Are AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools Difficult To Use Effectively?

The AAMC CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) diagnostic tools are invaluable for aspiring medical students preparing for the MCAT exam, though the Aamc Cars Diagnostic Tool Difficulty can be a challenge for some. CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN offers comprehensive insights and resources to help you navigate these tools effectively and improve your CARS performance. Mastering the tools and strategies available on CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and overall success.

1. What Makes AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools a Key Resource?

AAMC CARS diagnostic tools are considered a key resource because they closely mimic the actual MCAT exam experience. The passages in these tools replicate the content, question styles, and logical reasoning required on the real exam.

• Authenticity: The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) designs these tools to reflect the actual MCAT, ensuring that students practice with materials similar to what they will encounter on test day, according to AAMC official materials.
• Content Relevance: The topics covered in the CARS section range from humanities to social sciences, mirroring the interdisciplinary nature of the exam, as noted in the MCAT Official Prep products.
• Question Format: The questions test critical reasoning and analytical skills, requiring students to understand complex arguments and draw logical inferences. AAMC practice tests emphasize these skills.
• Comprehensive Practice: The AAMC provides two CARS Question Packs (Volume 1 and Volume 2), offering a substantial number of passages for practice. Completing each one is recommended.

2. What Are the Primary Components of the AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

The primary components of the AAMC CARS diagnostic tools include passage-based questions that evaluate critical reasoning and comprehension skills. These tools contain both individual and bundled question sets.

• Passages: Each diagnostic tool contains numerous passages, each followed by a set of questions. These passages are excerpts from various fields, requiring readers to grasp arguments and contexts quickly.
• Questions: The questions assess understanding, inference, and application of information from the passages, testing the ability to analyze and reason critically, according to the AAMC’s guidelines.
• Explanations: Detailed explanations for each answer are provided, offering insight into the correct reasoning and helping students understand why certain answers are correct or incorrect.
• Performance Tracking: These tools often include features to track performance, allowing users to monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement.

3. How Accurate Are the AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools in Predicting MCAT Performance?

The accuracy of AAMC CARS diagnostic tools in predicting MCAT performance is considered high, especially Volume 2, which is often the best predictor of performance on official AAMC practice exams and the actual MCAT.

• High Correlation: Studies and test-takers report a significant correlation between scores on the AAMC CARS diagnostic tools and performance on the actual MCAT. AAMC states that their practice materials are the closest representation of the real exam.
• Volume 2 Accuracy: Volume 2 is particularly accurate due to its similarity in difficulty and question style to the actual exam. Many students find that their scores on Volume 2 closely match their scores on the official practice exams.
• Timing Impact: Accuracy depends on timed practice. Taking more than 10 minutes per passage reduces the predictive validity of the scores, as it doesn’t reflect the time constraints of the actual exam.
• Comprehensive Preparation: Using these tools as part of a broader preparation strategy, including content review and additional practice, enhances their predictive value.

4. What Are the Differences Between AAMC CARS Question Pack Volume 1 and Volume 2?

The key differences between AAMC CARS Question Pack Volume 1 and Volume 2 lie in their difficulty levels and predictive accuracy, with Volume 1 generally considered more challenging.

• Difficulty Level: Volume 1 is often regarded as harder than the actual MCAT, especially the first six passages, which many students find extremely challenging. Volume 2, however, closely mirrors the difficulty of the actual MCAT.
• Predictive Accuracy: Volume 2 is a better predictor of performance on the official AAMC practice exams and the real MCAT. Students often find Volume 2 scores more aligned with their actual test results.
• Passage Structure: The passage structure and question styles in Volume 2 are more representative of the current MCAT format, whereas Volume 1 may include older or less relevant styles.
• Student Feedback: Many students advise starting with Volume 2 to build confidence and familiarity before tackling the more difficult passages in Volume 1.

5. How Should Students Approach the AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools for Optimal Preparation?

To approach the AAMC CARS diagnostic tools for optimal preparation, students should begin by understanding the structure, timing, and scoring of the CARS section.

