GMAT reading comprehension tips

What is your reading style? Different content different styles.

For GMAT preparation, which style would be effective?

GMAT Reading comprehension tips - 3 styles of reading

 Reading comprehension tips

While you read, you employ different styles of reading consciously/subconsciously.  The way you read a novel and the way you read an official document is different.

While attempting a competitive exam like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS, an extra element of pressure is added i.e. Time. So test aspirants need to adjust their reading styles as per the test requirement.

I gave this passage to a few students and observed their reading styles.

Passage:

There are times when the night sky glows with bands of color. The bands may begin as cloud shapes and then spread into a great arc across the entire sky. They may fall in folds like a curtain drawn across the heavens. The lights usually grow brighter, then suddenly dim. During this time the sky glows with pale yellow, pink, green, violet, blue, and red. These lights are called the Aurora Borealis. Some people call them the Northern Lights. Scientists have been watching them for hundreds of years. They are not quite sure what causes them. In ancient times people were afraid of the Lights. They imagined that they saw fiery dragons in the sky. Some even concluded that the heavens were on fire

Student 1
Style - Elementary reading-

This is the most basic level of reading, where the reader simply reads the words on the page without much thought or analysis. It's the kind of reading you do when you're reading a novel for entertainment, or when you’re reading a text message from a friend.

What did student I observe, while reading?

The student noticed words like bands - cloud shapes. Lights dim and and grow bright. Different colors - yellow, pink, green and red. Aurora Borealis. Northern lights. Fiery dragons. Heavens on fire.

My Observations:

When I gave the above passage, the student spotted words. The student did not focus on the meaning of the lines.  

This style is not suited for competitive exams as you will not be able to answer the questions correctly. You will be able to read fast, but you won’t grasp the essence of the passage.

Student 2
Style - Inspectional Reading

At this level, the reader is skimming the text to get a general idea of what it's about. This might involve reading the table of contents, the introduction, or the first and last paragraphs of a chapter.

The goal is to get a sense of the main points and the structure of the text

 

What did student 2 observe, while reading?

The student noticed that the passage was about Aurora Borealis - Northern lights( from line 4). There were different colors mentioned. (The student did not notice the exact colors) The student said that scientists were unsure  about the lights and ancient people were afraid of the lights. The student also observed that the ancient people thought the lights were dragons.

 My observations:

When I gave the above passage, the student spotted some words. The student focused on the meaning of some lines.  They could get the main idea of the passage.

 

 This style is suited for competitive exams. You will be able to answer the easier questions. But there will be many questions where you might not get the correct answer.

If it’s MCQ type, you may be able to eliminate some options, but some options will be very close. You may take more time to read the passage, but you may not grasp the essence of the passage.

 

Student 3
 Reading style - Analytical Reading

This level of reading involves a deeper analysis of the text. The reader is looking for the author's main argument, the evidence they use to support it, and the logical structure of their argument. This might involve taking notes, underlining key passages, or writing summaries of each section

 

What did student 3 observe, while reading?

Student 3 took notes. While taking notes, the student observed that the first 3 lines of the passage were the descriptive lines. These lines describe the phenomenon presented in line 4.  Line 4 spoke about the main idea.

 The student also noticed that there are two opinion/judgment statements- scientists are not sure what caused the northern lights. Ancient people were afraid of these lights. The student didn’t focus on the words. The student focused on the essence of the passage

 While reading the passage, the student took notes.

 Note-making is a crucial skill that can hone this style. As you develop this skill, you will gain the ability to visualize the structure of the passage During exams, you won’t have time to take notes, visualization will help you save time.

 This style is suited for competitive exams. You will be able to answer all types of questions. You will be able to answer the questions faster as you are focused on the essence of the passage rather than on the keywords.

If you need help in GMAT verbal preparation, Feel free to ping me..

My contact link is here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

Happy learning

GMAT reading comprehension tips - 4 types of reading

There are many ways to read an article. 

 When we read a novel, we read it one way. a textbook another way

When we read an important document - company offer letter or a sale deed, we read it differently. 

