question.
Key Concept: The argument is based on the claim that the app improves productivity, supported by early trial results. To weaken this, we need to find an option that directly challenges the app’s effectiveness or the validity of the trials.
Analysis of Options:
- (A) Competing app launch: This might affect the app’s market share, but it doesn’t directly undermine the app’s effectiveness or the trial results. Irrelevant.
- (B) Trials conducted on highly productive individuals: This suggests that the trial results might not be generalizable to the average user. It weakens the validity of the trials but doesn’t directly disprove the app’s effectiveness.
- (C) Difficult user interface: This is a drawback, but it doesn’t directly address whether the app improves productivity. It’s a weak option.
- (D) Productivity gains disappeared after the first week: This directly undermines the app’s effectiveness. If the gains are not sustained, the app’s potential is significantly reduced. This is the strongest contender.
- (E) App crashes during important tasks: This is a concern, but it doesn’t directly challenge the app’s ability to improve productivity. It’s a weaker option than (D).
Correct Answer:
(D) A follow-up study found that the productivity gains disappeared after the first week of use.This option directly weakens the optimism about the app’s potential by showing that its effectiveness is not sustainable.
Question Concept Check:
- Clarity: The question stem is clear and concise, and the task is well-defined.
- Logical Structure: The argument is logical, and the correct answer directly undermines the conclusion.
- Distractors: The incorrect options are plausible but less impactful than the correct answer.
- Difficulty Level: Medium. The question requires careful analysis to distinguish between options that weaken the argument and those that are irrelevant or less impactful.
- GMAT Alignment: The question follows the GMAT’s focus on logical reasoning and argument analysis.
This was a sample critical reasoning questions for GMAT that tested argument weakening concept.The rest of the sections discuss some other argument related questions from strengthening and so on!
To be continued …