• Familiarization: Start by reviewing the format and content of the CARS section to understand what skills are being tested.
• Timed Practice: Always practice with a timer to simulate the actual exam conditions, aiming for about 10 minutes per passage, according to AAMC guidelines.
• Strategic Review: After each practice test, review the answers thoroughly, focusing on understanding the reasoning behind both correct and incorrect answers.
• Progress Tracking: Monitor your progress to identify strengths and weaknesses, adjusting your study plan accordingly.
• Resource Integration: Supplement your practice with additional resources like CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN for explanations, strategies, and insights to enhance your understanding and performance.

6. What Common Mistakes Do Students Make When Using AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Common mistakes students make when using AAMC CARS diagnostic tools include neglecting timing, failing to review answers thoroughly, and not understanding the underlying reasoning.

• Ignoring Timing: Many students do not adhere to the recommended timing, which can lead to inaccurate performance assessment. The AAMC advises keeping to the time limits to replicate test conditions.
• Superficial Review: Simply checking answers without understanding the reasoning behind them limits the learning potential. A thorough review should include analyzing why correct answers are correct and why incorrect answers are wrong.
• Over-reliance on Intuition: Relying too much on gut feelings without carefully analyzing the passage can lead to errors. The CARS section requires critical thinking and evidence-based answers.
• Neglecting Weak Areas: Failing to identify and address weak areas prevents improvement. Targeted practice and review are essential for overcoming challenges.
• Skipping Explanations: Not reading the explanations provided by AAMC can result in missing important insights into the test-makers’ logic and reasoning.

7. How Can CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN Enhance the Use of AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN can enhance the use of AAMC CARS diagnostic tools by offering detailed explanations, strategies, and additional practice materials.

• In-Depth Explanations: CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN provides comprehensive explanations for each question, offering clarity beyond the AAMC’s official explanations.
• Strategic Guidance: The website offers strategies and techniques for approaching different types of CARS passages and questions, helping students improve their critical thinking skills.
• Additional Resources: CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN provides supplementary practice materials, including practice passages and quizzes, to reinforce learning and build confidence.
• Community Support: The platform offers a community forum where students can discuss questions, share strategies, and support each other.
• Performance Analytics: CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN includes tools to track performance and identify areas for improvement, enabling students to focus their efforts effectively.

8. What Strategies Can Improve Performance on AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Several strategies can improve performance on AAMC CARS diagnostic tools, including active reading, identifying key information, and effective time management.

• Active Reading: Engage with the passage by highlighting key points, summarizing paragraphs, and identifying the main argument.
• Key Information: Focus on identifying the main idea, author’s purpose, and any explicit arguments or opinions presented in the passage.
• Time Management: Allocate time wisely, aiming to spend no more than 10 minutes per passage, and practice pacing yourself.
• Process of Elimination: Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices, focusing on evidence from the passage.
• Understanding Question Types: Familiarize yourself with different types of CARS questions, such as inference, application, and reasoning beyond the text, to better anticipate what is being asked.

9. How Important Is Timing When Using AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Timing is crucial when using AAMC CARS diagnostic tools because it simulates the actual MCAT exam conditions, where time management is critical for success.

• Realistic Simulation: Practicing with a timer helps students get used to the pressure of the exam and develop strategies for pacing themselves effectively.
• Predictive Accuracy: Scores on the Question Packs are only predictive if passages are completed under timed conditions. Taking longer than 10 minutes per passage can inflate scores and provide a false sense of preparedness.
• Strategic Approach: Effective time management allows students to approach each passage strategically, ensuring they have enough time to read, analyze, and answer questions.
• Avoid Rushing: While timing is important, avoid rushing through passages, which can lead to careless errors and misinterpretations.
• Adaptability: Practice adapting your approach based on the difficulty of the passage, spending more time on challenging sections and less on easier ones.

10. Where Can Students Find Additional Support for AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Students can find additional support for AAMC CARS diagnostic tools through online forums, tutoring services, and resources like CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN, which offer explanations, strategies, and practice materials.

