LSAT RC Timing?

Question

RC Section: Last week I started my RC preparation after covering the concepts of RC passages through Manhattan & Kaplan Books then practiced LSAT Exam sets, so far 3 exams (total 12 passages). During the LSAT test, my accuracy has improved - (5 to 6 Correct out of 7/8 Qs). However, I am taking too much time, for every passage which contains 7 or 8 questions, I am taking 20 minutes.

I haven't taken OG RC tests yet but my concern is timing - can someone please suggest if this is normal or I am taking too much time which is hard to improve? I have two months till I take the GMAT test - in the next two months - my prime goal is to focus on Quant.

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

On the actual GMAT, you will see two types of RCs. Short passages with 3 questions and long passages with 4 questions each.
You should target 6 - 7 minutes for answering all the questions in a short passage and 8 - 9 minutes for all the questions in the long passage.
This includes the reading time too.

Going by your timing, I can clearly see that you are taking more than 2 minutes/per question. So you need to reduce the time.

1. How long do you take to read the passage?
2. Have you taken any mock CATs?

If not, then you should appear for a mock CAT (preferably GMAT Prep) soon and see your current standing.

optmistic2016 · Answer

Many thanks for your inputs. Could you please advise how to improve the reading speed of CR passages? The dilemma is that when I tried to increase speed - the accuracy goes down and vice versa.

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

The best way to increase your speed is by increasing your comprehension of the passage, so that you do not need to revisit the passage.
One of the methods that I tell to my students is to make a passage map.
Write down the main points of each paragraph. Initially this might take some time, but it will surely increase your comprehension of the passage and you will be able to save time while answering the questions.

optmistic2016 · Answer

Many thanks for your suggestion.

Whats the best approach to read Comprehension? I have searched many websites but Its really difficult to follow one proper rule - I have 2-3 months till my test date - I can adopt a method to improve the comprehension - I am a regular reader of english articles but not so dry topics.

I heard about a book - how to read better and faster by Norman Lewis, is it good? or do you suggest any other method?

Thanks!

deabas · Answer

Hi

I had the same issue and the only way to resolve it is to keep reading and engage while reading... over the time you should notice your improvement

Good luck!

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

As suggested earlier, I recommend a passage map to improve your comprehension and reduce your overall time on the RC questions.
Along with this, drill down into different types of questions - Main idea, specific detail, inference etc. See what questions and topics trouble you the most and then practice accordingly.

If you want to increase your speed, reading a lot is the only way. The more you practice, the better you get. Also, try to find out if any particular topic on RC passages trouble you.
For example - Science, History, Biology, Women empowerment etc. Once you have figured this out, try to solve as many passages as you can on the particular topic.

optmistic2016 · Answer

Many thanks for the guidance !

LSAT RC Timing?

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