While reading this book - " How To Read A Book by Mortimer Adler", I noticed that we can use the analytical reading style for GMAT reading comprehension.

Excerpts from the book

1. Elementary Reading

This is the most basic level of reading, where the reader simply reads the words on the page without much thought or analysis.

It's the kind of reading you do when you're reading a novel for entertainment, or when you re reading a text message from a friend.

2. Inspectional Reading

At this level, the reader is skimming the text to get a general idea of what it's about. This might involve reading the table of contents, the introduction, or the first and last paragraphs of a chapter.

The goal is to get a sense of the main points and the structure of the text.

3. Analytical Reading

This level of reading involves a deeper analysis of the text. The reader is looking for the author's main argument, the evidence they use to support it, and the logical structure of their argument.

This might involve taking notes, underlining key passages, or writing summaries of each section.

4. Syntopical Reading

This is the highest level of reading, where the reader is comparing and contrasting the ideas in multiple texts on the same topic.

The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the subject by seeing how different authors approach it. This might involve creating a chart or a diagram to show the relationships between the different texts.

The analytical reading style can be taught. 

You need to sit through 10-20 hrs of reading sessions to get the grasp of it. 

If you need help in GMAT verbal preparation, Feel free to ping me..

My contact link is here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

Happy learning

Time for A new habit - GMAT Reading tips

 Time for A new habit

“Do you read?”. I ask in my first meeting with a GMAT aspirant.

Mostly predictable responses: college text books, tech info and social media ( messages, forwards, news headlines…) much of these latter, on the mobile phone.

Well, these are sources of information ( not to forget a large chunk of misinformation too)that everyone is exposed to.

As a test prep professional, when I asked the question, I was referring to deeper reading of  longer essays: Essays from various domains of knowledge.

That, anyways, is a rare habit.

But one that has to change now, if you intent to crack the GRE or GMAT verbal section.

Sources:

Business

1. https://www.ft.com/

2. https://www.economist.com/

3. https://www.bloomberg.com/businessweek

Science - Social & Biological

1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/

Literary reviews

1. https://www.nytimes.com/section/books/review

2. https://www.theatlantic.com/world/

3. https://www.newyorker.com/

An essential reading comprehension skill to ace the GMAT reading comprehension section

 Distinguish between matter and Author's opinion.

Observe the passage below..

Passage:

 Dopamine is a hormone that sends  out that tingling feeling of anticipation, say like the night before a party at which you'll be honored age to with an award. Or the rush after a fantastic exam result. A substance released at the end of a nerve fibre, effecting the transfer of an impulse from one nerve to another, dopamine is, in essence, our morning's get-up-and-go neuro-chemical. "We used to believe it's all about  pleasure and reward; this is an old story. Now we say that dopamine amps up desire”.Dopamine is the brain signaling you to indulge in an activity; it is the anticipation of the activity from which you derive pleasure.

 Like all good things, too much or too little is a problem Too much has been found in the brains of those who live with Tourette syndrome; too little in those with Parkinson's disease. But what's really worrying, researchers is the way it's being increasingly pumped out in the brain through our daily behaviour.

This passage has factual matter.. interlaced with opinions.. You need to read critically and differentiate the two. Lets work on this skill 

Authors opinions are marked in yellow.

Dopamine is a hormone that sends sends out that tingling feeling of anticipation, say like the night before a party at which you'll be honored age to with an award. Or the rush after a fantastic exam result. A substance released at the end of a nerve fibre, effecting the transfer of an impulse from one nerve to another, dopamine is, in essence, our morning's get-up-and-go neuro-chemical. "We used to believe it's all about  pleasure and reward; this is an old story. Now we say that dopamine amps up desire.” 

 

Dopamine is the brain signaling you to indulge in an activity; it is the anticipation of the activity from which you derive pleasure

 

 Like all good things, too much or too little is a problem. Too much has been found in the brains of those who live with Tourette syndrome; too little in those with Parkinson's disease. But what's really worrying, researchers is the way it's being increasingly pumped out in the brain through our daily behaviour.

