GRE Verbal

A comprehensive guide to mastering the verbal reasoning section of the GRE, including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and analytical writing.

Vocabulary BuildingReading ComprehensionText Completion and Sentence Equivalence
Critical ReasoningAnalyzing Author's Tone and PurposeComplex Sentence Structures
Academic CommunicationProfessional CommunicationEngaging with Media and News
Time ManagementElimination TechniquesAnnotation and Active Reading
Vocabulary BuildingReading Comprehensio...Text Completion and ...Critical ReasoningAnalyzing Author's T...Complex Sentence Str...Academic Communicati...Professional Communi...Engaging with Media ...Time ManagementElimination Techniqu...Annotation and Activ...
Advanced Topics

Critical Reasoning

Understanding Arguments

The GRE often tests your ability to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and recognize flaws. Critical reasoning involves analyzing the logic behind a statement and determining whether the reasoning holds up.

Techniques

  • Identify premises and conclusions: Separate facts from opinions.
  • Spot assumptions: What must be true for the argument to work?
  • Evaluate evidence: Is the support for the conclusion strong or weak?

Application

These skills are invaluable for crafting persuasive essays, conducting research, and making sound decisions in business or law.

Examples

  • Spotting a hidden assumption in a business proposal.

  • Evaluating whether a study's data supports its conclusion.

In a Nutshell

Critical reasoning hones your ability to evaluate and construct logical arguments.

Key Terms

Assumption
An unstated premise or belief that must be true for an argument to hold.
Premise
A statement or fact upon which an argument is based.
Conclusion
The main point or claim that an argument is trying to prove.
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Analyzing Author's Tone and Purpose