Mehemmed wrote:
Some experts say that while solving problems one should first focus on the meaning of the sentence and read the sentence as if it is an RC sentence, ignoring grammar for a second. Once the intended meaning is grasped, then grammar/technical errors should be identified.
On the other hand, other experts advice that we should first eliminate definite errors, and then compare the choices based on the intended meaning if we stuck between choices.
Which approach do you use and find more efficient/less time consuming?
First let's address the concept of "intended meaning."
The truth is that there isn't really any "intended meaning" in a sentence correction question. So, the difference between the incorrect choices and the correct choice is not exactly that the correct choice conveys an intended meaning, while the other choices do not.
In fact, each choice in a Sentence Correction question could convey a meaning somewhat different from the meanings conveyed by the other choices in that question. So, there won't necessarily be an "intended meaning" such that one can answer a question by looking for the choice that conveys that meaning.
What really differentiates the incorrect choices from the correct choice is that only the correct version
is grammatically correct and
conveys a meaning that makes sense. So, your goal in answering a Sentence Correction question is simply to find a version that has those characteristics.
OK, now, regarding what to look for first, grammar issues or meaning issues, the truth is that some questions are more grammar issue driven, and others are more meaning driven. So, if you were to focus on grammar or meaning first, in some cases, you would be wasting your time, because what you would be focusing on first wouldn't be key to answering the questions. Also, if you have to decide what to look for first, probably, that have to do so indicates that you have more Sentence Correction training to do, as, once you have developed solid Sentence Correction skills, any flaws in grammar or meaning should be pretty apparent as you read the sentences.
Further, if you go through Sentence Correction choices looking for little issues, you can easily miss the big picture. Often people focus on, for instance, pronoun use or subject-verb agreement, and, in looking at these micro aspects of the sentences, miss major issues in overall construction or expression.
So, what's the answer?
The truth is that Sentence Correction tests test-takers' skill in seeing what there is to see, whatever it is, flawed logic, grammar issues, structural issues, flawed word choice, or anything else, and, if you have thoroughly trained for Sentence Correction, you should see these issues fairly readily.
So, your best bet for efficiently and accurately answering Sentence Correction questions is learn about the many types of issues that can appear in Sentence Correction questions and then train yourself to see what's wrong with incorrect choices by going through question after question and, for each, clearly defining what makes each incorrect choice incorrect. In most cases, incorrect choices will include two more more flaws. So, to train yourself to see the flaws, you can seek to define, whenever possible, at least two clear reasons why each incorrect choice is incorrect. For instance, an incorrect choice could express an illogical meaning because it has a misplaced opening modifier, and the same choice could also include faulty use of tense.
Having trained yourself to see what there is to see, when you take the test, you simply CAREFULLY read each sentence version end to end, noting any flaws in grammar or meaning in each version as you see them.
close
08 Apr 2019, 08:43
