Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- 12 questions must be completed within 30 minutes in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Syllabus.
- The section includes four main question types: Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning, and Two-Part Analysis.
- Scoring ranges from 1 to 8, with no partial credit awarded.
- Approximately 70% of test-takers score between 4 and 6, making a score above 6 highly competitive.
The GMAT Integrated Reasoning section is designed to evaluate your ability to analyze and interpret complex data, skills that are critical for success in today’s business world. With 12 questions and a time limit of 30 minutes, this section assesses your ability to integrate multiple data sources, solve problems, and make decisions based on graphical representations, tables, and multi-source information.
Whether you’re aiming to improve your score or familiarize yourself with the exam, understanding the structure and question types is essential for mastering this section. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full GMAT Integrated Reasoning syllabus and offer preparation tips to help you excel in 2024.
What Does the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Syllabus Include in 2024?
The GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR) section on the GMAT is designed to test your ability to interpret and analyze complex data. This section includes 12 questions that you need to answer within 30 minutes. The GMAT Integrated Reasoning Syllabus section is scored separately from the Verbal and Quantitative sections and can significantly impact your overall GMAT score.
The IR section requires you to interpret data in various formats, including tables, graphs, and charts. You will also encounter multi-source reasoning questions that require you to analyze information from multiple sources and draw conclusions based on that analysis. Graphics interpretation questions ask you to interpret visual representations of data.
One of the essential skills for success in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Syllabus section is reading comprehension. Another critical skill for success in this section is interpretation. You need to identify trends, patterns, and relationships within the data presented in each question and use this information to answer questions accurately. There are four types of integrated reasoning questions: multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis.
Graphics Interpretation
This type requires candidates to interpret data presented in graphs, charts, and other visual formats. Candidates must understand the information presented and answer questions based on it. For example, a candidate may be asked to determine the percentage increase in sales from one year to another based on a graph.
Few Key Points
- This question type tests your ability to understand and analyze information presented in a graphical format
- Graphs, charts, diagrams, and other visual representations will be provided
- You must interpret the data accurately and draw conclusions based on the visuals
- Skills Tested: Graphical data interpretation, concluding visual data
Table Analysis
This type requires candidates to analyze and draw conclusions from table data. Candidates must understand the information presented and answer questions based on it. For example, a candidate may be asked to determine which product had the highest sales in a particular quarter based on a table.
Few Key Points
- This question type evaluates your skill in interpreting data presented in a sortable table
- The table may have columns you can arrange in ascending or descending order
- You'll need to understand the data in the table and use it to answer questions
- Skills Tested: Data interpretation, sorting and arranging data, making inferences
Multi-Source Reasoning
This type requires candidates to analyze information from multiple sources, such as text passages, tables, and graphs, to answer questions. Candidates must understand how different information relates and use this understanding to answer questions. For example, a candidate may be given an article about global warming along with several graphs showing temperature changes over time and be asked which region experienced the most significant temperature increase.
Few Key Points
- This question type assesses your ability to integrate information from multiple sources to answer questions
- You'll encounter several sources, such as graphs, charts, tables, and text passages
- You must analyze and synthesize the data to draw conclusions and answer questions
- Skills Tested: Data interpretation, data analysis, concluding multiple sources
Two-Part Analysis
This type requires candidates to solve complex problems by breaking them down into two parts. Candidates must use logical reasoning skills to solve each part of the problem independently before combining their answers for the final solution. For example, a candidate may be asked how much money they must save monthly for five years to reach their savings goal.
Few Key Points
- In this question type, you'll be given a complex problem with multiple components
- You need to choose the best answer for each component, often selecting from multiple options
- These questions may involve numerical calculations, logical reasoning, and quantitative analysis
- Skills Tested: Problem-solving, logical reasoning, quantitative analysis
| Question Type | Description | Skills Assessed |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | Analyze data from multiple sources | Interpretation, Synthesis |
| Table Analysis | Interpret data from a table | Data Analysis, Synthesis |
| Graphics Interpretation | Interpret data from a graph or chart | Data Analysis, Interpretation |
| Two-Part Analysis | Solve complex problems with two components | Quantitative Reasoning |
How Is the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Section Scored?
The GMAT IR section is a 30-minute computer-based test that contains 12 questions of different types. This section of the GMAT question paper evaluates a candidate's ability to analyze data from multiple sources and draw conclusions using critical thinking skills. The scores for the IR section range from 1 to 8 and are reported separately from the verbal and quant sections.
The GMAT Integrated Reasoning section includes four types of questions:
- Multi-Source Reasoning: This type of question requires candidates to analyze data from various sources such as graphs, tables, text passages, or combinations thereof
- Graphics Interpretation: These questions require candidates to interpret data presented in graphical form, such as scatterplots, line charts, bar charts, or pie charts
- Table Analysis: Table analysis questions require candidates to extract relevant information from tables with two or more tabs
- Two-part Analysis: These questions present a scenario followed by two statements that need to be evaluated based on the provided information
After completing the exam, candidates can review their Integrated Reasoning score, their scores for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and their overall scaled scores.
Understanding the distribution of GMAT Integrated Reasoning scores is essential for test takers aiming to gauge their performance relative to other candidates. The following table provides a concise overview of the relationship between Integrated Reasoning scores and percentiles, offering valuable insights into where your score stands compared to the broader test-taking population.
| Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 8 | 90 |
| 7 | 79 |
| 6 | 64 |
| 5 | 47 |
| 4 | 31 |
| 3 | 17 |
| 2 | 10 |
| 1 | 0 |
Tips and Resources for Integrated Reasoning Preparation
Preparing for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning syllabus can present a formidable challenge, but with the appropriate resources and expert advice, you can conquer this exam section. To assist you in preparing for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Syllabus, we have compiled valuable tips and resources.
The official website for GMAT information, to access additional resources and enhance your understanding of the Integrated Reasoning section. Prepare to excel in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning syllabus with our comprehensive guide and recommended tools.
- Firstly, free GMAT mock tests can be found on websites like GMATClub. These mock tests offer practice questions that simulate the actual GMAT IR section, giving you an idea of what to expect on test day. These mock tests explain each answer choice, helping you understand how to approach different questions.
- Secondly, follow trusted tips for the IR section. The official GMAT website provides information on what to expect in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Syllabus and how it is scored. According to their website, the IR section consists of 12 questions that assess your ability to analyze data presented in various formats, such as tables, graphs, and charts.
- Thirdly, check out prep companies like Kaplan and Manhattan Prep for additional Integrated Reasoning Syllabus resources. These companies offer study materials such as GMAT practice books and online courses designed for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning Syllabus.
When taking the exam, it's important to read and follow directions carefully while preparing for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section to avoid mistakes. This means paying close attention to details such as units of measurement or specific instructions given in question prompts.
Navigating the GMAT Integrated Reasoning syllabus can be challenging for many test-takers, requiring a strong understanding of data analysis and interpretation.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the syllabus is paramount for success in this crucial exam section. By familiarizing yourself with the question types, format, and skills assessed, you can confidently and precisely approach the Integrated Reasoning section.
The GMAT Integrated Reasoning covers various topics, including data analysis, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, and graphics interpretation. Mastering these areas enhances your problem-solving abilities and showcases your ability to make informed decisions based on complex information—a skill highly valued in the business world.
