This week, I want to highlight something I've been noticing among students: many are looking for gimmicks and tricks to tackle GMAT Verbal instead of focusing on developing their reading and comprehension skills. While these shortcuts might work for some questions, they won’t be reliable overall. And if you’ve learned too many gimmicks, how will you ever remember them when stress kicks in during the exam? Reading diligently—like, actually slowing down and taking your time—makes a world of difference for GMAT Verbal.It’s not just about acing RC or CR; it’s about tackling the entire exam with more confidence and managing stress better. The thing is, there’s solid research out there (I dive into this a lot as a researcher in behavioural psychology ) that shows how constant exposure to short-form content—tweets, headlines, TikToks Reels—can mess with your focus. It fragments your attention span and leads to cognitive overload, making it tougher to dive into complex texts that demand sustained focus. On the flip side, getting into longer-form reading habits, like reading articles, essays, or book chapters, helps build that mental stamina you need to crush it on test day.
But reading alone isn't enough. Understanding the structure of what you're reading is crucial, whether you're dealing with a bite-sized Critical Reasoning prompt or a hefty Reading Comprehension passage. Every piece of writing has a structure that helps convey its message. By recognizing this structure, you can enhance your comprehension and analytical skills, both for the GMAT and in your future studies.
One of the oldest, simplest, yet most effective techniques for understanding structure is the PEE method: Point, Evidence, Explanation (I'm sure you remember this from your junior high days!). Start by identifying the main idea, support it with evidence from the text, and then explain its significance. This simple framework will not only help you break down dense texts but also organize your thoughts like a pro.
let me break down how the PEE method can help you with each section:
PEE for Critical Reasoning (CR)
In Critical Reasoning, the PEE method helps you dissect arguments and assess their validity.
Point: Identify the main claim or argument being made. This sets the foundation for understanding the reasoning.
Evidence: Look for the supporting evidence provided in the argument. This will help you evaluate whether the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
Explanation: Consider how the evidence supports the claim and whether there are any flaws or assumptions in the reasoning. This step is crucial for selecting the correct answer or identifying logical fallacies.
PEE for Reading Comprehension (RC)
For Reading Comprehension, PEE aids in breaking down dense passages and retaining information.
Point: Summarize the main idea or thesis of the passage. This helps you grasp the overarching theme, which is essential for answering questions accurately. Helps you answer the main idea question.
Evidence: Identify key details, examples, or arguments presented in the passage. These are often critical for answering specific questions about the text.
Explanation: Reflect on why these details matter and how they relate to the main idea. This helps deepen your understanding and improves your ability to answer questions that require inference or analysis.
So, let's commit to reading smart. Ditch the gimmicks all them snake oil salesmen sell and focus on building those foundational skills. With dedication to deep reading and structural awareness, you'll find yourself more confident and better prepared for the GMAT—and for graduate school, too.
After all, effective reading isn't just about acing a test; it’s about equipping yourself for success in whatever comes next.
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