<p>The reading passages always gets me when im trying to find the most fitting answer. Most of the questions i end up with 2 choices but choosing the wrong one. The explanations in the back are not a help at all because all they explain is where the right answer choice is supported from the passage. So is there any way to learn avoiding these mistakes. Out of 7 practice tests i've taken, the CR is the only section i can not improve on. I tried many different techniques and even reading literature novels, but it still wont budge.</p>
<p>same predicament as you, buddy
<em>sigh</em></p>
<p>what do u mean by “explanations at the back”? are u using CB source?</p>
<p>I doubt he is, CB doesn’t have a explanation section.</p>
<p>Try to figure out what kind of “traps” you’re susceptible to–and then catch yourself and avoid them.</p>
<p>The main kinds of traps on the CR section are answer choices that sound good but are:
- Too broad–answers the question, but in a very general, big picture kind of way.
- Too narrow–answers the question in an overly specific or overly detailed way.
- Half-right and Half-wrong–these are particularly tricky b/c they look really good since half of the answer choice is <em>right</em> but you have to really scrutinize the entire statement and be able to recognize when a portion is simply wrong.
- Exact opposite–these answers are also tricky b/c they are directly on target and often sound very good, but they are actually giving exactly the opposite answer. The wording of the questions are often a little confusing for these as well.
- Too “florid” – these answers are very wordy and use large vocabulary and try to sound sophisticated and correct,…they’re wrong. They often re-use a word from the paragraph in an attempt to lure you in.
- Extreme language – these answers contains words like “Always” “Never” “Unique” “Inarguably”… On the flip-side, correct answers often contain tamer language like “Sometimes” “often” “justifiably”…
These are among the most common traps. </p>
<p>Some other little tricks to help you—
-Try skipping the passage altogether. (but always read the italics and the first few sentences to orient yourself) Approach the questions as though they are pieces of a puzzle. Each piece is crucial to the overall picture that you’re trying to understand.<br>
First answer those questions that refer you back to specific lines. Be sure that you understand what the question is asking. Go back to the passage and read a little above and a little below. Think of an answer on your own–prior to looking at the answer choices. Now go back to the answer choices and consider EACH one. You say that you’re getting it down to 2 options. One of the most common errors at this point is to choose the one that is more general rather than more specific. The more general one feels “safer.”
On the flip-side, you may be “projecting” and over-interpreting. This is a big mistake. Your answer must only be based on what is right in front of you. No assumptions can be made.
Once you’ve answered all of the questions that refer you to specific lines you can attempt the big picture questions.</p>
<p>Also, be sure to re-read the question prior to settling on your answer.
And lastly, you may find it helpful to repeat a portion of the question as you read each answer choice.
For example:
The question might ask, "In line 36 the author uses the word “haughty” primarily to emphasize her feeling that
A) blah blah blah
B) lah lah lah
C) etc…</p>
<p>As you read the answer choices try repeating prior to each one,
“haughty emphasizes her feeling that blah blah blah” ?? Maybe? or No?
“haughty emphasizes her feeling that lah lah lah”?? Maybe? or No?
and so on.</p>
<p>Your goal should always be to get it down to 2. Then re-read and really scrutinize from there to choose the correct answer.</p>
<p>Hope this helps a bit!</p>
<p>Also, always always go back and review your missed questions. Spend time trying to understand the test-writers. Why is the correct answer correct?? Why is the answer that you chose wrong? What drew you to that wrong answer choice? How can you avoid it happening again?</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>My CR score peaked ridiculously after a month of reading classic novels. Grinding passages will do you no justice, just pick up a book and read it. If you don’t understand something in the book, reread it. Eventually you’ll find yourself understanding the passages much easier. Why practice reading small snippets when you can read hundreds of pages worth of them in one go? You can even make up questions as you go, its much more productive.</p>
<p>What books did you read?</p>
<p>Origins of species, The Jungle, Uncle Toms cabin, War and peace, etc.</p>
<p>I also tried to read catch-22 but it was boring as hell. Difficult book and great for CR practice and vocab- I just couldn’t handle a chapter without dozing off in front of my pc.</p>
<p>I was in the EXACT same situation as you 3 weeks ago…stuck at like 6-7 RC mistakes and always because i couldn’t figure out which of the 2 was right</p>
<p>heres what i did:
- i started to read the questions FIRST - not really with the intention of memorizing what the questions were, but which lines i actually needed to read in the passage
- that allowed me to then concentrate on what was actually important and just to skim the extraneous material so i’d have more time on the questions
- on questions like “base” in like 36 means… do them right away after you’ve read the word; you’re probably more likely to get it right then and you won’t have to waste time going back and re-reading 50 words later on
- on those questions where you’ve gotten it down to 2 answers, there is one that is LESS DEFENDABLE. it’ll be extreme, or it might be something that you’ve over-interpreted. read the answer choices very closely…one is them is probably still there because you think it’s “not wrong,” but for you to argue that it’s right, you’d have to BS pretty hardcore to defend it.
- unless you KNOW your choice is right, don’t answer it. continue on with the questions, and come back to on a 2nd round or even a 3rd one. Only guess when its like the last question you’ve got left to do and theres 10 seconds left in the section. When guessing, pick the one that is simpler - something that a 12 year old might be drawn to pick.</p>
<p>now im down to 2-3 RC mistakes</p>
<p>I forgot to tell you guys that I was using both the blue book and 11 Tests from PR. PR is the one that shows me where the passage supports the answer and the BB, well you get my drift</p>