The rest of the matter is factual.

As you read, through a passage anticipate :

•  which statement is matter..
  
•  which is opinion..

You can get questions on both- matter and opinion..

 

Schedule a counselling session with our verbal tutor to get a customized plan

My contact link is here:

LinkedIn profile   https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

GMAT reading comprehension - Supplementary reading

 GMAT 750. the power of TLS

Times Literary Supplement(TLS) is arguably the best source for higher order, abstract passages.

If you have exhausted OG passages, read TLS online

Search for archives

https://www.the-tls.co.uk/

Even abstracts of essays will help

What to read?

- essays on North American history

-political essays

-literary reviews and criticism

-articles on art, philosophy

- write ups on Environment

-Research synopses….

No doubt, you need to invest time. But your test readiness is near perfect.

Try a practice reading comprehension exercise

Click here

5 tips to keep in mind - GMAT reading comprehension

Do not take chances with reading comprehension

• Thorough preparation must
• Read all types of passages- science, art, literature
• Its critical reading not just understanding
• Ensure you know all types of question types asked
• Learn strategies for higher weightage inference questions

Schedule a counselling session with our verbal tutor to get a customized plan

My contact link is here:
LinkedIn profile   https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

10 must NOT DOs for GMAT reading comprehension

 

10 must NOT DOs for GMAT reading comprehension

1.Reading only for the topic

Read for the author’s opinions running parallel to the topic as well

2.Concentrating on the specific details

Higher weight-age questions demand overall intent, flow and tone of the passage.

3.Choosing a stated idea for inference question

The answer to an inference question is never explicitly stated in the passage; it is implied

4.Taking the notes too far

One way to keep track of a long passage is by making thought flow chart; use symbols arrows to show relationships

5.Losing track of ‘who says what’

The passage may present multiple perspectives- of the author’s, someone else’s ( being quoted)..

6.Overlooking the question stem.

Some question stems are simple, yet others roundabout. ensure that you are clear what the question asks.

7.Undermining the need to build vocabulary

One third of the RC questions demand word knowledge…. Skepticism, laudatory, archaic, condescending…these all appear

8.Over reading

Skip, examples, specific details, long parenthetical statements….

9.‘ NOT SEEing crucial words- Only, except, not in the question stem

10. First reading- a slow ‘thorough’ reading

The first reading can be a faster skimming, for the main points of discussion.

If you need help in GMAT verbal preparation, Feel free to ping me..

My contact link is here:

LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

Facebook learning group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT/

Happy learning

 

How to study for GMAT reading comprehension

You will get 12 - 13 reading comprehension questions in GMAT.

One important skill you have to develop, to master this section, is critical reading. 

so ,what is critical reading?

Critical reading means the reader applies certain 

1. Process
2. Models
3. Questions
4. Theories

which results in enhanced clarity and comprehension.

Generally students merely “skim” a passage. i.e the reader superficially reads the text, without noticing the

• tone
• organization
• logical consistency 

of the passage. 

"Skimming" doesnt help much in GMAT, as questions are mostly inference based questions. 

Critical reading help you tackle inference based questions easily.

So, what does it take to be a critical reader? Here are few ways to build this skills

1. Read slowly

During the preparation phase, you should spend 20 to 30 mins on a passage. Only when you read slowly you will notice the

• tone
• organization
• logical consistency 

of a passage.

Do not worry about speed.at this stage of your preparation

When you master this reading style, your speed improves. Albeit gradually.

While attempting the GMAT, you should attempt to read and answer the questions in 6 to 8 mins. 

Does this sound intimidating?

Feel free to contact me… we can chalk out a plan. I usually conduct reading aloud sessions with students. In that way they understand how my mind works. and how to read. 

To reach me 

My facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/semanticsGMAT

My linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanand/

2. Use the dictionary

During GMAT preparation, use a dictionary to understand words. 

Keep in mind, the meaning of the word, changes in context.  

So you have to very careful while reading the passage.

I usually give students a list of commonly tested words in the GMAT

3. Make notes.

Jot down notes. Summarize ideas.

When you read a line, see if it is related to the previous line or paragraph..

• Is it an explanation? 
• Is it contrasting the information given earlier
• Is it supporting the information?
• ….

Note down the main ideas in a paragraph.

• Is the author making a claim?
• Is he giving supporting reasons to the claim?

Also note the tone of the opinions.. 

is it mildly supporting or overtly supporting or moderately supporting or vociferously supporting?

Note the degree - mildly/overtly/moderately/vociferously….

I will show you how to do this in another blog post..

4. Make a passage map.

Make a rough passage map from memory: test what you can recall from your reading of the text

• Make headings of the main ideas and note supporting evidence in dot points.
• Include your evaluation: the strengths and weaknesses.
• Identify gaps.

While answering questions.. refer your map.. go to that particular paragraph and reread those lines and then you can arrive at the answer.

5. Practice..practice

Practice makes perfect. 

I would recommend reading upto 150 GMAT passages..

Critical reading takes time to master.. 

On an average students take 1.5 months to see progress in this section 

Keep in mind........

Critical reading involves using logical and rhetorical skills. Identifying the author's thesis is a good place to start, but to grasp how the author intends to support it is a difficult task. 

More often than not an author will make a claim (most commonly in the form of the thesis) and support it in the body of the text. The support for the author's claim is in the evidence provided to suggest that the author's intended argument is sound, or reasonably acceptable. 

What ties these two together is a series of logical links that convinces the reader of the coherence of the author's argument: this is the warrant. If the author's premise is not supportable, a critical reading will uncover the lapses in the text that show it to be unsound.

Happy learning...

10 things to keep in mind when you practice GMAT reading comprehension

1. Keep your fears away

One fear most test takers feel is ‘ what if the passages are totally unfamiliar’. This is highly unlikely if you have spent a good amount of time reading quality passages and have taken good number of comprehension tests.

2. Imagine yourself succeeding

Be optimistic about your preparation and success in the GMAT. Start your preparation early so that you do not take the test till you are ready.

3. For god’s sake do not procrastinate

The day you wake up to think, oh I have plenty of time left for prep, you are on the road to procrastination. You have semester work, events to participate in, personal issues; none of these should come in the way of your reaching your goal.

4. All strategies need not work for you

We all vary in our styles of learning. Some of us would require longer preparation time, others less. It’s more rewarding to compare our performance today with our own past performance than with that of others.

5.Do not expect overnight results

Efficient reading involves building an array of skills. It takes time. Perseverance is the key. Lot of hard work is required to excel, give up not.

6. Do research

Learn those tiny tips from friends who are preparing for verbal tests, what worked for them, what did not, they are invaluable sources of test info.

7.Meditate;

with your learning your own reflections and insights can throw up new ideas that work best for you.

8.Do not panic; 

instead make a panic plan. Put together a remedial plan with the help of a mentor- a senior or trainer; there is always a way out.

9.Invest intelligently

 in buying good reading material: books, CDs, general reading material. And invest time wisely.

10. Selfishness is a virtue

 If Ayn Rand did feel that way, so can you. Do not spare your reading time playing agony aunt/uncle for those hapless souls; nevertheless when you need reassurance ask and get!!

What is critical reading....

Critical reading is the process of reading that goes beyond just understanding a text.

Critical reading involves:

• carefully considering and evaluating the reading
• identifying the reading's strengths and implications
• identifying the reading's weaknesses and flaws

Read this article to know more about critical reading..

GMAT reading comprehension? Just do it

Keep your fears away
One fear most test takers feel is ‘ what if the passages are totally unfamiliar’. This is highly unlikely if you have spent a good amount of time reading quality passages and have taken good number of comprehension tests.

Imagine yourself succeeding
Be optimistic about your preparation and success in the GRE test.  Start your preparation early so that you do not take the test till you are ready.

