Reading comp help

[BrianM]

So I am having a horrid time with reading comp, as well as the whole test.

I was wondering what techniques besides the crap ones these books teach you were used by some others here? Anything successful?

I am taking a course at Farleigh Dickinson from Sexton. A month long course that teaches you everything about the gres so hopefully that will work out well.

[chrismagoosh]

Hi BrianM,

I hear you - Reading Comprehension passages are far more difficult than most of the prep books make it seem. A few helpful techniques are"

1) Reading for the big picture

After spending the 3 or so minutes on the passage, you should be able to articulate the main idea of the passage, any notable transitions between paragraphs, multiple theories/opposing viewpoints. A good exercise is to see if you can come write down three important points of the passage (you of course should be able to do this without referring back to the text).

2) Answering questions in your own words/Not being guided by the answer choices

When reading a question first simplify that question in your head (if necessary), then go back to the relevant part of the passage. Find the supporting information, and then come up with the answer to the question. By using your own words you can more accurately match with the correct answer choices, instead of letting the answer choices sway your thinking.

Here is a blog post with even more helpful RC tips:

http://magoosh.com/gre/gre-reading-comprehension/

Let me know if you have any questions .

[BrianM]

Hi BrianM,

I hear you - Reading Comprehension passages are far more difficult than most of the prep books make it seem. A few helpful techniques are"

1) Reading for the big picture

After spending the 3 or so minutes on the passage, you should be able to articulate the main idea of the passage, any notable transitions between paragraphs, multiple theories/opposing viewpoints. A good exercise is to see if you can come write down three important points of the passage (you of course should be able to do this without referring back to the text).

2) Answering questions in your own words/Not being guided by the answer choices

When reading a question first simplify that question in your head (if necessary), then go back to the relevant part of the passage. Find the supporting information, and then come up with the answer to the question. By using your own words you can more accurately match with the correct answer choices, instead of letting the answer choices sway your thinking.

Here is a blog post with even more helpful RC tips:

http://magoosh.com/g...-comprehension/

Let me know if you have any questions .

Thanks for the help!

The problem is that I get so frustrated right away!

These are terrible...but practice makes perfect....maybe not here but it sure doesn't hurt .lol