Perfecting Reading Comp Tips
Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 11:59 pm
These techniques have aided me in achieving -1 to -0 on RC.
Only making annotations on the passage to signal viewpoints, author's view, and conclusions.
Writing one line that summarizes each paragraph after reading in the margin(5 words or less). This is to keep thoughts and ideas separate in your head, I rarely ever use the lines for reference.
To practice R/C without exhausting test material read articles in the following:
The Economist
SciCentral.com
(Both sites were recommended on Blueprints blog)
Open Microsoft Word: Write the title of the article on the document. Proceed by reading the passage only once, stop briefly to collect thoughts. After that go to the open word document and write everything you can from memory, in the order that the information is given in the article.
Then Write Main Point of Article:
Example: Though China is making efforts to clean its air, it will be a long time before benefits are seen and problems will continue to arise.
Then Write the Argument Structure:
Example: Background information, current problem, elucidating ways to read information given, return to problem and potential short-term solution, problems for that as well. Conclusion no clear cut solution but changes are being made.
Write the Tone the Author Uses
Example:Concerned with subtle hints of sarcasm
Reference the article again after doing this to see how much information you did not retain.
If There is a Particular Question Type that is Difficult for you
Begin writing questions and answers derived from the article. No need to use the multiple choice format for this part. After you begin the question writing process you will instinctively search for elements in the article that would make both good questions and answers and consequently reading LSAT passages will elicit the same response.
Use online-stopwatch.com
After you get comfortable with reading and regurgitating the information, put the timer on 4 minutes initially, after the time has expired carryout the same process. Lower the time in a manner that is consistent with your progress until you get to 2 1/2 minutes(Any lower than that and you are more than likely skimming). Most articles on the Economist are longer than LSAT passages, which means if you are completing the passages in sub 4 minute time, your are great shape for finishing R/C with time to spare on the LSAT.
Since the subject content is similar to the passages that appears on the LSAT, you will not find many articles too alien come test time(There will exceptions). The Economist is eclectic in nature and with the exception of it's science articles, all of it's articles are written similarly to the LSAT's passages.
I went from -7 to -0(Both Medians) using this technique. It does not take long to see change, and is
significantly less frustrating than repeatedly doing sections and making errors that are rooted in your ability to retain information rather than your ability to answer R/C questions correctly.
I hope this aids those who have difficulty with this section of the test.
God Speed
Thelonious
Only making annotations on the passage to signal viewpoints, author's view, and conclusions.
Writing one line that summarizes each paragraph after reading in the margin(5 words or less). This is to keep thoughts and ideas separate in your head, I rarely ever use the lines for reference.
To practice R/C without exhausting test material read articles in the following:
The Economist
SciCentral.com
(Both sites were recommended on Blueprints blog)
Open Microsoft Word: Write the title of the article on the document. Proceed by reading the passage only once, stop briefly to collect thoughts. After that go to the open word document and write everything you can from memory, in the order that the information is given in the article.
Then Write Main Point of Article:
Example: Though China is making efforts to clean its air, it will be a long time before benefits are seen and problems will continue to arise.
Then Write the Argument Structure:
Example: Background information, current problem, elucidating ways to read information given, return to problem and potential short-term solution, problems for that as well. Conclusion no clear cut solution but changes are being made.
Write the Tone the Author Uses
Example:Concerned with subtle hints of sarcasm
Reference the article again after doing this to see how much information you did not retain.
If There is a Particular Question Type that is Difficult for you
Begin writing questions and answers derived from the article. No need to use the multiple choice format for this part. After you begin the question writing process you will instinctively search for elements in the article that would make both good questions and answers and consequently reading LSAT passages will elicit the same response.
Use online-stopwatch.com
After you get comfortable with reading and regurgitating the information, put the timer on 4 minutes initially, after the time has expired carryout the same process. Lower the time in a manner that is consistent with your progress until you get to 2 1/2 minutes(Any lower than that and you are more than likely skimming). Most articles on the Economist are longer than LSAT passages, which means if you are completing the passages in sub 4 minute time, your are great shape for finishing R/C with time to spare on the LSAT.
Since the subject content is similar to the passages that appears on the LSAT, you will not find many articles too alien come test time(There will exceptions). The Economist is eclectic in nature and with the exception of it's science articles, all of it's articles are written similarly to the LSAT's passages.
I went from -7 to -0(Both Medians) using this technique. It does not take long to see change, and is
significantly less frustrating than repeatedly doing sections and making errors that are rooted in your ability to retain information rather than your ability to answer R/C questions correctly.
I hope this aids those who have difficulty with this section of the test.
God Speed
Thelonious
