HELP W/RC

Question

I've been having problems with RC for a long time. Can anyone suggests any practice material or strategy.

tkkoh · Answer

What's the specific problems? Can't understand the passage; taking too long to read; don't know what the questions are asking for; etc?

Puilunchristin · Answer

I have the same type of problem with RC as well. The passages seemed to be too long and I forget what I have previously read by the end of the passage. I have tried the tricks that Kaplan and PR offered such as taking notes and doing the road map, etc. But i didn't find these techniques effective. Do you know if there are easier ways to tackle the RC portions?

ywilfred · Answer

There're some sticky in the forum regarding R/C and ways to tackle them. But it varies between individual and what you need to do is to read those tips and then adapt them to fit your own style. However, it seems the general view from most appear to agree upon the following:

- Read actively. By that, it means not just reading for the sake of it, but read and understand what the author is trying to see

- Try to paraphrase each paragraph. Read and see what the author is trying to explain/put across. Paraphrase the section. Is the author trying to introduce a new idea, argue upon an exisiting opinion or simply just tyring to show an example.

- Take down key words. Note key words so that it's easier to do a 'search' later on when you're attempting the questions.

It takes a while to get used to it. I suggest you adopt a style quickly, practice it and fine-tune along the way. Try attempting R/C questions with the style you chose, with no time limits. The objective is to get familiar. Once you're familiar enough, go for speed and accuracy. 

Good luck.

Beerster · Answer

I find active reading to be VERY helpful. I tried the PR strategy of just skimming the RC and then searching for details later. It didnt' really work for me. 

I find that if I really pay attention to what I'm reading (while cognizant of speed), I get a higher hit rate. Also saves you time later on since you probably know where the details/key words are in the passage if you understood it the first time. 

Also, I suggest doing at least 2 RCs every day. This has helped my speed a lot.

I've also read a post on here that suggests reading the first question, then read the passage, so that you already know what you're looking for in your first question. Shaves some time off.

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

HELP W/RC

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards