How to improve conscious reading?

Question

Hi,

While analysing my errors, I observed that I often misread the option in the following ways-
1. Missing one word that changes the meaning altogether
2. Reading one word which matches with my pre-thought assumption and assuming the option means what I had thought. Thus considering a distorted meaning
3. GMATNinja 's words- falling in love with an option and not reading the next options in detail.

I know the typical solution to these problems is 'Read the question and options more consciously' wanted to know if there is any specific actionable that I can do. I may give the exam online thus can't mouth the options or read inaudibly. Please help

bb GMATNinja CrackverbalGMAT and DmitryFarber and other experts

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

I teach a reading method to students but there are probably multiple out there to choose from. Ultimately, you want to find a method that "clicks" for you. Perhaps work with a study buddy who is strong on RC to see how they process the passage.

If you want to practice reading, using similar articles from The Economist may be helpful. Some quick RC tips on the gmatknight site you can check out as well.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi RenB.

One method that works in RC is to compare key nouns, verbs, and adjectives in the choices with what the passage says. Doing so can bring into focus the similarities and differences between what the choice says and what the passage says.

avigutman · Answer

Slow down your reading (give yourself time to think deeply about the meaning of each word as you're reading it). 
When you've read the first 3-4 words of an answer choice, as yourself whether there's any way this is going to end up being the correct answer. Most answer choices can, and should, be confidently eliminated just based on the first 3-4 words. After all, if the first 3-4 words are off, the latter part of the answer choice is guaranteed to be tempting (or else it would never get picked).
If you "fall in love" with an answer choice, just go ahead and pick it - nothing good will come of reading the remaining answer choices.
Note: you're must less likely to "fall in love" with an incorrect answer choice if you've slowed down your reading.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi RenB,

From what you describe, it sounds as though you are referring primarily to answer choices to Verbal questions, but are you facing any similar issues in the Quant section? In addition, how often are you mis-interpreting something in the prompt (BEFORE you're considering the answer choices) - and then have to reread the prompt to determine what you misread?

We last discussed a CAT that you took in early April. Since that was almost 2 months ago, how have you been scoring on your CATs/mocks since then?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

vv65 · Answer

Why can't you "mouth the words or read inaudibly" if you are giving the online exam?

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Anything that possibly appears to be a sign of cheating, including mouthing words, is not allowed on the online exam.

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