• Online Forums: Platforms like Reddit’s r/MCAT offer discussions, tips, and strategies from other students preparing for the exam.
• Tutoring Services: Many tutoring services specialize in MCAT preparation, providing personalized instruction and guidance on the CARS section.
• AAMC Resources: The AAMC website offers official guides, practice tests, and additional resources to support students.
• University Resources: Many universities offer pre-med advising and resources, including workshops and study groups for MCAT preparation.
• CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN: This website provides in-depth explanations, strategic guidance, and additional practice materials to enhance understanding and performance.

11. How Can AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools Help Identify Strengths and Weaknesses?

AAMC CARS diagnostic tools help identify strengths and weaknesses by providing detailed performance analysis and highlighting areas where students consistently struggle.

• Performance Tracking: These tools track performance on individual passages and question types, allowing students to see where they excel and where they need improvement.
• Detailed Feedback: The AAMC provides detailed explanations for each answer, helping students understand the reasoning behind correct and incorrect choices.
• Pattern Recognition: By reviewing patterns in their performance, students can identify specific areas of weakness, such as certain types of passages or question styles.
• Targeted Practice: Once weaknesses are identified, students can focus their practice on those areas, using additional resources and strategies to improve.
• Strategic Adjustment: Regular assessment helps students adjust their study plan to address weaknesses and build on their strengths, leading to more effective preparation.

12. What Are the Best Practices for Reviewing Answers in AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Best practices for reviewing answers in AAMC CARS diagnostic tools involve understanding the reasoning behind each answer, identifying patterns in errors, and learning from mistakes.

• Understand the Reasoning: Read the explanations for both correct and incorrect answers to understand the logic and reasoning behind each choice.
• Identify Patterns: Look for patterns in the types of questions you consistently miss, such as inference, application, or reasoning beyond the text.
• Learn from Mistakes: Analyze why you made each mistake, focusing on the specific errors in your thinking or understanding of the passage.
• Take Notes: Keep a notebook to record key concepts, strategies, and insights gained from reviewing answers.
• Revisit Passages: Occasionally revisit passages you found challenging to reinforce your understanding and apply new strategies.

13. How Can Understanding Passage Structure Improve Performance on AAMC CARS?

Understanding passage structure can significantly improve performance on AAMC CARS by enabling students to quickly identify the main idea, author’s purpose, and key arguments.

• Main Idea Identification: Recognizing the main idea early in the passage helps focus attention and understand the overall context.
• Author’s Purpose: Understanding the author’s purpose provides insight into the passage’s tone and perspective, which can influence the interpretation of questions.
• Argument Analysis: Analyzing the structure of arguments helps identify the logical flow and relationships between different ideas, leading to better comprehension.
• Predictive Reading: Anticipating the development of the passage based on its structure helps maintain engagement and focus.
• Efficient Note-Taking: Understanding passage structure allows for more efficient note-taking, capturing key points and relationships in a concise manner.

14. What Role Does Critical Thinking Play in AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Critical thinking plays a central role in AAMC CARS diagnostic tools, requiring students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to answer questions effectively.

• Analysis: Analyzing the passage involves breaking down complex arguments into their component parts and identifying the relationships between them.
• Evaluation: Evaluating the passage requires assessing the validity of arguments, identifying assumptions, and recognizing potential biases.
• Synthesis: Synthesizing information involves combining different ideas from the passage to form a coherent understanding and draw logical conclusions.
• Inference: Making inferences requires reading between the lines and drawing conclusions based on implicit information.
• Application: Applying information involves using the knowledge gained from the passage to answer questions and solve problems.

15. How Should Students Balance AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools with Other Study Resources?

Students should balance AAMC CARS diagnostic tools with other study resources by integrating them into a comprehensive study plan that includes content review, strategy practice, and regular assessment.

