Tips for making RC practice less painful?

Question

Hi everyone, I’m preparing for the GMAT and really struggling with RC. Whenever I try to practice Verbal, especially RC, I just want to shut down and Any tips for overcoming this aversion and making RC practice less painful?

MBAACCOUNT2025 · Answer

I believe you don’t have a reading habit.

Start with reading NY times for 10-15 mintues/ day.

bb · Answer

Sindhujamba ,

Are you practicing or preparing in the morning when you are fresh and chirpy or after a big dinner after work? I don't think a playboy magazine would keep me paying attention after dinner.

Second, are you timing yourself when you are practicing or you just take your time?

Finally, are you practicing particular drills or skills or just bumping around from question to question? Cause that ain't going to help.

tuktukauto · Answer

Read and read, to make your body habitual of processing information first.

Ayeka · Answer

Try reading any passages or articles for atleast 20-25 minutes everyday first

NextstopISB · Answer

I totally get how you feel! RC can be overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into smaller steps really helps. Try approaching passages with a strategic mindset—start by skimming for structure, identifying the main idea, and noting the author’s tone. Also, practicing a little every day instead of long, exhausting sessions can make it less intimidating. Over time, your brain will get used to recognizing patterns, and it won’t feel as painful.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

If your feelings about RC are getting in the way of your prep, then you will have a hard time focusing on the passages and questions. Lack of focus is an issue for a lot of people. While you're "reading" something, your mind is thinking about something totally different (e.g., I don't like RC!!). So, when you get to the end of what you were supposedly reading, you have no idea what you just "read."

To mitigate this, it helps to pretend you're reading the most brilliant and captivating content ever written: "Great, this passage is about the history of Brazilian tariffs on carrot imports!! I've always wanted to learn more about this!!" The more you feign interest, the better.

Sure, it sounds silly, but it will help you hyper focus on what you're reading, which, in turn, will help you read more efficiently.

rahul5657 · Answer

Instead of thinking of RC as something you have to do, treat it like a detective game. Before reading ask yourself:
1. What is the author's main argument?
2. What evidence are they using?
3. How does each paragraph contribute to the big picture?
Approaching it with curiosity can reduce resistance.

Start Small & Build Up: If long passages overwhelm you, start with short ones. and increase gradually.

RC isnt about remembering details... its about spotting structure.
Try:
1. Breaking down the passage: What’s the main idea of each paragraph?
2. Identifying transitions: Words like however, therefore, despite signal shifts in argument.
3. Spotting the author’s tone: Are they neutral, critical, or supportive?

All the best

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Tips for making RC practice less painful?

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