Detailed Syllabus of GMAT Integrated Reasoning

GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR) section measures the analytical and logical approach of the test takers. To take admissions in the best business schools, aspirants need to take GMAT. MBA is a highly preferred course among the young crowd who want to excel in careers in business management. GMAT score is an admission requirement for all these renowned business schools. 

Before preparing for exam, one needs to understand the exam pattern of GMAT. This exam has four sections- GMAT Quant, IR, AWA, and GMAT Verbal. In GMAT Integrated Reasoning section, examiner measures the logical reasoning ability of the test takers. In GMAT Integrated Reasoning, there are 12 questions to answer. The section includes graphs, tables, text passages, and other graphical representations. GMAT Integrated Reasoning section differs from other sections because in this section question comes either from both Quant and Verbal reasoning in combination or separation.

GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Question Types

GMAT Integrated Reasoning section comprises 12 questions from four question types. One gets 30 minutes to attempt all these questions. There is no partial marking for any part of GMAT IR questions. Unlike GMAT Quant and Verbal Ability, GMAT IR is not computer adaptive.

1. Table Analysis: In this question type, test takers get spreadsheets like tables full of information where one needs to analyze each information to attempt question. In this section, test takers have to make judgments by decoding information given in a three-part GMAT Integrated Reasoning question. 
2. Graphics Interpretation: In this question type, test takers interpret data given in a graphical image or graph. Different kinds of graphs like- bar, lines, Venn diagrams or pie charts can be given. 
3. Multi-Source Reasoning: In this question type of GMAT Integrated Reasoning section, test takers will be given two or three pieces of information represented on tabbed pages. Test-takers have to get relevant data just by clicking tabs and also from graphical representations to attempt questions. 
4. Two-Part Analysis: In this question type, test-takers will have to come to inference by using the components given for the solutions. Usually, question revolves around mathematical problem or any kind of situation. Test-takers will have to answer by understanding the interrelated criteria. 

GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Table Analysis

Table analysis of GMAT Integrated Reasoning section is similar to spreadsheet. Test takers have to sort out the columns and rows by selecting the title of columns. Questions given in table analysis section will be of three main statements or expressions 

• Each statement is correct or true as per information given in the table 
• Each statement is either inconsistent or consistent with information given 
• Each numerical value cannot or can be determined with information given 

In table analysis of GMAT IR section, one needs to determine different statistical functions like mean, median, and mode. In this section, test takers have to implement different quantitative formulas to find out information given in the table. 

GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Multi-Source Reasoning

In Multi-Source Reasoning of GMAT IR section, test takers get 2-3 information sources. Each information source is tagged with a tab on the left side of the computer screen. In one or more sources, test-takers will have to go through written passages. Other sources of information will be graphical representation, tables, diagrams, or graphs. Test-takers will be able to access a piece of information at a time. Then a group of questions will be asked to the test takers. One needs to synthesize, interpret the information given. 

GMAT IR Multi-Source Reasoning: Question Types

Mostly two types of questions are there in Multi-Source of GMAT Integrated Reasoning. As per statements and information are given, test takers get conditions in the exam like 

• As per sources, each statement should be true 
• Each numerical values is either consistent or inconsistent with the information given 
• Each algebraic expression should be resolved with the information given 
• Each algebraic expression should be determined with the value given 

GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Graphics Interpretation

Graphical Interpretation of GMAT IR section comprises graphs, visual representation, and diagrams to provide information. Test takers need to fill up the blanks from the drop-down options. Test takers need to find out the most suitable options as per the given information. Different types of graphs include bar graphs, pie, bubble graphs, scatter plots, and line graphs. Test takers need to analyze each piece of information given on each axis. Without examining these raw data points, it will be difficult to come to a conclusion. 

GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Two-Part Analysis

In GMAT IR, two-part analysis, test-takers need to make two choices according to the given information. Questions can be asked in GMAT IR-two part analysis are as following 

• Calculating the given proportions, test-takers need to find out components present within the mixture 
• Calculate that can be lost or calculated in a given trade-off 
• Calculate the number of two products that could be gained within a budget 
• Identify the actions to be taken for bringing better performance to a company 

In this two-part analysis of GMAT IR, test takers will be given both choices and answers within a table. All possible answers will be listed in the third column. Test takers will need to make choices for both the first and second parts of the question on the first and second columns of the table respectively. 

How to use a Calculator in GMAT Integrated Reasoning Calculation?

While attempting questions in GMAT Integrated Reasoning sections, test takers can take help from the calculator present on the computer screen. There will be 10 digits with all four basic arithmetic operations (+/-/*/÷). There are other buttons like square root, decimal, reciprocal, percentage on the right side of the calculator. There are four other memory buttons for easy calculation. MC stands for Memory Clear, clearing all the memory. MR is to recall memory that will be stored in current memory. Memory Addition or M+ adds the components in the memory and MS or Memory Story is for displaying the components already stored. 

GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Preparation Tips

This exam is quite famous among those candidates who want to excel in careers in the fields of business management. The good score requires strategic preparation tips for GMAT. Few approaches to make GMAT Integrated Reasoning a smooth go are as following 

1. Easily identify the graphs and charts that have been given for questions. If you interpret data easily then only you can attempt most of the questions. 
2. Always read the questions properly to analyze the graphical representation properly. Without properly reading the questions, you will never determine what has been asked. 
3. Always narrow down your data for easy access to the questions. If you cannot isolate your data properly from graphical representation. 
4. Always spend time examining data given in the graphical representation. One needs to study variables properly to answer GMAT IR section. 

With little patience and hard work, one can score well in GMAT Integrated Reasoning section. Best of luck!!!