RCs are time taking

[aplavakarthik]

Hi,

I am a non native speaker of English and I find it a bit difficult to manage Verbal Part. Especially RCs which are more than 2-3 paragraphs.

I take around 12 min to a RC. I was advised to follow the skimming/passage mapping/getting big picture techniques. Any tips and advises to do them faster.

With Regards
Karthik

[aplavakarthik]

Waiting for ur suggestions buddies......................

[XLogic]

Hi,

I am a non native speaker of English and I find it a bit difficult to manage Verbal Part. Especially RCs which are more than 2-3 paragraphs.

I take around 12 min to a RC. I was advised to follow the skimming/passage mapping/getting big picture techniques. Any tips and advises to do them faster.

With Regards
Karthik

Each person has his own personal reading pace. You'll have to find one that works optimally for you.

Try this: Read a few RC passages (1) faster than your normal pace, and (2) slower than your normal pace. Pause after each paragraph to jot down the main ideas in your own words. Remember, not to focus too much on specific detail, but read every sentence. At the end, try to see if you can figure out the main point and the "general gist" of the evidence used to support the main point.

If you find that you cannot figure out the point and/or supporting info, then decrease your reading pace. However, if you can find the main point and evidence without much effort, then try to increase your reading pace while maintaining comprehension. Rinse and Repeat!

It might also be helpful to read articles from reputable outside sources -- wsj, economist, scientificAmerican. Read the article as quickly as you can, then answer only 2 questions (1) What was the point of the article? (2) How was the point supported? (in general terms).

I'd be interested in comments from others on my last point. I think it releases some of the pressure of working on an actual RC (not that GMAT RC shouldn't be your primary source) allowing you to practice reading for structure/main point.

Good Luck!

[Ilana@EconomistGMAT]

An effective method is to read most of the first paragraph carefully, while taking notes that you can refer to later. The first paragraph sets the stage for the rest of the passage. Then skip to the next paragraph and read 1-2 sentences, and do the same for the remaining paragraphs, while taking notes about the main shifts in the passage's overall argument. Don't read the parts that enter into great detail, but focus on the broader strokes. Pay attention to transition words, such as "however", "nevertheless", "Secondly", etc. These words help map out the structure of the passage.
Develop a technique for noting or sketching the main points of the passage, and use this diagram or set of notes to help direct you to the relevant part of the passage, when you are asked for specific details about the passage. The initial reading should not take more than 3-4 minutes, but you will need some practice before you are able to perform this initial reading effectively. However, as you progress make sure that you are optimizing the time spent on the initial reading. Spending too much time on it will hold you back and you will accumulate a back log and lose time on the test.

[XLogic]

Waiting for ur suggestions buddies......................

See RC Strategy Article: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/08/ ... strategies