Postgraduate Entrance Examination for Master's Professional Degree Programs: Logical Simulation Test and Analysis

Author: Zhou Jianwu (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The logical reasoning test of the National Master's Degree Entrance Qualification Examination (GCT) consists of 50 questions, with a maximum score of 100. From the perspective of question classification, the GCT logical reasoning test includes two parts: argument-based reasoning and analytical reasoning. Argument-based reasoning consists of 35 questions, accounting for 70 points. Analytical reasoning is presented in the form of question sets, with the entire exam typically containing three sets, each with about five questions. The analytical reasoning section has a total of 15 questions, accounting for 30 points. The major characteristic of logical review and preparation is a short time frame and a fast pace. Whether the exam is successful depends critically on whether the problem-solving training is appropriate. The key to review and preparation is "practice," making it the primary task. During the problem-solving training process, many candidates often adapt slowly, with the prominent feeling being a lack of ideas, which is precisely the breakthrough point for candidates' pre-exam preparation. Since GCT questions are very flexible, problem-solving techniques and intuition can only be truly mastered and consolidated through repeated practice. Therefore, there is no "shortcut" to rapid success; the secret to high scores lies in mastering basic logical knowledge while practicing extensively to develop a sense of the questions. To this end, this book specifically compiles 12 sets of simulated questions based on the latest exam syllabus, each accompanied by detailed explanations, to provide candidates with intensive training during the pre-exam review phase. Below, we discuss our views on logical problem-solving and pre-exam reinforcement, for your reference.
### I. Signs of Successful Logical Review
The effective way to improve logical scores is through focused practice. During focused practice, it is essential to concentrate on solving a set of questions within the allotted time, completing them in one go without interruptions or distractions. Properly executed focused practice helps familiarize candidates with question types and adapt to the exam format. It is crucial to understand that completing a set of questions is not enough; post-exam analysis is equally important. Candidates must dedicate time to thoroughly understand and clarify any mistakes. The sign of successful logical review is the ability to solve problems quickly and accurately. Generally, if there is sufficient time, most candidates achieve high correct rates. However, simply being correct is not enough; speed is also critical, as time constraints in the exam directly impact accuracy. Therefore, candidates must strive for proficiency in problem-solving, achieving both speed and accuracy to secure high logical scores. When using this book for simulated training, candidates should allocate their time reasonably according to exam requirements. Only by developing good habits in advance can candidates remain calm and composed during the actual exam. A common flaw among past candidates was overemphasis on reading and insufficient practice. Some candidates lamented the volume of questions, unable to complete them or make mistakes, primarily due to a lack of practice opportunities and insufficient intensive training before the exam. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates systematically complete these 12 sets of simulated questions within a limited time and then analyze and summarize their results by comparing answers. Through intensive mock exam practice, candidates can further improve their problem-solving speed and accuracy, elevate their problem-solving state, and achieve their best performance during the exam.
### II. Problem-Solving Techniques for Argument-Based Reasoning
Argument-based reasoning primarily assesses reasoning abilities in three areas: identifying and evaluating arguments, and evaluating or refining action plans. The specific question types are diverse, mainly including assumption, support, weaken, evaluation, induction, and explanation.
1. Solving Steps
"Read – Abstract – Reason" is the three-step process for logical problem-solving: the first step is to quickly read the question stem and question; the second step is to abstract the logical mainline of the question stem; and the third step is to reason out the answer based on the question requirements, combining the logical mainline of the question stem with the answer options.
2. Reading the Question Stem
Logical exams can be considered a hybrid of reading comprehension and logical reasoning. Reading comprehension is the foundation of logical reasoning and a key factor in determining candidates' psychological state during the exam. The key to reading training is the ability to quickly extract logical structures. Some logical questions have very complex and convoluted question stems. The foundation for correct understanding lies in "rephrasing," breaking down the reasoning into premises and conclusions, and then restating it in one's own words. Specifically, through active reading, candidates should quickly grasp the method and conclusion of deriving a logical question. Once the core is grasped, the key to solving the problem becomes clear. Since each question consists of two parts: the question stem (containing the reasoning) and the question (e.g., "Which of the following is an assumption of the passage?"). When reading the question stem, candidates should memorize the reasoning (i.e., premises, conclusions, and assumptions) in their minds. Once they can restate it in their own words, the question becomes much easier to understand.
