What Is Argument on the GMAT?
On the GMAT, an argument is a structured set of statements—premises that provide evidence and a conclusion that follows from them. Critical-reasoning questions test your ability to analyze and evaluate these arguments, so understanding their anatomy is key to success.
Definition
An argument on the GMAT is a set of premises (evidence, facts, or assumptions) that are used to support a conclusion. It is not a disagreement or a debate; it is a logical structure with a clear claim that the author is trying to prove.
Why It Matters on the GMAT
Every Critical Reasoning question on the GMAT is built around an argument. You will be asked to strengthen or weaken it, find an assumption, identify a flaw, or draw an inference. Recognizing the premises and the conclusion is the first step to answering any of these question types correctly. Misidentifying the conclusion is a common reason for wrong answers.
A Concrete Example
Consider this mini-argument: 'All GMAT test-takers are required to take the Analytical Writing Assessment. Maria is a GMAT test-taker. Therefore, Maria must take the Analytical Writing Assessment.'
Here, the premises are: (1) All GMAT test-takers are required to take the AWA, and (2) Maria is a GMAT test-taker. The conclusion is: Maria must take the AWA. The argument's structure is straightforward, but on the GMAT, arguments are often more complex with hidden assumptions.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the conclusion with a premise: The conclusion is the main point the author is arguing for; premises are the reasons given to support it. Often, the conclusion is signaled by words like 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', or 'so'.
- Assuming the argument is true: An argument can be logically flawed even if the premises are true. Your job is to evaluate the reasoning, not to agree with the author.
- Overlooking implicit premises: Some premises are not stated explicitly but are assumed. For example, in the argument above, if Maria is a GMAT test-taker, it is assumed that she is subject to the same requirements as all test-takers.
How to Practice It
Practice by reading a Critical Reasoning passage and underlining the conclusion first. Then, identify the evidence that supports it. Try to paraphrase the argument in your own words. Next, ask yourself: 'What must be true for the conclusion to follow from the premises?' That is the assumption. Repeat this with official GMAT questions to build speed and accuracy.