0The best way to approach reading comprehension is with a clear strategy. Here are the steps to unravel even the complex GRE passages.
Step 1: Read the passage strategically focusing on pivotal ideas
Step 2: Read the question carefully
Step 3: Go back to the passage to find relevant information or consult the map you’ve created of the passage (from step 1)
Step 4: Make a prediction for the question
Step 5: Evaluate each option based on the prediction you’ve made - eliminate improbables until only the correct option remains
Understanding step 1:
To read the passage strategically, you must focus on the “big picture” of things. Don’t worry about the details and descriptions. You must be able to answer these three questions after reading a passage -
- What is each paragraph broadly about?
- Why does the author bring up this paragraph (for what purpose?) / what point does he make by introducing this para.
- How does the author discuss issues in the passage (Is he +ve -ve or neutral about things?)
Make your goal to only try to answer these questions. Don’t worry about the rest! You’ll realize that your ability to focus on important things improves substantially and your accuracy improves many folds as well.
Lets try this out:
Para 1
WHAT: Amateur journalism, significance
HOW: +ve
WHY: Evolution of Am - Jour
Para 2:
WHAT: What amateur journalism actually is
HOW: +ve
WHY: to suggest amateur doesnt mean “immature” - rather quite skilled work is done by these people!
Side note:
It’s important to follow step 3. Even if you remember things on the top of your head, you are very likely to fall for traps if you do not go back to the passage or your “map” and find proof!
Try this out for a few passages, let me know how this works!
