LR: -6; LG: -3, RC: -8 Forum

[DC_Patent_Law]

Hey guys,

I've been studying since Feb. I started off with a 142 diag and have worked my way up to 160. I'm taking the test in Oct (hopefully). I want to get 167 to 170. The problem is my LR sucks. -6 to -7 on each LR section is a no go. And its not a specific question type either that's giving me trouble. Its randomly spread between random question types, e.g. principle, flaw, inference etc (although I have noticed sufficient assumption and principle Q's more than most). Speed is an issue as well since I can't get to all the questions all the time.

I get suckered in by shift in terminology and shift in scope most of the times. When I'm trying to hustle and move along, that's when the errors start. I am trying to get the LR down to -2 at the most and I'll be in good shape. Any ideas on how to improve? I am currently doing sections during the weak and full tests on the weekend with thorough review. I am thinking of going back to drill specific questions types that I don't enjoy - assumption and inference drills.

RC sucks balls as well. I have 95% accuracy for the first three passages. Then I have like 5 minutes left for the entire 4th passage....

[tmon]

Hey guys,

I've been studying since Feb. I started off with a 142 diag and have worked my way up to 160. I'm taking the test in Oct (hopefully). I want to get 167 to 170. The problem is my LR sucks. -6 to -7 on each LR section is a no go. And its not a specific question type either that's giving me trouble. Its randomly spread between random question types, e.g. principle, flaw, inference etc (although I have noticed sufficient assumption and principle Q's more than most). Speed is an issue as well since I can't get to all the questions all the time.

I get suckered in by shift in terminology and shift in scope most of the times. When I'm trying to hustle and move along, that's when the errors start. I am trying to get the LR down to -2 at the most and I'll be in good shape. Any ideas on how to improve? I am currently doing sections during the weak and full tests on the weekend with thorough review. I am thinking of going back to drill specific questions types that I don't enjoy - assumption and inference drills.

RC sucks balls as well. I have 95% accuracy for the first three passages. Then I have like 5 minutes left for the entire 4th passage....

Drill by question type, even at the expense of some of the other work. Refer to either the LR Bible or Manhattan's LR Guide (or both) while doing this. I'd do this at least through August if I were in your position. It's definitely possible, but will take a good amount of work. Unless you're consistently not missing any of a certain type and doing them quickly, drill that type.
Can't really help with RC, that's what I'm trying to figure out. Good luck!

[zdamico]

Hey guys,

I've been studying since Feb. I started off with a 142 diag and have worked my way up to 160. I'm taking the test in Oct (hopefully). I want to get 167 to 170. The problem is my LR sucks. -6 to -7 on each LR section is a no go. And its not a specific question type either that's giving me trouble. Its randomly spread between random question types, e.g. principle, flaw, inference etc (although I have noticed sufficient assumption and principle Q's more than most). Speed is an issue as well since I can't get to all the questions all the time.

I get suckered in by shift in terminology and shift in scope most of the times. When I'm trying to hustle and move along, that's when the errors start. I am trying to get the LR down to -2 at the most and I'll be in good shape. Any ideas on how to improve? I am currently doing sections during the weak and full tests on the weekend with thorough review. I am thinking of going back to drill specific questions types that I don't enjoy - assumption and inference drills.

RC sucks balls as well. I have 95% accuracy for the first three passages. Then I have like 5 minutes left for the entire 4th passage....

What have you done for Prep? I had trouble with RC at first, getting high single-digits wrong each time. But after just one read through of Manhattan's RC book I have already started doing MUCH better. Try that out. Drilling and prepping over and over can be useless if you aren't approaching the questions/passages right. You have to figure out the best way to tackle the problem, and then practice on countless problems to have that method become second nature.

Good Luck!!

[DC_Patent_Law]

Drill by question type, even at the expense of some of the other work. Refer to either the LR Bible or Manhattan's LR Guide (or both) while doing this. I'd do this at least through August if I were in your position. It's definitely possible, but will take a good amount of work. Unless you're consistently not missing any of a certain type and doing them quickly, drill that type.
Can't really help with RC, that's what I'm trying to figure out. Good luck!

Strengthen/weaken are pretty good but I still get nervous with assumption and inference questions types. I'm drilling assumption questions now.

