Quick Answer: The Critical Thinking section of the Online Bocconi Test contains 9 questions in 75 minutes (shared with all other sections). There are two question types: data/statement questions and passage-based reasoning. Some questions have only 3 answer options, which changes the penalty to -0.33 instead of -0.2. A systematic approach to argument analysis — not general intelligence — is the key to scoring well in this section.
The Critical Thinking Section: What to Expect
The Critical Thinking section of the Online Bocconi Test contains 9 multiple-choice questions. While this is the smallest section by question count, it requires a specific logical skillset that is quite different from the mathematical sections.
The section tests your ability to conceptualize, analyze, summarize, and assess information. Unlike the Reading Comprehension section, which focuses on understanding what a text says, Critical Thinking asks you to evaluate the logical validity of arguments and conclusions.
The Two Question Types
Type 1: Data and Statements
You are presented with a set of data (numbers, facts, or assertions). You must then determine which of the answer statements are true or false based solely on that data. The key rule: do not bring in outside knowledge. Your answer must be fully supported by — or directly contradicted by — the data given.
Common mistakes include: marking a statement as true because it “sounds right” even though the data doesn’t explicitly support it, or marking a statement as false because you know from general knowledge that it’s incorrect, rather than because the data contradicts it.
Type 2: Passage-Based Reasoning
A short passage presents one or more assertions. You are then asked to evaluate a statement as:
- True — the statement is supported by the passage
- False — the statement is directly contradicted by the passage
- Not deducible — the passage neither confirms nor denies the statement
The “not deducible” option is what trips up most students. Many students default to “true” or “false” when the passage simply doesn’t address the claim at all. Training yourself to recognize genuine logical gaps is essential.
The Penalty Rule for 3-Option Questions
This is one of the most important tactical points in the entire test. When a Critical Thinking question has 3 answer options (typically true/false/not deducible), the wrong-answer penalty increases to -0.33 points instead of the standard -0.2.
| Answer options | Penalty for wrong answer | Break-even probability |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 5 options | -0.2 points | Guess if you can eliminate 1+ option |
| 3 options (true/false/not deducible) | -0.33 points | Guess only if very confident |
For 3-option questions: with a random guess, expected value = (1/3 × +1) + (2/3 × -0.33) = 0.33 – 0.22 = +0.11. This means random guessing is statistically positive — but the variance is high, and in practice, you should only guess when you can reasonably eliminate at least one option.
Preparation Strategy for Critical Thinking
1. Learn to Separate “Data Says” from “I Think”
The single most important habit is strict data discipline. Before marking any answer, ask: “Does the given data explicitly support or contradict this statement?” If the answer is “it’s likely but not stated,” the correct answer is usually “not deducible.”
2. Identify Argument Structure
For passage-based questions, identify: Premises (what the passage asserts as fact) → Conclusion (what the passage claims follows from those premises) → Assumptions (unstated links between premises and conclusion). Questions often test whether you can identify an unstated assumption or recognize when a conclusion doesn’t logically follow from the premises.
3. Practise with Timed Conditions
Critical Thinking questions can be time-consuming because passages require careful reading. Aim to spend no more than 90 seconds per question. If a question is taking too long, mark it and return to it — a blank answer (-0 points) is better than rushing and getting it wrong (-0.33).
4. Use the Official Bocconi App
The official Bocconi test app (available on iOS and Android) includes Critical Thinking exercises organized by topic. The full 50-question simulation on the Bocconi website also includes Critical Thinking questions in their real test context.
Critical Thinking in Context: How Much Does It Matter?
With 9 questions out of 50, the Critical Thinking section represents 18% of the test. A perfect score in this section contributes 9 points — the same as getting 9 Mathematics questions right. However, Mathematics carries more total weight because it has 24 questions.
The strategic implication: if you are strong at Critical Thinking but weak at Mathematics, you can partially compensate — but Mathematics remains the highest-leverage section to improve. If you are running short on preparation time, prioritize Mathematics first, then Critical Thinking.
5 Expert Tips for the Critical Thinking Section
- Read the question before the passage. Knowing what you’re being asked helps you read the passage with a targeted focus rather than trying to absorb everything.
- Watch out for “almost true” statements. The test frequently presents statements that are directionally right but overstated or understated relative to the data. “Mostly true” is not true.
- Don’t rush the 3-option questions. The higher penalty makes these questions more costly when wrong. Invest the extra 15-20 seconds to be confident.
- Track which type you miss most. Data/statement questions and passage reasoning questions require different skills. Identify your weaker type and practice it specifically.
- Treat “not deducible” as a genuine option. Many students underuse “not deducible” because it feels like a cop-out. In practice, it’s correct just as often as true or false.
Author: Adam Girsault, Founder of Your Dream School. With over 10 years of experience in international university admissions consulting, Adam has guided hundreds of students through the Bocconi admission process.