GRE READING COMPREHENSION

READING COMPREHENSION PASSAGE STRUCTURES Three Classic GRE Passage Structures Arguing a Position Discussing something specific within a field of study Explaining significant new findings or research

READING COMPREHENSION METHOD Read Passage Strategically Identify the Topic, Scope, and Purpose of the passage Analyze the Question Stem Do not read the question stems before reading the passage Correct answers require Active Awareness & Understanding Research the Relevant Text in the Passage Do not consider more text from the passage than necessary Make a Prediction GRE tests Comprehension & not ability to mine for details Form a Prediction about answers to questions targeting main idea, purpose, etc. Develop Ability to Infer an answer based on clues Evaluate Answer Choices

READING COMPREHENSION TIPS Express the Main Idea in your own words Focus on Retaining Ideas, not Facts Focus on ideas, arguments, and conclusions Use only what Passage Gives You Do not be influenced by outside knowledge Do not approach Highlighted Sentence Questions differently Remember that surrounding material provides key context information Do not be Misled by Variations on standard Question Stems Some questions are concerned with what is true Some questions require you to determine what is not supported by passage.