Improving my RC skills

[Suz]

Hi,

Can someone please tell me how I can improve on my RC skills in particular.I think that its the only area which is pulling my score down right now. What sort of material can I read to improve this section? My exam is a month away.

Thanks x

[kartikshah]

Hi,

I learnt this trick to crack RCs when I was studying for my IELTS exam. I got an 8.5/9 so I can say it worked quite well for me. I'd suggest you give it a try too.

• Skim: To obtain general information
  Scan: For specific detail
  Skim and Read: To look at meaning
  Scan and Skim: To look for a specific word/piece of information

Disclaimer: The length and complexity of IELTS passages is NOT comparable to that of GMAT passages. Also, IELTS question types are quite different from that of GMAT.

If English is not your native language, then you'll need to practice, as I did, to build confidence.

You can find a host of articles on business, science, management, economics, technology, etc that suit your current reading level here:
https://www.engagingenglish.com/

I think their resources are great. You'll however need to buy a subscription for limited period to obtain access.

[sanzit.s]

I am studying for the GMAT and I think there are a few things that must be kept in mind while solving RC.

1. Eliminate answer choices and then come down to your final answer. This especially works when you are stuck between 2 choices. Ask yourself why an option is wrong.

2. All GMAT RC questions excluding inference or summary questions will strictly follow word justification i.e you can match the words given in the correct answer to the words given in the passage. Hence, for such questions you may have to go back to the passage.

3. Try to find out the opinion of the author presenting passage for inference and summary questions. Check whether for any sentence the author is giving his/her views. If yes then usually you will chose answers containing phrases like "cautious support" or "skeptical analysis".

4. Lastly, try to avoid choices that are too extreme and contain words/phrases like "critical", "scathing" etc.

Apart from this....try solving RC's everyday and I think you yourself will observe some undelying secrets.

ALL THE BEST

[Suz]

Thank you both!

What material are you using for the RC section?I think you're spot on with your analysis

[tisrar02]

1) Read the passage and dissect each paragraph to the best of your ability by paraphrasing.

2) Read the question.

3) Look at the answer choices and if need be, skim through the passage if the answer does not jump out at you

4) Process of elimination through each answer choice. Refer back to your paraphrasing.

NOTE: I know people say paraphrasing on the scratch board is a waste of time but if you practice and become efficient at it, you will be able to write down 5-10 words for each paragraph and go from there. I used to be HORRIBLE at RC questions but now I usually hit above 85% of the RC questions in a mock test. It just depends on what you feel comfortable with.

Sources I used was MGMAT RC guide. Amazing break down as well as good questions.

Hope this helps and good luck with your test!