Integrated reasoning questions aim to test how well an individual can integrate and analyse data to solve complex problems.
The Integrated Reasoning GMAT section helps to provide a unique parameter for the educational institutions to judge a candidate based on their data integration and analysis skills.
There are a total of 12 questions that need to be completed within 30 minutes. It covers four different types of questions related to data integration. It is a recent development in the GMAT examination structure that introduced integrated reasoning in 2012. Let’s delve deeper to understand the different types of data integration questions.
GMAT Integrated Reasoning Sample Questions and Solutions
Integrated Reasoning Question Types
There are four different types of Integrated Reasoning questions that take a comprehensive approach to test the candidate on real-world problems.
- Two-Part Analysis
The two-part analysis section aims to test an individual’s ability to solve complex problems. Questions here can include quantitative, verbal, or a combination of both. The format is kept lucid to cover a diverse range of questions and have the needed flexibility to test the candidates.
- Multi-Source Reasoning
This section tests a candidate’s ability to examine data from multiple sources, including text paragraphs, tables, graphics, or a combination of both. It also tests how well a candidate can analyse these data to solve complex problems.
Some questions are also focused on figuring out discrepancies between data sets. In contrast, others may require you to draw meaningful conclusions and identify if the data provided is relevant or not.
- Graphic Interpretation
Graphic interpretations test a candidate’s acumen to extract information from a graphical representation of data. A large majority of questions are focused on figuring out the relationship between two or more variables plotted in a graph.
The different types of graphical representation that you might get in your question sheet include scatter plot, pie chart, x/y graph, bar chart, curve distribution, etc.
- Table Analysis
Table analysis computes your ability to sort and analyse data from a table that is very similar to a spreadsheet. The questions are constructed in a way that asks you to find relevant information from the lot and use it to answer specific questions.
Mostly, a sortable table is provided to you based on which three questions are given. Each question in this section has two answers that you need to choose from.
Preparation Strategy for Solving Integrated Reasoning GMAT Questions
When it comes to scoring, the integrated reasoning section in GMAT follows a different approach and scales 1 to 8. This is quite different from the total GMAT score, measured between the 200 to 800 range.
Getting an excellent integrated reasoning score is crucial to passing your GMAT exams with good grades. Getting an IR score of more than 5 out of 8 is considered as good. Here are a few tips to help you get an IR score over 5 in your GMAT exams.
- Learn the Format Thoroughly
If you don’t want the GMAT IR questions to overwhelm you in the exams, you need to learn the GMAT IR section format by heart. Knowing the format thoroughly before giving your test will provide you with a fair idea of what type of questions you can face. The questions might be new, but you would be already aware of their type.
- Time Management is the Key
Just like any other exam, the GMAT is also time-sensitive. You need to complete a given number of questions within a set time frame. To achieve this, you will need to dedicate your time meticulously to solve questions from each section. In the IR section of GMAT, each question has multiple parts, and there are 12 questions in total.
At first glance, it might seem like enough time since you have 30 whole minutes to solve just 12 questions. However, each question has multiple parts, which reduces the time available for solving each question.
- Practice Visual Literacy
For your IR section in the GMAT exams, there will be plenty of questions based on bar graphs, pie charts, and other pictorial representations of data. To excel here, you need to practice visual literacy. Don’t just focus on breaking down the graphs and charts but also keep on deriving inferences and connecting the dots between different variables provided.
- An Executive Mindset is a Must
While solving the Integrated Reasoning GMAT section, you need to have an executive mindset. It’s more on the grounds of applying executive skills, like prioritising, analysing benefits and liabilities, strategizing, etc. You need to get into that mindset to make the most of your limited time in your exams.
The Best Approach
CareerLabs is here to help you achieve a GMAT IR score of over 5 out of 8 without scratching your head wondering about the best course of action. Here’s what you will get after enrolling for CareerLabs GMAT preparation.
- Over 150 hours of video lectures with comprehensive coverage
- An additional 50+ hours of flip class lectures
- More than 3500 GMAT Integrated Reasoning practice test questions
- A dynamic diagnostic toolkit software
- An online student dashboard to organised everything in one place
- Complementary mock test papers for the real test experience
The best thing about CareerLabs is that it is highly economical, and you will get real value for your money.
In a Nutshell
Getting an excellent overall GMAT score requires you to perform equally well in all sections, including the integrated reasoning GMAT questions. Total time duration of 30 minutes is allotted to solve 12 questions with multiple parts, including table analysis, multi-sourcing, graphic representation, two-part analysis, etc. Time management, along with visual literacy, is the key to achieving a good score in your IR section.
With CareerLabs, you can actualise your dream of getting a GMAT score over 700. The best time to enrol is NOW!