Lesson 7.3: Reading the Question Stem and Answer Choices

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the critical reasoning skills needed to read question stems and answer choices effectively. The ability to dissect a question stem to determine the logical task it poses is essential for success in the GMAT's verbal reasoning section. By understanding the structure of arguments and the role of potential answers, you can enhance your critical thinking skills and improve your performance on critical reasoning questions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Read the stem first to set the task effectively.
• Predict the correct answer's role in relation to the argument.
• Apply a disciplined process of elimination and recognize common trap patterns.
• Translate a question stem into the exact task required.
• Systematically eliminate trap answers to arrive at the correct response.

Reading the Stem First

To approach critical reasoning questions effectively, one of the first skills you should develop is reading the question stem thoroughly before considering the answer choices. The question stem typically details the logical task required as it relates to the argument provided.

Why Read the Stem First?

Reading the stem first:

• Sets the Task: It establishes whether you are asked to strengthen, weaken, identify assumptions, or draw conclusions from the argument.
• Focuses Your Analysis: It helps you narrow down the critical aspects of the argument you need to analyze.
• Avoids Misinterpretation: You are less likely to be misled by distractors in the answer choices.

Example

Suppose the question stem reads: "Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?"

• Here, you know that your task is to identify an answer that bolsters the argument's conclusion. By concentrating on this task, you ensure your analysis stays relevant.

Predicting the Correct Answer's Role

Once you have read the stem, the next step is to predict the function of the correct answer. This involves understanding how the answer can affect the argument's logic.

How to Predict the Role

1. Identify the Argument Components: Break the argument into its premise(s) and conclusion. This may involve explicit statements or inferred meanings.
2. Assess the Impact: Consider how potential information could influence the conclusion.
3. Formulate a Prediction: Based on your analysis, predict what type of information could strengthen or weaken the argument depending on the question asked.

Example

In an argument stating, "Studies show that urban gardening improves community relations, thus local governments should incentivize it," if tasked with finding a strengthening statement:

• Your Prediction: An answer that provides statistics showing increased community events due to urban gardening would strengthen the claim.

Process of Elimination Discipline

The process of elimination (POE) is vital in critical reasoning. It enables you to discard inaccurate or irrelevant options systematically.

Common Trap Patterns

When using POE, be aware of common pitfalls:

• Extreme Answers: Solutions that use absolute terms like "always" or "never" are often incorrect.
• Irrelevance: Some answers may seem plausible but do not address the task asked in the stem.
• Fact vs. Opinion: Distinguish between factual statements and opinions that lack support. Opining doesn't strengthen or weaken an argument unless substantiated.

Example

Given a stem that asks what weakens an argument, consider examples:

• "Urban gardening reduces crime rates" may seem tempting but can be disproven by the point of view that various other factors lower crime rates. This provides no direct refutation of the claim, making it a trap.

Translating the Question Stem

To fully grasp what is required, translate the stem into a more straightforward description or direct task. This helps clarify your thought process and focus.

Benefits of Translation

• Enhances Understanding: It simplifies complex wording, minimizing confusion.
• Clarifies Goals: It allows for a more precise approach to identifying key aspects of the argument.

Example

• Original Stem: "Which of the following, if true, provides the most support for the argument’s conclusion?"
• Translated Task: "Look for evidence that backs up what the argument claims." Understanding this allows you to focus on finding supportive evidence.

Eliminating Trap Answers Systematically

Finally, systematically eliminating answers helps narrow down to the correct choice.

Steps for Systematic Elimination

1. Review Each Choice: In light of your task, analyze how each answer interacts with the argument.
2. Consider Your Prediction: If your expected role for a correct answer doesn’t align with a choice, eliminate it.
3. Apply the Rules: Use your knowledge of trap patterns, irrelevant details, or extreme views to discard answers that do not fit.

Example

If tasked to weaken the argument, and one choice states, "People dislike gardening," while another says, "Gardening provides food security," you'd logically eliminate the second – it doesn't weaken the given argument about community relations.

Conclusion

The ability to read the question stem accurately and predict the role of answer choices is a core skill in critical reasoning. By setting clear tasks from the stem, predicting answer functions, and employing a disciplined process of elimination, you enhance your ability to tackle GMAT questions effectively. Practice these skills regularly with various prompts to sharpen your analytical abilities. Remember, clarity and systematic processing are key to success.

Study Notes

• Always read the question stem first to set the task.
• Predict how the correct answer will relate to the argument.
• Utilize a disciplined process of elimination to remove incorrect options.
• Translate complex stems into plain language to clarify tasks.
• Look out for common trap patterns when evaluating answer choices.