Self-paced
Hi all,
Any advice on how to get faster especially with RC, I find that I am getting the answers I can get through correct but I always run out of time right before the 4th passage. What has helped people? Also any advice for going faster in LR would also be appreciated!
8
5 comments
Hello!
I know this is a slightly older post, but I am writing this anyway hoping it can still help!
I used to struggle with the exact same thing. I spent way too much time reading the passage on my first pass, leaving very little time for the questions. So, I completely changed my strategy. I used to spend 4+ minutes on dense passages, but I decided to cap my reading time at 3 to 3.5 minutes maximum before forcing myself to move on to the questions.
When I set that strict timeframe, I noticed that I naturally focused much more on the overall structure and the purpose of the author's arguments rather than getting caught in the details. I got comfortable doing a faster initial read and going back and forth between the text and the questions. This helped me a lot with timing.
Also, I found flag-and-move-on especially helpful with RC. If there is a question that's tripping you off, try not to waste too much time on this single question. Just flag it and move on. While you work on next questions, you will often pick up on something relevant for the flagged one. Then you can go back and solve it.
These are two ways I reduced my time on RC! I hope this helps, and good luck!
For LR, the first 15 in 15 drill changed my life. That way you have time to spend on the harder questions!
I have been having the same issue, but something that has helped me is having someone watch me do an RC section or two (I get my sister to help) and yelling at me when I sit on a question for too long. It's forced me to get better (though still not perfect) and moving on from a Q once I have picked an answer and more confident in doing do. I usually spend 4:30 or so on passages but then try and spend 30 sec or so per question. Some people suggest doing first two passages in 15 minutes drills but this hasn't been too helpful for me, as sometimes I find the more difficult passages way easier than the "easy" ones. I hope this helps!
I would love to get advice about this too
Having this exact same issue!!