• Content Review: Begin with a thorough review of relevant content to build a strong foundation of knowledge.
• Strategy Practice: Practice different strategies for approaching CARS passages and questions, using resources like CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN.
• Regular Assessment: Use AAMC CARS diagnostic tools to regularly assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Balanced Approach: Balance the use of AAMC materials with other practice resources to gain diverse perspectives and approaches.
• Adaptive Learning: Adjust your study plan based on your performance and feedback from practice tests, focusing on areas where you need the most improvement.

16. What Are the Different Types of Questions Asked in AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

The different types of questions asked in AAMC CARS diagnostic tools include inference, application, reasoning beyond the text, and main idea questions.

• Inference Questions: These questions require students to draw conclusions based on implicit information in the passage.
• Application Questions: These questions ask students to apply the information from the passage to new situations or scenarios.
• Reasoning Beyond the Text Questions: These questions require students to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and recognize potential biases.
• Main Idea Questions: These questions ask students to identify the central theme or main point of the passage.
• Specific Detail Questions: These questions test the ability to locate and understand specific details or facts presented in the passage.

17. How Can Students Improve Their Reading Speed for AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Students can improve their reading speed for AAMC CARS diagnostic tools by practicing active reading techniques, minimizing distractions, and focusing on comprehension.

• Active Reading: Engage with the passage by highlighting key points, summarizing paragraphs, and asking questions as you read.
• Minimize Distractions: Create a quiet and focused study environment to minimize distractions and improve concentration.
• Comprehension Focus: Focus on understanding the meaning of the passage rather than just reading quickly.
• Practice Regularly: Practice reading regularly to build fluency and improve reading speed over time.
• Speed Drills: Use speed-reading drills to increase your reading speed while maintaining comprehension.

18. What Role Do Assumptions Play in AAMC CARS Questions?

Assumptions play a significant role in AAMC CARS questions, requiring students to identify unstated beliefs or premises underlying the author’s arguments.

• Identification: Identifying assumptions is crucial for understanding the author’s perspective and evaluating the validity of their arguments.
• Evaluation: Evaluating assumptions involves assessing whether they are reasonable and justified based on the information provided in the passage.
• Impact Analysis: Understanding the impact of assumptions on the author’s conclusions helps determine the strength of their arguments.
• Question Type: Assumption-based questions often ask students to identify an assumption that the author makes or to evaluate the validity of a given assumption.
• Critical Thinking: Recognizing and evaluating assumptions requires critical thinking skills and careful analysis of the passage.

19. How Can Students Manage Test Anxiety When Using AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Students can manage test anxiety when using AAMC CARS diagnostic tools by practicing relaxation techniques, maintaining a positive mindset, and simulating exam conditions.

• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to reduce anxiety and promote calmness.
• Positive Mindset: Maintain a positive mindset by focusing on your strengths, celebrating your successes, and believing in your ability to succeed.
• Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice under realistic exam conditions, including timed practice tests and a quiet study environment, to reduce anxiety on test day.
• Stress Management: Develop healthy stress management strategies, such as exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep, to cope with the demands of test preparation.
• Professional Help: Seek professional help from a therapist or counselor if test anxiety is overwhelming or interfering with your ability to study effectively.

20. What Is the Difference Between Understanding and Memorization in AAMC CARS?

The difference between understanding and memorization in AAMC CARS is that understanding involves grasping the meaning and relationships within the passage, while memorization focuses on recalling specific details without context.

• Understanding: Understanding requires comprehending the main idea, author’s purpose, and key arguments presented in the passage.
• Memorization: Memorization involves recalling specific facts, details, or information without necessarily understanding their significance or context.
• Critical Thinking: Understanding promotes critical thinking skills, allowing students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information effectively.
• Application: Understanding enables students to apply their knowledge to new situations or scenarios, while memorization is limited to recalling previously learned information.
• Long-Term Retention: Understanding leads to better long-term retention of information, while memorization is often short-lived and less adaptable.

21. How Can Students Use Feedback from AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools to Improve?

Students can use feedback from AAMC CARS diagnostic tools to improve by identifying areas of weakness, analyzing patterns in errors, and adjusting their study strategies accordingly.

