Note taking on CR questions Manhattan style (or others)

Hello, Addicted. Your post hits close to home for me, since I did start off with CR as my worst area. I am not keen on note-taking either, for the very reasons you mentioned. It takes time, and if you are internalizing what you are writing about, then you do not refer back to the notes anyway. Rather, I prefer to map out first exactly what the question is asking--strengthen, evaluate a plan, and so on--before reading the passage, at which point I take mental notes as I go that would be similar to what I would write down. Perhaps at first, taking notes is fine, but if the strategy is not working for you, then see if you can grow out of it. What helped me more than anything to overcome my CR inaccuracies was taking the time to understand the linear logic of the questions and how the correct answer had to fit that exact line of reasoning.

Per your request, I will not outline any specific method beyond what I have alluded to above. Some people find identifying answer types to be helpful. Many like MGMAT guidelines; others prefer those offered by PowerScore in its CR Bible. Sometimes I just like reading the community responses to CR questions, whether posted by well-meaning members or Experts, and seeing if I can find something that resonates with me, that will make the line of thought stick for me the next time I may come across a similar question.

I dislike being so vague, but I do not wish to go against your wishes. By observing the above, I was able to turn CR into a strength, plain and simple. Best of luck to you, however you decide to improve upon your own weakness with these questions.

- Andrew