Primary purpose, structure, tone & specific purpose

Question 1

Strategy to approaching RC passages and “Big picture” elements to look out for when reading the passage the first time

Answer 1

Fix your attitude and make you enjoy & visualize what you are reading either as a puzzle or new oppurtunity to learn

Sentence Analysis
1. Read words carefully and note modifiers, indicators, language, tone clues.

2. Simplify the main point of a sentence, use punctuations as rest signs.
3. determine if opinion or fact
   
   • If opinion, identify who has the opinion and the different viewpoints and what the positions of their argument is.
   • Identify tone and attitude of each viewpoint esp the author’s
4. Determine the purpose. Ask, why is the author telling me this?
5. Make logical connections. Ask : what inference can i make by conecting this to the previous sentence? .
6. Identify **Structure & Logical flow ** - how the sentence connects to the prevous and next sentences. What supports what?
7. Identify the **main point ** of each paragraph and main conclusion of the passage. Ask - Where are all the points leading to?

Paragraph analysis
10. Recap a mainpoint and purpose of each paragraph

11. After the P2, recap P1. After P3, recap P1, P2 P3 e.t.c. to identify paragraph by paragraph structure
12. Identify the overall main point of the passage

Question 2

8 Passage “Detail” elements to note and keep track of (that tend to generate questions) when reading the passage the first time

Answer 2

1. Viewpoints
   *{Strategy} - keep track of all viewpoints*, note subtle similarities and differences in their opinions
2. Initial and closing information
   *{Strategy}- Keep track
3. Dates & Numbers
   *{Strategy} - keep track of chronology of dates
4. Definitions
5. Examples
   *{Strategy} - use it as a pointer to the main point of discussion but its not the main point
6. Diffucult words/phrases
   {Strategy} - Look for explanation in text or context clue.
7. Lists
   {Strategy} - Look out for list of points
8. Text questions
   `{Strategy} - Look out for rhetorical questions or any question in the passage´
9. Causal/conditional reasoning.

Question 3

While reading any R.C passage or the first time ,

your 5 primary objectives (to understand the big picture) are …

Answer 3

to identify the author’s;

• main idea
• primary purpose (why the passage)
• Structure (of passage)
• Viewpoints/Opinions (argumentative/descriptive)
• Tone/Attitude

Question 4

What 3 questions do you ask yourself when learning about evidence provided in a passage?

Answer 4

what evidence does the author provide to support his/her view point? - why should i beleive this

what evidence is offered in support of an opposing view? - Why should i beleive this?

is the evidence provided weak/strong? - is this enough to make me beleive? think logical gap

Question 5

you are required to memorize details about evidence provided in a RC passage

True/False?

Answer 5

False

No reader can remember every single detail of the passage, so do not be concerned if some elements are unclear. Instead, expect that to occur, and move forward without delay. You will have time to return to review the section if needed. you can use context clues and the structure to know why its there.

1. You have the time and opportunity to return to the passage
2. The rest of the passage and the questions will help teach you about the difficult sections
3. The segment in question may not be tested directly and is unlikely to be the central piece of the passage

Question 6

4 basic ingredients found in RC passages are?

Answer 6

• Theories , Opinions or View points (authors’ and opposing)
• Evidence in support of theories, opinions or view points
• Descriptive info
• Explanatory info

Question 7

What’s every authors primary purpose? & How to find it

Answer 7

Is to express the main idea (simple story) of the passage

We find the author’s primary purpose by finding the simple story/main idea of the passage i.e the “big picture”

Question 8

The main idea in a RC passage is often centered on 3 concepts

They are…?

Answer 8

• cause and effect claims
• opposing viewpoints
• problems and solutions

Question 9

You can identify the primary purpose of a passage by reading a one important sentences/paragraph

True/False

Answer 9

False

You have to read the whole passage holistically and comprehend it to know the primary purpose of the author.

Question 10

What questions should you ask yourself when looking for the author’s primary purpose?

Answer 10

• What is the main idea/point in this?
• What is the author trying to prove to me?- why is he telling me all this?

Question 11

What 7 CLUES in a passage can you use to help you identify the author’s “primary purpose”?

Answer 11

Seek out;

1- Leading sentences of the paragraph (i.e first 1 or 2 sentences of the 1st paragraph and 1st sentence of other paragraphs following the 1st paragraph)

2 -Opinions of the author and others (via opinion and contrast markers)

3 - Strong language made by the author- tone and attitude (to show what he/she believes)

4 - The Author’s Conclusions via (conclusion markers )

5- The Conclusion stated in the last sentence of a passage (may be it’s main point)

6 - Cause and effect claims/discussions (via causation markers)

7 - Rhetorical questions and its answer.. indicated by “?” in the passage.

