MCAT CARS Flashcards
How would you tell the difference between phrases like ‘qualified admiration’ and ‘measured appreciation’?
The best way to tell a difference between the phrases is noticing that ‘qualified’ would assume that someone was not impressed until a standard was met; however, ‘measured appreciation’ would more likely come from an innate reverence or liking of something. The former is achieved, while the latter is innate.
Should you ever make assumptions if the question does not explicitly ask for it?
No, never, ever, ever assume unless the question asks for such. Go with what the passage says.
Be careful with the words used in questions. Sometimes very simple words will change the entire question and answer framework.
A good example is when a question uses ‘most famous for…’ rather than ‘famous for…’ Two very different answers between the two question stems.
When assessing answer choices to a question, what should you do when you get stuck?
Well, do your best to rule out answer choices one by one, and do not try to force an answer to be correct. If an answer choice says “This thing has been around forever.” but the passage does not explicitly or implicitly imply that, it’s not a good answer choice.
What’s another way to find answers in CARS?
Be very careful with the simple words used. Words like ‘often’, ‘all of the time’, and ‘never’ and anything that would either be uncharacteristic of the passage or be too extreme is probably wrong.
What does the word ‘contemporaries’ mean?
A person or thing existing at the same time as another. So, someone existing at the same time you are, too.
Should you be afraid to go back to the passage if you don’t know the answer to something or are confused?
No, don’t be afraid to go back! You probably have time and you’ll be alright.
Is it ever OK to pick an “extreme” answer choice in a CARS passage?
Yes, it is OK; however, be careful when doing so. If the author uses strong language like “a watered-down, parasitical imitation of the real thing”, it’s safe to say they REALLY disapprove of that thing.