What have you done for Prep? I had trouble with RC at first, getting high single-digits wrong each time. But after just one read through of Manhattan's RC book I have already started doing MUCH better. Try that out. Drilling and prepping over and over can be useless if you aren't approaching the questions/passages right. You have to figure out the best way to tackle the problem, and then practice on countless problems to have that method become second nature.

I did test masters and Powerscore for prep. For RC I've been free balling it by just trying to read as fast as I can. Not working out so well. Where can I find the Manhattan RC book?

[Killingly]

Hey guys,

I've been studying since Feb. I started off with a 142 diag and have worked my way up to 160. I'm taking the test in Oct (hopefully). I want to get 167 to 170. The problem is my LR sucks. -6 to -7 on each LR section is a no go. And its not a specific question type either that's giving me trouble. Its randomly spread between random question types, e.g. principle, flaw, inference etc (although I have noticed sufficient assumption and principle Q's more than most). Speed is an issue as well since I can't get to all the questions all the time.

I get suckered in by shift in terminology and shift in scope most of the times. When I'm trying to hustle and move along, that's when the errors start. I am trying to get the LR down to -2 at the most and I'll be in good shape. Any ideas on how to improve? I am currently doing sections during the weak and full tests on the weekend with thorough review. I am thinking of going back to drill specific questions types that I don't enjoy - assumption and inference drills.

RC sucks balls as well. I have 95% accuracy for the first three passages. Then I have like 5 minutes left for the entire 4th passage....

Passing along some valuable advice given to me. Type out explanations for each LR you miss. Make sure you know why each answer is wrong and why the correct answer is right. If you need help coming up with a full explanation, just google a portion of the stimulus. It should bring you to some gmat message boards that typically have the reasoning behind the question broken down for you. Doing this will help you to recognize patterns and eventually improve your speed. Hope this helps!

[richie222]

i think manhattan LR is incredibly helpful especially for assumption questions.

[zdamico]

What have you done for Prep? I had trouble with RC at first, getting high single-digits wrong each time. But after just one read through of Manhattan's RC book I have already started doing MUCH better. Try that out. Drilling and prepping over and over can be useless if you aren't approaching the questions/passages right. You have to figure out the best way to tackle the problem, and then practice on countless problems to have that method become second nature.

I did test masters and Powerscore for prep. For RC I've been free balling it by just trying to read as fast as I can. Not working out so well. Where can I find the Manhattan RC book?

Check on Amazon, I got it for like 25 bucks.

[DC_Patent_Law]

Thanks guys. I'm re-visiting the Powerscore book right now and its like I'm seeing the tactics in a totally new light after studying for so long (kinda I see the forest and not the trees). I hope this is going to help!

Passing along some valuable advice given to me. Type out explanations for each LR you miss. Make sure you know why each answer is wrong and why the correct answer is right. If you need help coming up with a full explanation, just google a portion of the stimulus. It should bring you to some gmat message boards that typically have the reasoning behind the question broken down for you. Doing this will help you to recognize patterns and eventually improve your speed. Hope this helps!

Thanks. Do I have to type it out? There are so many questions and so little time. I guess its the best way to reinforce. I am thoroughly reviewing my errors and every other question even if I got it right teach time around. I can usually get the right answer without looking at the answers if I don't have the time constaint. The rush to answer sucker punches me most of the time.

[Killingly]

Thanks guys. I'm re-visiting the Powerscore book right now and its like I'm seeing the tactics in a totally new light after studying for so long (kinda I see the forest and not the trees). I hope this is going to help!

Passing along some valuable advice given to me. Type out explanations for each LR you miss. Make sure you know why each answer is wrong and why the correct answer is right. If you need help coming up with a full explanation, just google a portion of the stimulus. It should bring you to some gmat message boards that typically have the reasoning behind the question broken down for you. Doing this will help you to recognize patterns and eventually improve your speed. Hope this helps!

Thanks. Do I have to type it out? There are so many questions and so little time. I guess its the best way to reinforce. I am thoroughly reviewing my errors and every other question even if I got it right teach time around. I can usually get the right answer without looking at the answers if I don't have the time constaint. The rush to answer sucker punches me most of the time.

You don't have to type/write it out, it's really up to you. Personally, I think it helps you to actually "see" the patterns for each question type. Good luck!