<p>Scored 590 last time on CR on May SAT. Got all the SCs right and still managed a 590 only. I am not a native speaker.</p>
<p>I constantly score 750+ in maths and 700+ in writing but reading gives me pangs. </p>
<p>I practice like a CR test every two or three days and review the answer. I don't get many wrongs, if any on sentence completion but I get many wrong in Passages based questions and usually end up with sub 600 score in CR which is really stopping me from a good SAT score.</p>
<p>I have used Silverturtle's method while practicing CR and scores initially rose for some tests to 650+ but again I started getting sub 600 score and it is not going up.</p>
<p>can anyone suggest a good method for passage based questions? Or share their story of improving on CR</p>
<p>I have tried almost every method mentioned on CC but none seem to work for me. Does that imply that I am a very bad critical reader and it is very hard for me to improve?</p>
<p>Sorry for the longevity of the post but I hope that you will help.
Thank you..</p>
<p>bump…i would like to know too</p>
<p>c’mon 50 views and still no idea? people, don’t freak me out…</p>
<p>specific,</p>
<p>Let me first tell you this: because you can read does NOT mean you can read critically. Critical Reading is an art, you’re on the path to success by realizing this much. The best way to improve is removing the element of time.</p>
<p>Passage-Based Questions:
Let me start by telling you I have the same problem. I can’t stand my friends who tell me “it just comes to them naturally.” I’ve done a lot of improvement on CR myself. I’m in the process of going for the 800 on CR right now. The best advice I can give you is you need to do them untimed at first. You can’t expect to just rush in head strong with 25 minutes and to analyze everything - its impossible. Slowly take it at your own pace. Do about 2 to 3 sections of isolated CR per day. You must go slow. Whether its the lengthy dual comparative you’re facing or just analyzing a small article, you must go slow. Really read, and then answer the question. Plain and simple. I’ve found that underlining the groups of lines can help (lets say a question says referring to lines 5-9, go underline those and pay attention to them whilst reading). Now, lets attack the biggest problem: You’re looking at the selected amount of lines, you’re looking at the entire passage, you just can’t narrow any, or at best 2 answer choices out. Now what? Remember: the answer is staring back at you. Here is why you don’t want time pressure at first: you can calmly assess the answer choices and clear your head at this point. Cliche, but I just take a deep breath and count to 10 nice and slowly. I’ll look back at the question and attack it THEN. Don’t stress yourself with time because you just won’t improve as fast as you want, or, need. I know this sounds cheesy and you might be thinking “I’m no idiot, Aceventura74 has no idea what he’s thinking! He’s helping people who get 400s get a 500…” This method helped me go from 450 to 730. So I’m speaking to you if you’re going for 1800 or 2400 my friend. Seriously, get rid of time, do isolated sections, and don’t just brush over the answer explanation. Read EVERY WRONG EXPLANATION. Don’t be like “Oh I knew it was b or d, its no problem” and hurry up. This will take a lot of time. But soon you’ll be getting that constant 700 you want.</p>
<p>Sentence Completions:</p>
<p>Ah, another thing I hate. I’m a math man. I can learn any formula and navigate, factor, and graph in my head. Give me a _______ in a sentence and I’m a deer caught in headlights; or at least I used to be. Direct Hits is the way to go. If you have a long time (1 year or 6 months+) get a hold of Barron’s Gigantic flash card set. Not sure if its still printed, but I recall hearing about a large set; about 3000 or 5000. If you memorize those words, you won’t ever be guessing, i assure you that my friend. But, if you’re like most people, you’re pressed for time, because you’re a genius who started studying last minute =P (guilty of that myself…for multiple exams xD). Get Direct Hits. I know people “rave” about these “awesome 100 (or small #) of flash cards that are GREAT!” BS. Direct Hits has a 70% “hit rate;” meaning 70% of the words show up and most students excel. So, get the Direct Hits books and start studying. Hope I helped, best of luck my friend !</p>
<p>~Aceventura74</p>
<p>Thank you for the long post Aceventura74. It is so great of you.</p>
<p>So, I will try practicing without time limit now. Somehow, your suggestion do make sense to me. I will let you know if I benefit. ( may be in one month or so, at least). I will start from tonight.</p>
<p>Specific,</p>
<p>Always happy to help. This is the same strategy I used to break 700. 
</p>
<p>~Aceventura74</p>