Reading Comprehension passages

the 4 components of any reading passage

1)the point 2)background 3)support 4)implications

inference questions

GRE inferences are very simplistic, and will not require any logical stretch. Whenever you see an inference question rephrase it as "the passage states just a little differently . . ."

Justify extreme language

The GRE prefers moderate language and ideas. Eliminate answer choices that go too far

support is . . .

assertions and opinions for the point. It may include concessions to the other side

Preview the question

click through to see how many questions are associated with a passage, then go back and preview the first question and read the passage

For general questions

come up with a scoring system to assign a value to each one

in the correct answer choice

every word must be completely true (eliminate choices with words not mentioned in connection to the idea, in the passage)

For specific questions

identify key words in the question, and then find those key words in the passage

background is . . .

information needed to understand the point--context and basic facts about the topic

when boundary words are in the answer choices

match the answer to the most extreme example you can think of, the correct answer must fit even the most extreme interpretation

Mantra of truth

once you find the key word in the passage, and reread the surrounding sentences do a little thought work to boil it down into a 5-word phrase that you can match to the answer choices

Foreshadowing . . .

sets up the point by standing in contrast to it. Not always present, but when it is it's part of the background or support

implications are . . .

the consequences that result from the point

previewing the passages

try taking a cursory glance at all the RC passages you'll need to do, so that you'll be better prepared for them

extreme words

unreasonably open up the argument, placing no limit on the claim being made

The point is . . .

what the author would like the reader to understand even if nothing else gets through to him

Rereading the passage

will lead you to spot details that pertain to wrong answers. Rely on the quick notes you took to assign points to answer choices and start eliminating immediately

boundary words

words that restrict the meaning of the premise/ conclusion

don't EVER "just read" the passage . . .

write the main points as you read--as though you're having a conversation with the passage

take the kind of notes that . . .

you would just crumple up right then and there (pretend you're running out of ink)