GMAT Data Insights: Multi-Source Reasoning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a GMAT Multi-Source Reasoning prompt, sources are typically arranged across two or three tabs. What is the most efficient first step before answering?
- Memorize every number in all tabs
- Skim all tabs to map what each contains, then return as questions demand (Correct answer)
- Answer only from the first tab
- Ignore the tabs and read the question
Correct answer: Skim all tabs to map what each contains, then return as questions demand
Mapping the content of each tab first lets you locate and combine the right data quickly for each question.
Question 2: An MSR set shows an email (Tab 1) and a budget table (Tab 2). A question asks whether a proposed expense is approvable. Which approach is correct?
- Use only the email's tone
- Combine the email's approval rule with the table's figures (Correct answer)
- Assume any expense is approvable
- Use the table alone and ignore the rule
Correct answer: Combine the email's approval rule with the table's figures
MSR rewards synthesizing a rule from one source with quantitative data from another.
Question 3: MSR yes/no (Inference) questions usually present three statements. How are they scored?
- Partial credit per statement
- All three must be answered correctly for the item to count (Correct answer)
- Only the first statement matters
- Any one correct is enough
Correct answer: All three must be answered correctly for the item to count
These multi-part items award credit only when all sub-statements are answered correctly.
Question 4: A tab states a project starts on March 1 and lasts 6 weeks; another tab lists a hard deadline of April 10. Can the project finish on time?
- No, it runs past April 10 (Correct answer)
- Yes, six weeks from March 1 ends about April 12
- Yes, it ends April 5
- Cannot be determined
Correct answer: No, it runs past April 10
Six weeks (42 days) from March 1 reaches roughly April 12, which is after the April 10 deadline.
Question 5: When an MSR question gives a condition not directly stated in any tab, what should you do?
- Treat it as false automatically
- Apply the new condition to the existing data to test the outcome (Correct answer)
- Refuse to answer
- Look for it verbatim in a tab
Correct answer: Apply the new condition to the existing data to test the outcome
Hypothetical conditions must be applied logically to the provided data, not found word-for-word.
Question 6: Two tabs report a metric using different units (one in thousands, one in actual dollars). Before comparing, you must:
- Convert to a common unit (Correct answer)
- Add them as-is
- Pick the larger raw number
- Average the labels
Correct answer: Convert to a common unit
Unit mismatches are a common MSR trap—always reconcile units before computing.
Question 7: Which behavior best describes effective MSR time management?
- Reading every tab in full before any question
- Reading the question first, then targeting the relevant tab(s) (Correct answer)
- Skipping all data
- Answering from memory of the prompt intro
Correct answer: Reading the question first, then targeting the relevant tab(s)
Question-driven reading keeps you from over-investing time in irrelevant source details.
GMAT Data Insights: Multi-Source Reasoning 2
In a GMAT Multi-Source Reasoning prompt, sources are typically arranged across two or three tabs.
What is the most efficient first step before answering?