Question types and approach strategies for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section (table analysis, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, multi-source reasoning). Front: the question type. Back: a strategy tip for approaching it.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- Table Analysis: Sorting columns
- Click the column header to sort ascending or descending. Use this to group similar values and spot outliers quickly.
- Table Analysis: Filtering rows
- The checkboxes let you hide rows. Filter to isolate relevant data and eliminate distractions while answering statements.
- Table Analysis: Reading three statements
- Three statements must each be True, False, or Cannot determine. Evaluate each independently; do not assume a pattern across all three.
- Table Analysis: Column header scanning
- Read every column label and unit before touching data. Units (dollars, percent, years) change how you compare values.
- Table Analysis: Finding patterns
- After sorting or filtering, look for trends, correlations, or repeating ranges. A pattern often confirms the right statement.
- Table Analysis: Elimination in statements
- If any part of a statement is false, the whole statement is false. Use edge cases and extreme values to disprove statements quickly.
- Table Analysis: Data range checks
- Identify the minimum and maximum values in each column. Range-based statements often hinge on correctly spotting these extremes.
- Table Analysis: Time per item
- Spend 2 to 3 minutes total on a table analysis question. Set a timer; do not get lost in sorting variations.
- Graphics Interpretation: Reading axes
- Always read the x-axis, y-axis, and title first. Axes define scale, units, and what the graph actually measures.
- Graphics Interpretation: Identifying graph type
- Recognize whether you are looking at a line graph, bar chart, scatter plot, or pie chart. The type determines what comparisons are fair.
- Graphics Interpretation: Spotting trends
- Look for increases, decreases, and flat regions. A trend often answers the question before you read the exact numbers.
- Graphics Interpretation: Using legends
- Match every color, shape, and line style to its legend entry. A misread legend leads to comparing the wrong data sets.
- Graphics Interpretation: Scale awareness
- Non-zero baselines, breaks in axes, and logarithmic scales distort visual comparisons. Always trust the numbers, not your eye.
- Graphics Interpretation: Comparing data points
- Use a ruler or straightedge on the screen to align bars or points with axis labels. Precision matters more than a visual guess.
- Graphics Interpretation: Estimating values
- When exact values are not labeled, find the nearest grid line or tick mark and interpolate. Round to a sensible precision.