When taking a step back and considering how hard is the GMAT, how difficult is the GMAT, and is the GRE difficult or is relatively better than the GMAT, you have to look at the test as a whole. Many test takers are especially intrigued and want to know more about the new, relatively unknown, unique section: integrated reasoning. We get questions like, “Is the GMAT IR section hard? How will the IR section impact the total score?” all the time. The integrated reasoning section is in some ways the least straightforward of all the sections, seemingly the pitcher with the unpredictable curve ball. However, we’ll help you break down the integrated reasoning section into manageable pieces. We’ll help you recognize patterns and tricks the GMAC uses on the exam and formulate strategies to overcome them. The integrated reasoning section is different, but by no means unapproachable. Let’s take a look!
What is the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section?
The integrated reasoning section is the most recent addition on the GMAT and was introduced into the GMAT in 2012, replacing one of the two thirty-minute essay sections. It will be the second section you take on the exam, after analytical writing, and will last thirty-minutes for twelve questions. You do not have a break between the analytical writing section and the integrated reasoning section. You will get one break after the integrated reasoning section, between it and the quantitative section.
Ok, I get that, but what does integrated reasoning even mean? Is the GMAT IR hard?
The intention of the integrated reasoning section is to see how well test takers can understand, analyze, and glean conclusions from information. There are charts, graphs, tables, numbers, text, etc.–various formats in which information is displayed and in which you have to decipher. The GMAC is attempting to understand how you think, how you process information by the integrated reasoning section.
Again, depending on what your experience is, how often you work with analyzing charts and graphs, etc., will directly influence how difficult the GMAT IR section is for you. Professionals typically have a better track record with these questions than students do. But here’s the thing with the integrated reasoning section, with lots of pointed, strategic practice, you can pretty much level the playing field.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
So, again, going back to the question, is the GMAT IR hard? Well, that depends on you and your experience with analyzing graphical representations of data.
How is the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section scored?
The integrated reasoning score is completely separate from the total score on the GMAT (which is comprised solely of the verbal and the quantitative section). The maximum score for this section is an 8, and it is a non-adaptive section (meaning that unlike the verbal and quantitative questions, the IR questions do not get harder the better you do on the exam). The question types and answer choices vary across this section, adding to its illustrious mystery. The four types of questions are multi-choice reasoning, graphics representation, two-part analysis, and table analysis. You can see the explanations of each of these types of questions and visuals of them on the official GMAC website.
What should you know about the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section?
1. There may be multiple components of an official question comprising the same mark as one official question. If there are two or more questions on the same computer screen at a time, that is a multi-component question.
If you get any of the components incorrect, the whole question is marked incorrect. You can tell if the questions are standalone questions or multi-component questions by looking at the screen.
For example, according to the data does the number of cows per acre has a positive correlation to the pounds of meat produced a month?
According to the data does the number of cows per acre has a negative correlation to the pounds of potatoes produced a month?
Both of these questions would appear on the same screen, thus demonstrating that, together they comprise one official question.
2. There may be multiple official questions referencing the same information, data, text, numbers, graphs, charts, or tables. Each screen represents each official question. In this case, even if you answer one official question wrong, that will not negatively impact any of the other official questions.
How should you approach the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section?
1. READ each question carefully
You may want to read each question, at least, two times. One at the beginning of the question, and one right before clicking onto the next question. Make sure that you’re answering what the question asks for. The GMAC loves to throw you curve balls on the questions themselves so make sure that you read the questions closely. If the question asks for the percentage of 40-50-year-old voters in the state of Utah, don’t give the population of 40-50-year-old voters. The GMAC takes advantage of people skimming over the context and assuming they understand what the question is looking for, so be careful. The answer formats are usually multiple choice or drop down so don’t get thrown off by how the answer choices are laid out to you.
2. Sort out the important information from the excess
It is so easy to get bogged down by all the information that the GMAC gives with each question. You’ll always get irrelevant pieces of information on all the questions. That’s part of the test–you have to figure out which parts of the charts/tables/graphs/etc are pertinent to the question. In many cases, there will be multiple questions on the same information set–so your window of focus should shift along with the question at hand. Time is not your friend in this section; you’ll be racing against the clock. Don’t waste time understanding all the information in the charts before proceeding with the question. It is good to get a lay of the land on what the information is showing you and understanding the relationship between pieces and how they fit together.
3. Identifying relationships
In almost every question on this section, you’ll have to uncover how one piece of information influences another. Many questions will ask you to draw upon the data to formulate a conclusion based on a particular relationship. Thus, you will need to get used to identifying how the data fits together. In some logic cases, it may help to draw or map connections and associations out with marker and notepaper. Identifying relationship is a critical part of the analysis skills needed for the integrated reasoning section.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
4. Manipulating information
Information will need to be changed: sorted, calculated, compared, etc. to get to the right conclusion. Luckily, the IR section gives test takers some special tools that can only be used in this section–namely sorting functions for organizing tables and an on-screen calculator. Only leverage the calculator if you need it; because it is an onscreen calculator, it is more cumbersome and more time-consuming to use than a regular calculator. Also, you will have a marker and a scratchpad to use for the whole exam so take advantage of being able to conduct your calculations and draw out your relationship maps.
5. Looking for the answer in the content
The answer lies in the question. Like the reading comprehension section, the integrated reasoning section is asking you to pull a conclusion based on the information given. Dig into the content and look at the relationships between the data. After some initial familiarization, you should be able to recognize what the relationships are and how to conduct them.
What are the common mistakes that people make on the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section?
1. Misunderstanding the question
Make sure you read the question thoroughly and that you understand what it is asking for. Don’t fall into the trap of misunderstanding the content.
2. Not answering the question
It pays in the long run to take a couple seconds at the end of each question to double check and make sure that you are answering it correctly. At least, check that your answer matches the same format and content as what the question is looking for.
3. Running out of time
Remember that you only have 30 minutes to answer 12 questions. There are some questions that just inundate you with information, both pertinent and irrelevant. Half of the problem is to sort through the information in the most efficient manner to get the answer.
The number one thing here is not to get overwhelmed. Take a structured approach to processing the information at hand. If you aren’t comfortable with reading charts or tables, take COPIOUS amounts of practice IR questions and tests. Get used to reading information fast and effectively.
Is the GMAT IR hard? Well, it can be even more difficult for you if you don’t prepare yourself adequately for it. The IR section is newborn in the family. Test takers and schools are still wrapping their heads around it and getting a feel for it.
For approaches to other sections of the GMAT, see our How Hard is GMAT Verbal What to Know and our How Hard is GMAT Quant? What to Know for more inside details.
Let’s put everything into practice. Try this GMAT practice question:
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