Verbal ReasoningGMAT Focus Edition

GMAT Causal Reasoning practice questions

Causal Reasoning is a high-yield GMAT topic. Work through these practice questions to build accuracy and speed before test day.

Free Causal Reasoning practice

5 sample questions

Practice Question 1easyCritical Reasoning

A study found that roads with more warning signs had 30% more accidents than similar roads with fewer signs. The researchers concluded that excessive signage actually increases accident rates by distracting drivers.

Which of the following, if true, casts the most serious doubt on the argument's conclusion?

The roads in the study areas had not been repaved in over five years.

The researchers only included accidents that resulted in serious injuries.

The study collected data from urban areas with significantly higher traffic density than the national average.

The vehicle models involved in accidents were all over 10 years old.

Several of the accidents involved drivers who were texting while behind the wheel.

Practice Question 2mediumCritical Reasoning

Archaeologists propose excavating a newly discovered site believed to contain a 3rd-century settlement. Their plan involves carefully removing topsoil layers using specialized equipment to preserve artifacts. They argue this method will successfully uncover the entire settlement within two years, based on core samples showing uniform soil composition across the site.

Which of the following, if true, would most call into question the feasibility of the proposed excavation plan?

Local regulations require all archaeological digs to be completed within six months, regardless of findings.

The area to be excavated contains several underground streams that were not mapped in previous surveys.

Some artifacts from the site have already been removed by unauthorized collectors in previous years.

The research team has secured funding for only half of the proposed excavation period.

Similar excavation techniques have been successfully used at other sites with different soil compositions.

Practice Question 3mediumCritical Reasoning

To increase college enrollment rates, a school district proposes an after-school tutoring program focused on improving students' math scores. District officials argue that since students with strong math skills are more likely to attend college, boosting math performance through tutoring will achieve their goal.

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously undermine the proposed plan's likelihood of success?

The school district's budget for teacher salaries will be reduced to fund the new program.

The after-school tutoring sessions will be taught by college students rather than certified teachers.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to have higher academic performance regardless of tutoring.

Schools that implemented similar programs in the past saw no change in college enrollment rates.

Many parents in the district oppose extending the school day by two hours.

Practice Question 4mediumCritical Reasoning

A school district plans to implement a new literacy program district-wide after trial schools using the program (a new reading curriculum plus teacher training) showed improved standardized reading scores. District officials conclude the program will improve student literacy outcomes across all schools.

Which of the following, if true, casts the most serious doubt on the effectiveness of the proposed plan?

The standardized reading tests used to measure literacy improvements were recently revised to include more complex texts.

District administrators have not yet secured funding to continue the program beyond the current school year.

Schools implementing the program have seen a 15% increase in library book circulation during the trial period.

Teachers report that the additional training has improved their confidence in teaching reading comprehension strategies.

Parents in the district are increasingly choosing to enroll their children in private schools that do not participate in the literacy program.

Practice Question 5very_hardCritical Reasoning

A recent agricultural study compared crop yields between farms using smart irrigation systems and those using traditional irrigation methods. The study found that farms employing smart irrigation systems produced 40% higher yields on average. Researchers concluded that smart irrigation systems are significantly more effective at maximizing crop production than traditional methods.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the researchers' conclusion about the effectiveness of smart irrigation systems?

The smart irrigation systems were installed on farms that had previously documented higher-than-average soil quality metrics.

The study's control group using traditional methods consisted primarily of farms growing drought-resistant crop varieties.

Traditional irrigation methods require more frequent maintenance, which temporarily reduces their water delivery efficiency.

Smart irrigation systems automatically adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather satellite data.

Several farms in both groups experienced equipment malfunctions during the study period that required repairs.

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GMAT Causal Reasoning practice questions

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