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TalonShade
Joined: 21 Apr 2021
Last visit: 29 Dec 2022
Posts: 31
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 26
Location: India
Schools: IESE '25 (A)
GRE 1: Q165 V163
GPA: 2.24
20 Apr 2022, 23:24
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Going through the several guides posted on here, I noticed that most of them try and sell you on a shortcut on a RC passage. I dont think there any fool proof shortcuts that will get you the accuracy you desire on RC passages. I truly believe that understanding and reading the passage completely is the only fool proof way of increasing your accuracy. While working on a few RCs I found this post by one of the members that I really think summarises the correct way of tackling RC passages.
A few thoughts on tackling RC in general.
1. I always, always, always - rephrase the passage as I read. I think every sentence or two, I do this unconsciously; it's 'active' reading in practice. Having this reflex and improving your ability to rephrase and simplify a passage is incredibly important in being able to have a general roadmap of the passage as a whole. As you practice this skill, the 'what's the point of the passage?' questions should become very intuitive. It's not easy though and at first it's very easy to read the passage as 'fact, fact, fact' so I encourage you to be super vigilant of how you read. I know it took me a while!
2. For every question, always go back to the passage. Whether the question is specific and asks you to make an inference, or is general and asks you what the overall tone is, it's important to go back to the passage. The third question of this RC is, in my opinion, a prime example of how you can become easily confused if you do not return to the passage.
3. Always find 4 wrong answers! Like GMATNinja has emphasized, this needs to become your motto. With every question I do, whether I got the answer right or wrong, whether I found it easy or hard, I go back and ensure that I am able to justify each of answer choices (A) through (E). It's often times easy to say "oh that question was so easy" and look at just the questions that challenged you; however, I've found that scrutinizing each answer choice has reinforced my ability to pick out patterns of typical 'trap' answers.
- Chelsea212
When I started following pt 3 religiously, it really started working well. Getting 4 incorrect answers really narrows your chances of picking something that sounds like the right answer.
A few thoughts on tackling RC in general.
1. I always, always, always - rephrase the passage as I read. I think every sentence or two, I do this unconsciously; it's 'active' reading in practice. Having this reflex and improving your ability to rephrase and simplify a passage is incredibly important in being able to have a general roadmap of the passage as a whole. As you practice this skill, the 'what's the point of the passage?' questions should become very intuitive. It's not easy though and at first it's very easy to read the passage as 'fact, fact, fact' so I encourage you to be super vigilant of how you read. I know it took me a while!
2. For every question, always go back to the passage. Whether the question is specific and asks you to make an inference, or is general and asks you what the overall tone is, it's important to go back to the passage. The third question of this RC is, in my opinion, a prime example of how you can become easily confused if you do not return to the passage.
3. Always find 4 wrong answers! Like GMATNinja has emphasized, this needs to become your motto. With every question I do, whether I got the answer right or wrong, whether I found it easy or hard, I go back and ensure that I am able to justify each of answer choices (A) through (E). It's often times easy to say "oh that question was so easy" and look at just the questions that challenged you; however, I've found that scrutinizing each answer choice has reinforced my ability to pick out patterns of typical 'trap' answers.
- Chelsea212
When I started following pt 3 religiously, it really started working well. Getting 4 incorrect answers really narrows your chances of picking something that sounds like the right answer.
Archived Topic
Hi there,
This topic has been closed and archived due to inactivity or violation of community quality standards. No more replies are possible here.
Where to now? Join ongoing discussions on thousands of quality questions in our Verbal Questions Forum
Still interested in this question? Check out the "Best Topics" block below for a better discussion on this exact question, as well as several more related questions.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
21 Apr 2022, 02:45
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Working on a way to absorb a passage can be helpful. I teach a reading methodology to both native English and non-native English speakers, but there are likely multiple methods out there you can choose from. Consider looking for one that clicks for you. The one I teach doesn't emphasize taking notes, for example, but perhaps that's something you like involved.
How to do well on Reading Comprehension. 3 Quick tips.
How to do well on Reading Comprehension. 3 Quick tips.
Archived Topic
Hi there,
This topic has been closed and archived due to inactivity or violation of community quality standards. No more replies are possible here.
Where to now? Join ongoing discussions on thousands of quality questions in our Verbal Questions Forum
Still interested in this question? Check out the "Best Topics" block above for a better discussion on this exact question, as well as several more related questions.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