3. Choosing the Answer
After restating the author's reasoning in one's own words, it is also necessary to evaluate the validity of this reasoning. This means that during the process of reading the question stem, candidates must pay close attention to identifying the assumptions of the reasoning. Based on this, before looking at the options, candidates can think about what the correct answer should be when reading the question stem and question. After reading both, candidates may have a preliminary idea of the answer. However, this only completes half the task; at this point, it is still necessary to identify the option most similar to one's own guess from all the options. Reading the options helps better understand the author's reasoning, especially when the question stem remains unclear. Even if there is no idea of the correct answer, candidates should not be discouraged. By eliminating obviously incorrect options, the probability of choosing the correct answer can be improved.
### III. Problem-Solving Techniques for Analytical Reasoning
Analytical reasoning questions require candidates to analyze hypothetical scenarios, testing their ability to understand given conditions and draw conclusions. Candidates must deduce conclusions based on relationships among known characters, locations, events, and items. These conditions (relationships) are often presented in multiple scenarios, each interconnected. Candidates must answer related questions based on the provided hints (conditions).
1. Symbolizing Conditions
Conditions are a crucial part of analytical reasoning and the foundation for solving problems. Analytical reasoning questions mainly include general conditions and special conditions. For general conditions, although it is difficult to fully express their meaning with simple symbols, there are not many such conditions in analytical reasoning questions (usually no more than 2), and they are relatively easy to remember. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates memorize these conditions or use a few Chinese characters as substitutes. For special conditions, candidates can use their preferred method of expressing conditions, but they must adhere to the following principles: First, the symbols used must be concise, easy to draw, and easy to understand. For time efficiency, symbols should be as simple and easy to draw as possible. Second, symbols must be unambiguous. The symbols used must be rigorous and cannot have multiple interpretations.
2. Problem-Solving Techniques
Similar to argument-based reasoning, analytical reasoning does not require any background knowledge. Although the content of the questions covers a wide range, understanding the question stem and answering questions do not require specific knowledge from any discipline or profession. All the information needed to answer questions is contained within the passage itself. Candidates should focus on logical reasoning. When solving problems, candidates should:
- Skillfully use the filling method (or "filling the gaps" method);
- Ensure condition expressions are determined;
- Separate properties of different nature and cross-reference them with charts;
- Merge conditions involving the same element as much as possible.
Sometimes, even if the background of the question is unclear, as long as the question type is identified, the conditions are clear, and the conditions can be expressed, the question can still be solved. Generally, each analytical reasoning question set does not need to reference other questions within the set. It is particularly important to note that questions cannot interfere with each other; each question is only connected to the logical relationships provided in the passage. Additional conditions in one question only apply to that question, and each question must be answered independently. If candidates encounter conditions they believe may be ambiguous, they should not overthink and must interpret them in the most obvious way. The purpose of the question setter is to assess candidates' reasoning abilities, not to intentionally make conditions difficult to understand.
### IV. Pre-Exam Precautions
The optimal state for candidates during the exam is a balance between calmness and moderate tension—neither too nervous nor overly relaxed. On one hand, candidates should avoid panic and stay composed; on the other hand, they must maintain moderate tension, writing and drawing at all times. In addition to the above, candidates should pay attention to the following during the exam:
1. Quickly and accurately extract condition relationships during reading. Irrelevant content should be ignored, and candidates should not waste too much time on it.
2. Pay close attention to the question and question stem. If candidates misread or miss key words, it will be impossible to solve the problem correctly.
3. Strictly control time. If a question seems too difficult to solve, candidates should not linger on it for too long, as this may affect subsequent answers. Candidates should make their best guess (though marking it is advisable), as limited exam time generally does not allow for revisiting questions.
During the compilation of this book, comrades such as Ma Dali, Li Hui, and Liu Xinjun participated in some of the data collation and review work. We extend our gratitude to them here. Due to time and skill limitations, omissions and shortcomings are inevitable. We welcome criticism and corrections from readers.
This book is compiled according to the requirements of the 2004 National Master's Degree Entrance Qualification Examination (GCT) syllabus, targeting the characteristics and question-setting logic of the logical reasoning ability test. It includes 12 sets of simulated questions, each accompanied by detailed solution analysis and answers. The purpose is to strengthen candidates' use of knowledge, methods, and techniques through pre-exam mock exams, enabling them to master the features of various question types in a short time, further improve problem-solving speed and accuracy, and effectively enhance their logical reasoning skills for the GCT exam.