For god’s sake do not procrastinate
The day you wake up to think, oh I have plenty of time left for prep, you are on the road to procrastination. You have semester work, events to participate in, personal issues; none of these should come in the way of your reaching your goal.

All strategies need not work for you
We all vary in our styles of learning. Some of us would require longer preparation time, others less. It’s more rewarding to compare our performance today with our own past performance than with that of others.

Do not expect overnight results
Efficient reading involves building an array of skills. It takes time. Perseverance is the key. Lot of hard work is required to excel, give up not.

Do research, learn those tiny tips from friends who are preparing for verbal tests, what worked for them, what did not, they are invaluable sources of test info.

Meditate; with your learning your own reflections and insights can throw up new ideas that work best for you.

Do not panic; 
instead make a panic plan. Put together a remedial plan with the help of a mentor- a senior or trainer; there is always a way out.

Invest intelligently in buying good reading material: 
books, CDs, general reading material. And invest time wisely.

Selfishness is a virtue 
If Ayn Rand did feel that way, so can you. Do not spare your reading time playing agony aunt/uncle for those hapless souls; nevertheless when you need reassurance ask and get! Howzzat.

GMAT Reading Comprehension – a royal challenge?

Reading Comprehension – a royal challenge? My experience as a GMAT trainer throws up some interesting stuff The most feared section in the GMAT – Reading comprehension Top scorers( 700+) had mastered reading comprehension. Majority ( those who underperformed )had ignored RC and are low on ‘ critical’ reading Streamline your RC prep Do three passages per day for 60 days( if you can) Where to get unlimited passages? Good books on GMAT of course Plus GRE LSAT, SAT passages, yes you can read all these… Now get going
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Using official guide for GMAT reading comprehension preparation part 1

Does GMAT reading comprehension scare you?
You have the official guide, but you have no clue on how to maximise the learning!

Watch this video to find out how you can use the official guide to polish your GMAT RC prep



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10 must NOT DOs for GMAT reading comprehension

10 must NOT DOs for GMAT RC

1.Reading only for the topic
Read for the author’s opinions running parallel to the topic as well

2.Concentrating on the specific details
Higher weightage questions demand overall intent, flow and tone of the passage.

3.Choosing a stated idea for inference question
The answer to an inference question is never explicitly stated in the passage; it is implied

4.Taking the notes too far
One way to keep track of a long passage is by making thought flow chart; use symbols arrows to show relationships

5.Losing track of ‘who says what’
The passage may present multiple perspectives- of the author’s, someone else’s ( being quoted)..

6.Overlooking the question stem.
Some question stems are simple, yet others roundabout. ensure that you are clear what the question asks.

7.Undermining the need to build vocabulary
One third of the RC questions demand word knowledge…. Skepticism, laudatory, archaic, condescending…these all appear

8.Over reading
Skip, examples, specific details, long parenthetical statements….

9.‘ NOT SEEing crucial words- Only, except, not in the question stem

10. First reading- a slow ‘thorough’ reading
The first reading can be a faster skimming, for the main points of discussion.
More information email us at enquiry@semanticslearning.com
or visit www.gmatsuperia.com












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Component skills to master GMAT reading comprehension

GMAT reading comprehension tests you on many component skills.

There are a lot more analytical skills that go into high performance in the verbal. Here is a set of skills – of recognizing the fine differences between the list of terms.

Label passages into narrative, argumentative, expository, descriptive
Recognize- main points of the passage, factors, examples
Relate- between causes and effects, major and minor ideas
Critique- the author’s assertions
Translate- abstract and figurative expressions into more precise and literal language
Apply- information in the passage in hypothetical contexts
Draw- logical conclusions, inferences
Analyze- a text for weaknesses, strengths, validity
Compare and contrast different points of view
Recognize the organization of the passage
Integrate- new ideas into the passage
Defend/ rebut-the author’s position

For high score verbal, acquire a copy of RC topper module at.
Email your queries to urmentor@semanticslearning.com



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