This article will teach you how to prepare for the IR section in GMAT. This is the only guide you will need to score the maximum marks in the IR Section.
WHAT IS THE IR SECTION OF GMAT?
The IR Section stands for The Integrated Reasoning Section of GMAT. The Integrated Reasoning Section was introduced recently in the year 2012 as there was an issue with the top Business Schools wherein, they found out that the students at their universities either lacked or were weak at their problem solving or reasoning skills. On account of such reasons, this section was introduced in the year 2012 so as to test the problem solving and reasoning capacity of the candidates. However, it is the most neglected topic by most candidates as they don’t find it of any importance and think that it has no weightage in the GMAT Examination.
Integrated Reasoning accounts for 14-20% of your total GMAT Score. Also, if you want your seat at the top 50 Business Schools then you will have to study this section very well as this section is given the same importance as the other sections of GMAT.
Essentials to note about the Integrated Reasoning Sections
The Integrated Reasoning section measures how well can you combine, collaborate or Integrate data to solve difficult problems. This section is the second section of The GMAT Examination before the Verbal and the Quants Section and after the Analytical Writing Assessment Section. This section clearly measures your ability or capacity to come up with valid solutions or reasonings to a particular set of complex problems. They want to test how well can you verbally present graphics and such non-verbal information in the most efficient manner possible.
The Integrated Reasoning section contains four types of questions totaling up to 12 questions. However, out of the 12 questions in total, an average of 3-4 won’t count towards the final score. The time limit given to complete this section is only 30 minutes. Also depending upon your comfort, you can solve this section in whichever order you prefer i.e. either first or last or in the middle.
Method of Scoring and Solving
This section comprises of questions which may be composed of two or three components. In order to achieve a full score, you have to solve the question entirely and not on a partial basis as no partial scores would be given to you under any circumstances whatsoever. The Scoring is different from all the three sections of GMAT and the Integrated Reasoning is scored separately on a scale from 1 to 8. The questions are given in random order. A percentile is also provided based on the 3 years of score data. The results are out within 20 days of taking the test along with the official report of your score. It comprises of 1-point increments.
Also, it is important to note that all the questions of the integrated reasoning section must be answered in order of the questions asked similar to the other sections. You cannot skip any questions in between nor can you go back and undo a question. Once it is locked, it is considered a final. It is important to note that many questions in this section may require more than one response due to which you will be provided with an online calculator.
Types of Questions in the Integrated Reasoning Section
There are FOUR types of questions in the Integrated Reasoning Section
- Multi-Source Reasoning
- Table Analysis
- Graphics Interpretation
- Two-Part Analysis
Multi-Source Reasoning
Tables, graphics, or data may be given to you typically from multiple sources in this section. The questions here are based on critical reasoning. However, you may also find questions will require you to find variance or differences in the different sources of data given to you. It consists of questions wherein you may have to draw conclusions from the data asked or may have to find out whether the data is irrelevant or relevant.
Table Analysis
You have to analyse the data which is in tabular format in this section. You have to be able to differentiate the useful or relevant data from the table given to you.
Graphics Interpretation
You will be provided with graphs or graphical information in this section. You have to simply draw conclusions. You’ll be given three answer choices for the same. Hence, be very careful with your choices as it may not be as simple as you may assume.
Two-Part Analysis
You will be judged on your ability to simplify complex problems in this section. It may be a completely verbal data with probably a small table attached. And you will be given five to six options for the same. The data can also be quantitative as well.
Important Tips on How to Prepare for the IR Section in GMAT
- If you are confused between two options out of the three options given to you, attempt it. Do not leave the question. Either go on instincts or hope that your guesswork does wonders for you.
- Be thorough with your quants and verbal section so as to ace in GMAT. These two sections form the base of your Integrated Reasoning Section.
- Study graphs and tabular data interpretation very well.
- Whilst solving mock tests ensure to solve all the sections without skipping any sections.
- Do not overstress yourself on this section as you would require more energy in the other two sections.
Hope you learnt how to prepare for the IR Section in GMAT. Best of luck for your GMAT Exam!
