RC Keywords Guide

Question

Hi everyone,

Here is a list of keywords that have helped me identify the primary purpose/ main idea by narrowing down the options.

1.  Contrast / Shift Words 
 Signal words in passage:  however, although, but, on the other hand, yet, despite, whereas, conversely
 Answer option phrases that match with: 
 
 "to contrast two perspectives" 
 "to qualify a previous assertion" 
 "to present a counterpoint" 
 "to challenge a commonly held belief" 
 "to refute an earlier claim"  
 If you see “however” in the passage → Look for these in the answer options.

2.  Cause and Effect Words 
 Signal words:  because, as a result, therefore, consequently, since, leads to
 Answer option phrases: 
 
 "to explain why" 
 "to analyze the effects of" 
 "to establish a causal link" 
 "to show a consequence" 
 "to account for a phenomenon"  
If a paragraph explains something happening because of something else → choose these.

3.  Evidence / Support Words 
 Signal words:  for example, for instance, such as, this shows, as illustrated by
 Answer option phrases: 
 
 "to illustrate a point" 
 "to support a theory" 
 "to provide an example" 
 "to reinforce an argument" 
 "to offer evidence for a claim"  
 When the passage gives concrete examples → these are the match.

4.  Definition / Clarification Words 
 Signal words:  in other words, that is, namely, means, refers to, defined as
 Answer option phrases: 
 
 "to define a concept" 
 "to clarify a term" 
 "to explain the meaning of" 
 "to distinguish between" 
 "to provide an explanation"  
 These are especially useful in science or business passages where terms are introduced.

5.  Purpose / Objective Words 
 Signal words:  the purpose is, in order to, intended to, aimed at
 Answer option phrases: 
 
 "to explain the purpose of" 
 "to analyze the reasoning behind" 
 "to describe the motivation for" 
 "to state the author's objective" 
 "to outline the goal of"  
 For intro paragraphs or where a plan/motive is being described.

6.  Comparison Words 
 Signal words:  similarly, likewise, just as, both, like, also
 Answer option phrases: 
 
 "to draw a comparison" 
 "to highlight similarities" 
 "to show parallel reasoning" 
 "to liken two strategies" 
 "to align with previous examples"  
 When the author is matching things or drawing parallels.

7.  Conclusion / Summary Words 
 Signal words:  thus, in conclusion, overall, in summary, finally
 Answer option phrases: 
 
 "to summarize preceding points" 
 "to draw a conclusion" 
 "to reinforce the main argument" 
 "to wrap up the discussion"  
 Usually in the last lines of the passage. Useful for the main idea.

smithgmat123 · Answer

great work but they are very less can you upload more

SnehaK29 · Answer

Sure Smith, I've got my GMAT Focus in a few days. I'll upload a few more shortly after.

Archit3110 · Answer

great post , thanks for sharing

Missinga · Answer

Thanks for sharing this post

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RC Keywords Guide

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