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I need help in RC. I usually miss about 10 questions per test...timing is an issue. However, I have the diversity passages down pat (usually missing 1 question.) My question is: How do you all approach the other passages with the jargon and complex syntax? I spend more time rereading to try to understand everything which hurts my timing. Should I just power through without re-reading?

What helps me for complex passages is after each paragraph, write a few words to sum up what you just read (ie- relict behavior shown in other species too). Then when you need to refer to the passage you have an outline and you have a simple summary for Main Point, etc questions.

How do you all approach the other passages with the jargon and complex syntax? I spend more time rereading to try to understand everything which hurts my timing. Should I just power through without re-reading?

these are all related.

don't try to understand everything. in fact, at most 1/3 of questions will require a broader understanding or synthesis of the passage. with all the jargon and complex syntax, many questions will ask specific details which you then can re-read that specific 1 or 2 paragraphs. i wouldn't say it's "powering through" but it's the general idea of not getting bogged down trying to really "get" what you're reading.

my method involved more of getting a general point while creating a mental map of what topics were discussed where. eventually i could read through each passage in 1-2 minutes dependent on type.

Eichörnchen wrote:What helps me for complex passages is after each paragraph, write a few words to sum up what you just read (ie- relict behavior shown in other species too).

While doing this, make sure to note what viewpoint is being discussed (the Author's, someone the author agrees/disagrees with) and not just the topic. Most questions will be colored by how someone views a specific piece of info/argument, so being aware of that throughout the passage is necessary to getting a good score.

bp shinners wrote:

Eichörnchen wrote:What helps me for complex passages is after each paragraph, write a few words to sum up what you just read (ie- relict behavior shown in other species too).

While doing this, make sure to note what viewpoint is being discussed (the Author's, someone the author agrees/disagrees with) and not just the topic. Most questions will be colored by how someone views a specific piece of info/argument, so being aware of that throughout the passage is necessary to getting a good score.

Right thanks, I forgot to mention that I also underline viewpoints and put AV, CV, etc next to it for Author's Viewpoint, Critic Viewpoint, etc etc

Thanks for the responses! I will try these tips on some practice passages.

Alright, I took a practice test today. I got 20 correct. I was able to answer the first 20 questions, of which I got 18 correct. I guessed 2 correctly of the remaining 8. My accuracy improved, but timing got even worse. I guess I just need more practice...Previously I would answer around 25 and guess on the last couple. Of the answers I actually put time into I would get around 19 correct.