• Identify Weaknesses: Use performance data to identify specific areas where you consistently struggle, such as certain types of passages or question styles.
• Analyze Errors: Review your answers carefully, focusing on the specific errors in your thinking or understanding of the passage.
• Adjust Strategies: Adjust your study strategies based on your performance and feedback, focusing on areas where you need the most improvement.
• Targeted Practice: Use targeted practice to address your weaknesses, focusing on specific types of passages or questions that you find challenging.
• Seek Guidance: Seek guidance from tutors, mentors, or online resources to gain additional insights and strategies for improving your performance.

22. What Are the Ethical Considerations When Using AAMC CARS Diagnostic Tools?

Ethical considerations when using AAMC CARS diagnostic tools include using the materials solely for personal study, not sharing content, and respecting copyright restrictions.

• Personal Use Only: AAMC materials are intended for personal use only and should not be shared or distributed to others.
• Copyright Respect: Respect copyright restrictions and avoid reproducing or distributing AAMC materials without permission.
• Integrity in Preparation: Maintain integrity in your preparation by using AAMC materials honestly and ethically, without cheating or plagiarizing.
• Fair Use: Adhere to fair use guidelines when using AAMC materials for educational purposes, giving proper credit to the source.
• Professional Conduct: Conduct yourself professionally and ethically throughout your MCAT preparation, respecting the rights and intellectual property of others.

23. How Do Cultural Differences Impact Performance on AAMC CARS?

Cultural differences can impact performance on AAMC CARS due to variations in background knowledge, reading comprehension, and familiarity with Western cultural references.

• Background Knowledge: Students from different cultural backgrounds may have varying levels of familiarity with the topics and concepts discussed in CARS passages.
• Reading Comprehension: Cultural differences can influence reading comprehension skills, as students may have different approaches to interpreting and analyzing text.
• Cultural References: CARS passages often include references to Western culture, history, and literature, which may be unfamiliar to students from other cultural backgrounds.
• Linguistic Differences: Students who are not native English speakers may face additional challenges in understanding complex language and nuances in CARS passages.
• Test Bias: Some critics argue that the CARS section may be biased towards certain cultural perspectives, disadvantaging students from other backgrounds.

24. How Can Students Prepare for Unfamiliar Topics in AAMC CARS Passages?

Students can prepare for unfamiliar topics in AAMC CARS passages by building a broad base of knowledge, practicing active reading, and focusing on understanding the author’s arguments.

• Broad Knowledge: Expand your knowledge base by reading widely on various topics, including humanities, social sciences, and current events.
• Active Reading: Practice active reading techniques to engage with the passage and identify the main idea, author’s purpose, and key arguments.
• Contextual Clues: Use contextual clues within the passage to understand unfamiliar terms or concepts.
• Inference Skills: Develop your inference skills to draw logical conclusions based on implicit information in the passage.
• Focus on Arguments: Focus on understanding the author’s arguments and how they are supported by evidence, rather than getting bogged down in unfamiliar details.

25. What Is the Role of Practice Exams in Preparing for AAMC CARS?

Practice exams play a crucial role in preparing for AAMC CARS by simulating the test-taking experience, providing performance feedback, and building confidence.

• Simulation: Practice exams simulate the actual test-taking experience, helping students get used to the format, timing, and difficulty level of the CARS section.
• Performance Feedback: Practice exams provide detailed feedback on performance, allowing students to identify areas of weakness and track their progress over time.
• Strategy Practice: Practice exams provide an opportunity to practice different strategies for approaching CARS passages and questions, such as active reading, time management, and process of elimination.
• Confidence Building: Successfully completing practice exams can boost confidence and reduce test anxiety, leading to better performance on the actual MCAT.
• Real-World Assessment: Practice exams provide a realistic assessment of readiness for the CARS section, helping students determine whether they are on track to achieve their target score.

26. How Can Students Develop a Strategic Approach to AAMC CARS?

Students can develop a strategic approach to AAMC CARS by understanding the passage structure, practicing active reading, managing time effectively, and mastering different question types.

