Restarting - Target 700 - GMAT Story

Read for the Passage's Structure, not its Content

I've said this in other posts, but it's worth repeating: the content of a LR stimulus or a RC passage is less important than its structure / argument. Always look identify the relevant portions of the argument (evidence or conclusion). "Speed-reading" techniques won't work because you're not reading for informational purposes.

You probably don't care about the regulatory, acclimatory, and developmental adaptive responses of overwintering macropterous/micropterous waterbugs (PrepTest 2). If you do, entomology's probably a more promising career path. If you insist on law, save your interest in the waterbugs for another time. The LSAT only requires you know these adaptive responses exist (after reading the passage) and where you can find them in the passage.

As you read, look for:

-the main points (conclusions)

-underlying facts (evidence)

-main players (supporters and critics)

-players' motivations / interests (if any)

Reading comprehension is a mechanical process, so treat it like a fact-finding mission. Search the passage for each of the things I've just listed.

Of course, it would be too easy if the answer to a main point (conclusion) question were worded exactly as written in the stimulus. For this reason, you need to be able to quickly find and identify each of these things so you have more time to recognize how they've been reworded in the answer choices. It helps if you're familiar with commonly-used terms in RC and their synonyms (covered in my previous RC post - linked above).


How to Read More Quickly

Don't pronounce words in your head as you read, and don't move your lips as you read. You can think faster than you speak, so if you cut off the connection between reading and speaking, you'll retain information even as you increase your speed.


How to Find the Main Point

First of all, it's the author's conclusion. Approach main point questions just as you would approach Logical Reasoning main point / conclusion questions. The main point is NOT the summary. It's simply what the author's trying to convince you is true. This will most closely resemble an opinion, rather than background info or undeniable facts. It can be at the beginning, middle, or end.

Depending upon the type of passage, the main point will take different forms.

If the passage is about a:

-problem, the main point is the solution.
-mystery (cause / effect), the main point should be the explanation the author advocates.
-person the author likes / dislikes, the main point is that the person is great / not great. Evidence will be reasons for opinion.
-study / experiment, the main point is that the study / experiment is good / bad. Evidence will strengthen / weaken study's validity by attacking study / people conducting it.

I wouldn't worry too much about Knewton verbal. From what I read on another forum their verbal section is considered harder than that of the actual GMAT. Good luck with your further studies!

How is the preparation going?

How is the preparation going?

I was wondering where are you these days. Good to see you back. I'm feeling exactly the same as you're feeling for different areas for RC,SC,CR and DS. I don't think there's any comprehensive plan that will work on all areas and see big improvements. But, we can focus on one specific type of questions and see if it improves our score.
Good luck again.