Question 12

Opinion Indicator

Answer 12

indicates that an opinion of the author or someone else is being presented

Clearly
Assert
Argue that
Believe
Claim
Contend
Opinion
Propose
Should

Question 13

Contrast (counter-premise) indicators

Answer 13

• useful in analysing the structure of a passage
• useful in determining primary purpose of a passage

But
Yet
however
on the other hand = At the same time
admittedly
in contrast
even so (despite what has just been said)
Although
even though
still
whereas
in spite of
despite
after all

Question 14

Conclusion markers

Answer 14

Thus
Therefore
Hence
Consequently
As a result
So
Accordingly
Clearly
Must be that
Shows that
Conclude that
Follows that
For this reason
in any event
By and Large
in summary/ in essence
All things considered

Question 15

Cause-and-effect indicators

Answer 15

Thus
caused by
due to
resulted from
as a result of
consequently
attributed to
reason
explained by

Question 16

Ways Gmat can make Correct answers to Primary purpose questions tricky

Answer 16

1. Presenting the correct answer in a
   way you do not expect.

    * {strategy} - be flexible with your   
   simple story 

2. By using passages in which the
   primary purpose is not obvious

        *{strategy} - look for the passages' 
    important points, then go to the 
    answer choices and find the one 
    that best fits those important 
    points*

Question 17

7 Common “primary purpose” incorrect answer Traps

Answer 17

TRAP 1 - Too narrow answer choice

TRAP 2 - Something mentioned frequently yet Not the primary purpose

TRAP 3 - An answer choice that uses the wrong verb.

TRAP 4 - Distortion of the Primary purpose

TRAP 5 - An answer choice that Exaggerates.

TRAP 6 - Opposite choices

TRAP 7 - Half right choices

Question 18

Strategy to avoid narrow scope answer traps

Answer 18

{Strategy} - choose an answer that captures the primary purpose of the entire passage (and not just a small portion of it)

Question 19

Strategy to avoid a trap choice that mentions a point frequently mentioned in a passage yet not the primary purpose

Answer 19

{strategy} - consider main points, opinions, contrasts, and conclusions stated in the passage (i.e the author’s overall message), rather than whatever simply appears frequently in the passage.

Question 20

Strategy to avoid a trap choice that uses the wrong verb

Answer 20

{strategy} - Lookout for wrong verbs in answer choices, is the authors’s tone Argumentative or descriptive?

Question 21

Strategy to avoid trap choice that distorts the primary purpose

Answer 21

{strategy} - pay attention to each word (esp. verb, nouns & modifiers) in answer choices to see if they match what the passage actually says.

Question 22

Strategy to avoid a trap choice that exaggerates the primary purpose

Answer 22

strategy} - lookout for “extreme markers” or “strong language” in answer choices and compare with what the passage actually says.

Question 23

Strategy to avoid a “opposite” trap choices

Answer 23

{strategy} - Compare the direction in which the ans. choice takes things with the direction in which the passage takes things.

Question 24

Strategy to avoid “half right” trap choices

Answer 24

{strategy} - Read all answer choices in its entirety to the very last word

Question 25

Argumentative verbs

Answer 25

Argue Contend Demonstrate Suggest Advocate Propose Support Challenge Question Refute Correct

Question 26

Descriptive verbs

Answer 26

Discuss Present Describe Illustrate explain examine identify explore

Question 27

Sometimes a descriptive verb can be used in an argumentative choice True or False

Answer 27

True in considering Primary Purpose answer choices, we have to consider argumentative verbs and descriptive verbs in the CONTEXT of the choices in which they appear, because sometimes a descriptive verb can be used in an argumentative choice. For instance, “discuss” could be used in a choice like the following one: (Argumentative Choice) - discussing reasons why a strategy is likely to be effective Notice that “discussing reasons why a strategy is likely to be effective” is essentially the same as “demonstrating why a strategy is likely to be effective.” So, the above choice could describe an argumentative passage whose purpose is “demonstrating” even though the choice uses the descriptive verb “discuss.”

Question 28

What are Extreme markers? | In a passage ... In an answer choice...

Answer 28

A.K.A Narrow cope indicators - in a passage; reveals the scope - In an answer choice; a yellow flag that the answer MAY BE a "trap choice", so we should crosscheck what the passage actually says.

Question 29

Narrow scope indicators A.K.A Extreme markers

Answer 29

None All Must Always Only Will/ Would Most least Never Every Sole None Best Worst Impossible

Question 30

agreement markers

Answer 30

Indicates agreement not only...but also likewise in fact similarly

Question 31

Premise indicators

Answer 31

- introduces evidence/examples - useful in discerning relationships between sentences for for instance in particular in fact for example from the fact that after all because since as indicated by due to for the reason that given that this can be seen from we know this by the reason is that as evidenced by justified by assuming

Question 32

Look above marker

Answer 32

indicates that a sentence is referring to something mentioned 'previously' in the passage this X these X those X such X for example for instance also

Question 33

Other Opposing view indicators

Answer 33

introduces a widely held view that will be discussed, called into question, or disputed widely held view common belief common perception prevalent perception many believe

Question 34

What important question do you ask yourself when analysing the structure of a passage on a sentence level?

Answer 34

Why is this statement here? Why has the author taken the time to include this sentence or this paragraph?

Question 35

What method should you use in analysing structure of a passage?

