Reading Comprehension Strategy

A New Approach to Reading Comprehension

People keep saying that the best way to practice reading comp is to do more reading comp. I'm aware that RC scores don't really increase because it's a skill that one has practiced all his/her life. You're not going to have massive gains simply by practicing it for a couple of months.

I disagree. Sure, gains might be marginal, but gains are possible. I don't think it's about "taking practice tests over and over again." People who say this are just really talented. Talent needs little work. Middle of the road people like me need tactics, strategy, and shrewdness.

This time around, I'm not going to just "take sections." I'm going to develop a framework for attacking the RC section, based on Nova's Master the LSAT. They are the only known publication (at least in my mind) that release a strategy for taking down the Reading Comp section.

1. Massive doses of concentration. There can be no relaxation of the mind. Practicing at this level is crucial because if I half ass the practice, I will receive fewer gains on the real thing.

2. Reading the first line of each paragraph. I will experiment to see if this is helpful. I will read the first line of each paragraph, then go through the entire passage again. Hopefully this will help raise accuracy rates on Main Idea questions.

3. Learn to identify Question Types.

A. Main Idea
B. Description [Do Not Rely On Memory!!]
C. Writing Technique
D. Extension
E. Applicatoin
F. Tone [Decide the tone before seeing answer choices]

General: The most measured answer tends to be the correct one.

3. Speed, speed, speed. There is no excuse for not having enough time. Practice sections must be completed <30 min, regardless.