Integrated Reasoning GMAT- Things to Know

The integrated reasoning GMAT section is one of the most critical sections in the examination. The GMAT integrated reasoning section, as per the GMAC, offers another point of differentiation for B-Schools when they shortlist the candidates. The section has twelve questions of four different types. The length of time needed to complete the section is 30 minutes. Aspirants will have to synthesize and analyze information across sources and formats.

Integrated Reasoning- Sectional Analysis

If you aspire to get a high integrated reasoning GMAT score, you should understand the section in detail. The section requires candidates to synthesize and evaluate data from various sources. You will also be tested for your ability to organize data for problem-solving and your capabilities in data manipulation for solving complex problems. 

As you will find in your integrated reasoning GMAT book, four types of questions exist. These include the following: 

1. Multi-Source Reasoning
2. Graphics Interpretation
3. Table Analysis
4. Two-Part Analysis 

The questions will combine both verbal and quantitative reasoning, either together or separately. There are two key things that you should remember in this section. First, many questions will require multiple responses. Second, you will get an online calculator option for answering your questions. You should remember that all responses to a question should be correct since partial credits are not given to candidates. The scores are given between 1-8. These do not impact the scores in the other GMAT sections. The section is separately scored without being included in the score reports. It is delivered for the official reports within a period of 20 days. These official reports of scores will have the IR percentile.

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Question Types

There are many integrated reasoning GMAT practice questions that you may find online. You can also find several integrated reasoning GMAT examples across books and other study materials. Here’s looking at the same in detail: 

1. Multi-Source Reasoning- Here, you will have to show your capabilities in analyzing data from various sources, including graphics, tables, passages with text, and combinations of these types. You will have to evaluate every data set with care in order to answer several questions. Some questions will ask for identifying discrepancies/gaps among various data sources, while some may require inferences. Some may also require candidates to determine the relevancy of data. 
2. Table Analysis- This tracks the abilities of candidates to analyze, sort, and examine data tables. You will have to identify information that is strictly relevant or adheres to specific conditions. 
3. Graphics Interpretation- This tracks the capabilities of candidates to understand and interpret data given in graphical images, graphs, pie charts, bar charts, statistical curves, etc. You will have to provide inferences and identify relationships in the same. 
4. Two-Part Analysis- This measures the capabilities of candidates in solving problems of a complex nature. These may be verbal, quantitative, or a combination of both these types. Questions will ask you to identify relationships between two things, crack simultaneous equations, and so on. 

Tips for Candidates

Here are some general GMAT integrated reasoning tips for aspirants: 

1. Practice Reading Graphs- You should keep practicing graphs, including bar graphs, scatter plots, line graphs, and more. Sharpen your abilities to swiftly interpret and analyze data present in charts and graphs. Before your examination, practice data interpretation from several types of formats and sources. 
2. Boost your verbal and mathematical skills smartly- You do not have to keep mugging up formulas or vocabulary. The preparation that you undertake for critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and other questions in the Verbal segment will boost your Integrated Reasoning preparation automatically. If you are practicing reading comprehension, arithmetic, or critical reasoning for the Math/Verbal portions, you can also fine-tune them with questions from the IR section. These fundamental skills will help you cover three GMAT sections together. 
3. Take as many practice tests as possible- You should take timed practice tests for each section, especially IR. This has 12 questions with sub-parts. Hence, you should keep pacing yourself throughout the same, with milestones/benchmarks to achieve within the stipulated time. Practice taking some guesses or skipping questions if you do not know the answers and moving on to others that you can confidently solve. Take practice tests to build a certain momentum and understand the time that you spend on each question. 
4. Take realistic samples into account- Practice computer-based IR questions that are realistic and accurate. You will find several free and paid questions and tests available. 
5. Practice with the online calculator- This will be given as part of the IR section. However, you should practice using this in advance. This could help you save a lot of time on several questions. Many candidates make the mistake of not practicing with online calculators beforehand, leading to awkwardness and time lags on the day of the test.
   These tips will help you crack the integrated reasoning GMAT successfully.

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