Identify the Flaw (GMAT Focus Edition – Verbal Reasoning Content and Tactics)
AnalystPrep's GMAT® Focus Course Can Be Found Here: https://analystprep.com/shop/gmat-foc...
Book a One-on-One Tutoring Session with Stefan Here: https://analystprep.com/shop/1-on-1-o...
Question Logistics
Likely the Least Frequently Occurring Question Type
Approximately Ten of the Questions in 36 Question Verbal Section
Usually About 80% Argument Tasks and About 20% Inference Tasks
Strategic Best Practices
Assume 2min per Question Average
Maximum 3min for Any Question
Note Task of Question Before Engaging Prompt
Limit to Single Prompt Reread Before Eliminating Choices for Common Wrong Answers & Guessing
Always Take Targeted Notes to Proactively Address Specific Question Task
Primary Question Format to Guess and Skip if Behind Pace After Question 12 or Question 24
Recognizing Identify the Flaw Tasks
Identify Reference to an Argument in Question Stem
Note Task Words Such as “Flaw” “Vulnerable” “Fails to Consider”
Beware of Mistaking a Weaken Task for an Identify the Flaw Task
Strategic Implications
Requires a Close Consideration of the Details of the Argument
No New Information is Provided by the Choices
Attempt to Categorically Identify the Type of Argument to Broadly Predict Possible Assumptions
Use Critical Thinking to Determine Why Assumption(s) May Prove Invalid
Focus on Wrong Answers Addressing Concerns Beyond Conclusion
Eliminate More Quickly if a Choice Closely Matches Prediction
Identifying Flaws in an Argument
Try to Predict Specifically Based on the Type of Argument the Reason an - Assumption Required to Validate the Conclusion is Unlikely to be True
Properly Categorizing an Argument is Especially Helpful in Proactively - Identifying Reasoning Flaws to Expedite Elimination
Analogy | A = B
Assumes – Items in argument are comparable in relevant ways
Likely Flaw – Items are not reasonably comparable in a specifically relevant way
Representation
Assumes – Evidentiary sample is representative of the larger whole population in conclusion
Likely Flaws – Subtle term shifts from evidence to conclusion or a sample that is inherently unrepresentative of the overall population it claims to represent
Data and Evidence Interpretation
Assumes – No other reasonable interpretation of data or evidence
Likely Flaw – There is another more likely interpretation of the evidence or numerical data than is suggested by the conclusion
Causality | A implies B
Assumes – No other possible causes or outcomes, and that the circumstance is not merely a coincidence
Likely Flaws – Another cause or outcome is more reasonable, or the conclusion seems coincidental
Plan or Recommendation
Assumes – Execution and approach will work
Likely Flaw – The plan or recommendation has an inherent weakness that will not allow it to succeed or shows that the plan is unnecessary
Identify the Flaw Task Checklist
Step 1
Note an Identify the Flaw Task by Recognizing Key Indicator Terms and the Presence of an Argument with a Main Conclusion
Step 2
Read Prompt as Written Paying Close Attention to Type of Information Provided in Premise and Note Explicit Conclusion
Step 3
If Common Argument Identified – More Specifically Predict What an Inherent Flaw in the Argument is Based on Type of Evidence
If No Common Argument Identified – Use Generic Prediction “Find Reason the Conclusion That... is Inherently Unlikely”
Step 4
Seek a Match to Your Prediction and Eliminate Choices that Fail to Address Task Using Common Wrong Answer Reasons