• Passage Structure: Understand the typical structure of CARS passages, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Active Reading: Practice active reading techniques to engage with the passage and identify the main idea, author’s purpose, and key arguments.
• Time Management: Manage your time effectively by allocating a specific amount of time to each passage and question, and sticking to your schedule.
• Question Types: Master different types of CARS questions, such as inference, application, and reasoning beyond the text, and develop strategies for answering each type of question.
• Process of Elimination: Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

27. What Role Does Intuition Play in Answering AAMC CARS Questions?

Intuition should play a limited role in answering AAMC CARS questions, as answers should be primarily based on evidence and reasoning from the passage.

• Evidence-Based Answers: Answers to CARS questions should be based on explicit or implicit information from the passage, rather than relying solely on intuition or personal opinions.
• Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills, such as analysis, evaluation, and synthesis, are essential for understanding the passage and selecting the correct answer.
• Avoid Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions or drawing conclusions that are not supported by the passage.
• Intuition as a Guide: Intuition can serve as a guide, but it should always be checked against the evidence in the passage to ensure accuracy.
• Trust the Text: Trust the text and rely on your understanding of the passage to guide your answer choices.

28. How Can Students Improve Their Vocabulary for AAMC CARS?

Students can improve their vocabulary for AAMC CARS by reading widely, using vocabulary-building apps, and learning words in context.

• Read Widely: Read widely on various topics, including humanities, social sciences, and current events, to expose yourself to a wide range of vocabulary.
• Vocabulary Apps: Use vocabulary-building apps, such as Memrise or Anki, to learn new words and reinforce your knowledge.
• Contextual Learning: Learn words in context by paying attention to how they are used in passages and sentences.
• Root Words: Study root words, prefixes, and suffixes to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.
• Active Recall: Practice active recall by using new words in your writing and speaking to reinforce your learning.

29. What Are the Key Differences Between CARS and Other MCAT Sections?

The key differences between CARS and other MCAT sections lie in its focus on critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills, rather than scientific knowledge.

• Focus on Reasoning: CARS focuses on critical reasoning and analytical skills, requiring students to understand complex arguments and draw logical inferences.
• No Scientific Knowledge: CARS does not require specific scientific knowledge, unlike the other MCAT sections, which test knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Passage-Based Questions: CARS consists entirely of passage-based questions, requiring students to read and analyze passages from various disciplines.
• Interdisciplinary Content: CARS passages cover a wide range of topics from the humanities and social sciences, requiring students to be adaptable and flexible in their thinking.
• Emphasis on Interpretation: CARS places a strong emphasis on interpretation and analysis of text, rather than memorization of facts or concepts.

30. How Can Students Overcome the Difficulty of Early Passages in AAMC CARS Volume 1?

Students can overcome the difficulty of early passages in AAMC CARS Volume 1 by recognizing their increased difficulty, focusing on understanding the logic, and not getting discouraged.

• Acknowledge Difficulty: Acknowledge that the early passages in Volume 1 are known to be more difficult than the rest of the CARS materials.
• Focus on Logic: Focus on understanding the logic and reasoning behind each question, rather than getting bogged down in the details.
• Review Thoroughly: Review your answers carefully, paying attention to the explanations and identifying any patterns in your errors.
• Don’t Get Discouraged: Don’t get discouraged if you struggle with the early passages, as they are not representative of the entire CARS section.
• Move On: If you find yourself spending too much time on a difficult passage, move on and come back to it later if you have time.

To further enhance your preparation and tackle the AAMC CARS diagnostic tool difficulty, CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN offers expert guidance and resources. For personalized advice on selecting the best tools and strategies, contact us at 456 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75201, United States, or reach out via Whatsapp at +1 (641) 206-8880. Visit CAR-TOOL.EDU.VN for more information and support to achieve your MCAT goals.

Alt Text: AAMC CARS Question Packs highlighted as essential resources for MCAT preparation, showcasing their importance in critical reasoning practice