Reading comprehension

Question 1

Tips when engaging with big passages

Answer 1

1. Orient yourself by reading first paragraph slowly, then pick up pace
2. max 1.5 minutes digesting passage
3. Make a passage map & link ideas together
4. Feign interest like you will share this with a friend
5. Leave with a “simple story”, 10 second briefing

Question 2

Jargon and details are…

Answer 2

traps that will bog you down. Abbreviate and skip through. If you need them you can reread and find their location through passage map

Question 3

Bringing in outside information…

Answer 3

terrible idea and a common trap. My prep will tell me what information to bring in to the test. Literal interpretations of material only

Question 4

Similar to an academic paper…

Answer 4

There is a thesis which is critical to understand. Then it is addressed through evidence or rebuttals

Question 5

Important big picture signals:

“in general, to a great extent, broadly, overall, thus, in brief”

“first, again, finally, to begin, next”

“Harry argues, Walter contends, theory, hypothesis”

Answer 5

1. A generalization or conclusion follows that puts paper in context
2. Multiple important points or an example is outlined
3. A person or group holds a specific opinion

Question 6

Important foreshadowing signals

“traditionally, it was once believed, some time conventional wisdom, current theories are”

“some claim, they believe, it it true”

Statement of a problem

Answer 6

1. Contrast incoming, things are different now, new theory
2. Acknowledge an opposing point
3. Possible fix/answer incoming or it cannot be currently solved

Question 7

Important signals for changing direction

“however, yet, while, rather, on the other hand”

“granted, certainly, despite, although, it is true that”

“Nevertheless, nonetheless, that said, even so”

“indeed, actually, in fact”

“Supposedly, seemingly, for some time, it was once thought”

Answer 7

1. Indicates contrasting ideas
2. concedes a point
3. Assert a position after concession
4. Indicate an unexpected result or phenomenon

Question 8

Detail signals worth paying attention to to make your life easier will…

details only matter if the test asks about them!

Answer 8

1. Provide an example to ground the paper
2. Add to something already said
3. Provide a new example that supports a previous one
4. restate what was said, you can go ahead and pick the easiest phrase

Question 9

Passage map can solve both general and specific questions by…

Answer 9

1. Revealing general ideas which then allows you to predict answers
2. Giving reference points where to find details. exp: “P2” = passage 2
   –> common trap relying on memory when it’s an open passage

Question 10

Common traps are…

Answer 10

Detecting one-word off that seems like it could apply but is a stretch
- Extremes “all” or “never”

Out of scope aka irrelevant

True but not germane to subject OR from a different paragraph

Direct contradiction! A counterpoint

Question 11

What are the types of “Specific Q’s”

Answer 11

1. Detail: find explicitly stated detail
2. Inference: not stated explicitly but can be proven by the passage
3. Specific purpose: “Why” author mentions something in particular like an example