Answer 35

sentence-by-sentence analysis. THEN, paragraph -paragraph analysis this will help you understand the role of each paragraph, then you can analyse the logical relationship between the paragraphs

Question 36

Strategy for answering specific purpose questions

Answer 36

Step 1 - Find the specified "piece" or "sentence" in the passage and re-read the entire sentence in which it is located. Step 2 - Read around the piece/sentence for more context. (taking note of markers) Step 3 - Find the answer choice that best describes the specific purpose of the "piece" or "sentence" specified.

Question 37

To identify Opinions | look for....

Answer 37

1. Opinion markers. 2. A statement that is not a fact, clearly an opinion without markers linked to a group - usually the authors'

Question 38

An opinion presented without reference to any group is..

Answer 38

Author's opinion

Question 39

How to identify Tone/Attitude

Answer 39

By paying close attention to the **choice of WORDS** and **DETAILS** __*tone clues* __ used in the passage. your ability to **DECODE** the author's **WORD CHOICES** in order to assess what he/she believes/feels in **KEY!**

Question 40

# T/F? A Tone in a section represents just that section and not the passage as a whole

Answer 40

False! ## Footnote Tone should be evaluated based on the entire passage, not just a single section. A brief shift in tone—such as acknowledging critics at the end—does not override the overall tone. Instead, it may slightly adjust it to something like "reasoned optimism" or "positive but realistic."

Question 41

# T/F? A tone in a section/paragraph that takes 90% of passage represents the authors tone in the passage as a whole, even if the author had a different tone in 10% of the passage. Or 10% changes the 80%.

Answer 41

False for both! ## Footnote **The tone of a passage should be assessed as a whole, not based on just one section.** If an author strongly supports an idea throughout but briefly acknowledges opposing views near the end, the overall tone remains positive. That final acknowledgment doesn't make the tone "negative" or "concerned"; rather, it slightly adjusts the tone—e.g., shifting it to something like "**reasoned optimism**" or **"positive but realistic.**" Tip - Look for balanced descriptors like "**measured enthusiasm**" or "**qualified support**" when there’s overall positivity with minor reservations.

Question 42

How do you tell the difference between the point of view of people being discussed in the passage and the author's point of view?

Answer 42

There will be a distinction. IF its other peoples opinion, it will be written like..."they assume that", "the researcher believes that" However, if its the authors opinion, it will be written as a direct assertion ... "It is obvious both parties are confused"

Question 43

"Nevertheless, others have termed Jane's work 'anecdotal' because, as diligent as it is, her conclusions are largely based upon a somewhat limited set of observations made by a single person" No part of this sentence has the authors opinion. True or false'?

Answer 43

**False** Others opinion - *her work is anecdotal* the author's opinion - *because, as diligent as it is, her conclusions are largely based upon a somewhat limited set of observations made by a single person* Why? the author gave us a reason he believes _i.e the reason why others think Jane's work is anecdotal. It is not others that gave this reason..if not it would have be written as_*because they claim that, as diligent as it is, her conclusions are largely based upon a somewhat limited set of observations made by a single person*

Question 44

The information in this passage suggests that the author would agree with which of the following statements? What type of question is this?

Answer 44

**A Point of view question** *It requires you to know the differences between when an author's opinion vs an opinion expressed by another party in the passage*

Question 45

Approaches for maximizing RC passage comprehension

Answer 45

Read Slow enough for full comprehension but not memorisation Visualise what you read Always read passage first, before question Ignore `technical´words use **context clues** to understand words you don't know

Question 47

What are the things to look out for and note that test-makers like to use to make a passage appear difficult?

Answer 47

1. Disliked Topics `*{Strategy} - Enjoy reasing every passage*` 2. Difficult words/language *`{Strategy} - Look for explanation in text or context cllue.`* 3. Complex writing style `*{strategy} - read carefully*` 4. Multiple viewpoints `*{Strategy} - keep track of all viewpoints*` 5. Difficult questions & answers that seem very close *`{Strategy} - Pay close attention to potentil traps. and elements that generate questions`*

Question 48

Traps to beware of in RC passages

Answer 48

1. Compare and contrast - take note of similatities/differences 2. Trap of seperation - keep your eye on the points in the passage even if a paragraph derails and sandwiched a different point between to paragraphs that flow 3. Trap of proximity 4. Trap of inserted alternate viewpoints 5. Trap of chronology ```*Trap of order - because a appeared before b in passage doesnt mean a occured before b *Trap of cause - just because a happened before b doesnt mean a caused b*```

Question 49

# T/F? You do not need to understand how every sentence in a paragraph flows into the logical link of each paragraph

Answer 49

False ## Footnote You need to understand the purpose of each sentence and how it fits into the logical flowmap of that paragraph .. Not having clarity of a sentence cn jeorpadize your ability to see the logical link and nuances of that passage.

Question 50

What 2 things musst you identify when looking out for tone and characterizing it

Answer 50

1. **Strength** - Strong vs Moderate vs weak 2. **Direction** - Positive vs negative vs neutral