Passage Strategy

Question 1

Short Passage

Answer 1

2-3 paragraphs.
1. Thoroughly understand
sentence 1 & 2 to understand the big picture. (Most times you’ll get a big picture question).

2. Concretize each paragraph into main points
3. Look for big picture (purpose of passage), surprises (actually, in fact, indeed) and conclusions (the point)
   (2. 5 - 3 minutes reading and 60-70 seconds/question)

Question 2

Long Passages

Answer 2

1. Thoroughly understand the entire 1st paragraph. Concretize each sentence if needed.
2. Concretize main idea of each following paragraph by understanding the first 2 sentences of each.
3. Skim over the minute details of these paragraphs, looking for surprises and results.

Always keep in your mind, “What is the purpose here?”

(3.5 - 4 minutes reading and 60-70 seconds/question.
I have 8 minutes total)

Question 3

Passage Structure

Answer 3

The passages are going to be in some order. Usually each paragraph can be categorized as one of the following: main point, support or background.

Keep in mind the structure as you read/skim