'You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving
today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said 'Parking Fine.' =
Tommy Cooper
Some approaches to reading comprehension passages are like
driving down a winding road at night without a map. You start the passage on a
straightaway- perhaps the description of an issue like the environmental
implications of a drilling project. But then you approach a twist or a turn-
will the author agree or disagree with the proposed solution? Will he suggest
an alternative?
Having such an understanding before beginning the passage
can provide a distinct advantage- it allows you to tune into nuances of the
writer’s prose - which can be worth points here or there.
Fortunately, there is a way to gain a ‘map’ of the passage
for a small time investment up front. The secret is to read the introduction in
full, followed by the first sentence of each of the following paragraphs. GRE
essays are usually structured so that the first sentence of each paragraph
usually contains enough information to encapsulate that paragraph’s ‘main
point’. So by previewing the first sentence of each paragraph, we give
ourselves the opportunity to preview the entire passage, before reading it all
the way through.
Thanks to Real Ingenious for sharing these reading and comprehension guides & strategies.
Thanks to Real Ingenious for sharing these reading and comprehension guides & strategies.