READING COMPREHENSION - Need help on HISTORY/HUMANITARIAN passages.

First, keep things simple. Much have been written on how to analyze RC and so on - but, keep things straight and simple. Take the Kaplan GMAT Premiere and read the Kaplan strategies - I am a huge fan of kaplan, specially their CR and RC. The only problem with kaplan strategies is to note the "topic..scope.." and so on. While I understand its immensely helpful to get the topic and scope, and make a proper distinction between purpose and main point - to note so many things after the passage is very time consuming. So, get their strategies on how to read and keywords and all, but refrain from the later part. Better, if you can get a sense of topic/scope as you practice.

While doing questions, there are two basic principle:
1. for inference and detail questions, never ever select an answer choice without referring back to passages. Never ever.
I will reiterate what I have written above - the source of difficulty is not with the content but with the answer choices. For instance, refer the last passage of OG verbal Review 2016 ( micro-wear pattern). Simple passage... Right. Then move on #99 and #103.. its impossible to solve without going back to the passage. And the fact that these both are difficult problems is not because of the content of the passage, but how close the answer choice is. Its also important to note the placement of answer choices - In #99, the correct one is placed at E, while two other trap answer choices are placed above it. This same kind of reasoning is also applicable in CR - Its always the answer choices, and its very placement, that make a CR question difficult, not the stimulus itself.
2. For global questions, never ever select an answer choice referring back to passages.

If you can control you temptation and stick to these two, you are all set. Cheers !!

Can u please elaborate more on the placement of the answer choices

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The GMAT item writers make an effort to identify the types of errors test takers are likely to make, and then they build options around those errors. Sometimes these options are placed near the correct option. I don't know if that's on purpose or if it just turns out that way with some questions (random ordering of options?), but it could be enough to "distract" a test taker.

Were you struggling with history and humanitarian passages in your reading comprehension practice? You're not alone. These passages can be dense and challenging, often filled with intricate details and historical contexts. To improve, focus on identifying the main ideas and supporting details. Pay attention to the author's tone and perspective, as these can provide valuable clues to understanding the text. Practice active reading strategies like summarizing paragraphs in your own words and looking for connections between ideas. Remember, consistent practice and review are key to mastering these complex passages. Stay patient, stay curious, and keep reading!