Critical Reasoning (CR) questions (sometimes referred to as “paragraph argument questions”), are one of the types of GRE Reading Comprehension questions test-takers face on the verbal section of the GRE. Critical Reasoning questions test critical-thinking skills across a broad spectrum of situations that require logical reasoning, close attention to detail, careful, precise reading, and crisp thinking.

Although Critical Reasoning questions are not the most common type of GRE verbal question, performing well on them can help you earn a higher GRE score.

Because it’s so important to engage in proper practice with GRE CR questions, in this article we provide you with some realistic GRE Critical Reasoning sample questions, in addition to several tips you can use during your GRE prep to improve your skills at solving CR questions.

Let’s begin by discussing what GRE Critical Reasoning questions are.


Each Critical Reasoning question begins with a written stimulus, which is usually in the form of a passage as short as one sentence or as long as a paragraph of several sentences. After the stimulus, there are a question and five answer choices. The question will always ask us to determine which of the five answer choices is logically related to the stimulus in a particular way.

For example, a typical GRE Critical Reasoning question will appear as follows. Give the following GRE Critical Reasoning sample question a try!



Over the past year, brown bears that inhabit the nearby mountains have been coming into the Town of Silverton with greater regularity than ever before. About a year ago, three farms in the town began for the first time producing honey, which brown bears find irresistible. Therefore, it must be that the reason why brown bears are coming into the town with greater regularity is that they are coming to consume the honey produced by these farms.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

A. One year ago, a number of farms in the town began for the first time growing blueberries, which are a favorite food of brown bears.
B. People living in the town have grown increasingly nervous because of the increased presence of the brown bears.
C. Over the past year, no more mountain lions have been sighted in the town than were sighted during previous years.
D. The owners of the town’s honeybee farms have reported seeing brown bears opening their beehives to eat the honey found within.
E. Brown bears find honey irresistible because it is high in both sugar and calories, two things that they require in order to maintain a healthy weight.