Understanding the Author's Intent in SC

Question

Hi All,
Namaskaar!

I am facing a serious problem while solving SC questions (maybe because I am GMAT infant). 
I am having problems in understanding the author's intent in the statement, especially when a whole sentence in the text is incorrect (which has 80% probability). I get carried away and decode something unrelated to what author want to say. This cause me phobia to see 5 answer (tooo many) choices and choose one. And I can't recollect the grammar that I learned.
So, how to clearly understand the meaning or the author's intent in the SC questions where a complete sentence I wrong in whole text? The wrong sentence itself alter the meaning most of the time.

I hope I wrote clearly what I wanted to ask.

Best Regards,
Mck2023
Nepal.

Posted from my mobile device

Abhi077 · Answer

You need to follow a structured process in solving each question. Just go through the whole sentence once to get a glimpse at the meaning, you will understand the intended meaning. In SC, although a sentence is structured incorrectly, the meaning can still be identified. sometimes you have to apply general common sense but don't worry you will get there with practice. what resources are you using for SC currently? How confident are you with SC concepts? Have you taken any mock tests yet? Please share some insights so that we can help you better.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Hmm. I'd suggest first off (if you have a limited amount of time), you forget about meaning in the start. Focus on the grammatical issues first.

For example. If you see an answer choice that has NEITHER but does  not  have NOR eliminate it immediately. Don't even read it.

After you have eliminated all those sentences on a grammatical basis THEN focus on meaning. It should increase your probability of getting the correct answer choice.

It might also be beneficial to read a little English everyday.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

You don't have to decipher the author's intent. All you have to do is find either a version of the sentence that expresses a meaning that makes sense or the version of the sentence that expresses the meaning that makes the most sense.

The idea that you have to decipher the author's intent is basically a myth.

For example:

Sitting in its nest grooming itself with its beak, John saw a bird.

John saw a bird sitting in its nest grooming itself with its beak.

The first of the above examples conveys a nonsensical meaning. We don't have to worry about the "author's intent." All we have to notice is that the meaning conveyed is nonsensical.

Then, we go to the second and, without wondering what the author's intent is, we see that it makes sense. So, the second would be the correct version.

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Understanding the Author's Intent in SC

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