Self-study
Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had any advice or helpful pointers for systematically navigating difficult Science passages, like riddled basins of attraction and the science passage regarding corn, maize, and C-4 Photosynthesis? I generally feel confident in RC sections, but when I run into passages like this, it is really difficult for me to comprehend what is being said beyond the main point. I end up wasting time trying to comprehend what is being said, and consequently running out of time to thoughtfully answer the questions.
I'm wondering if I should just skim the difficult parts of tough RC Science passages and then go back to the passage when I know what to look for after reading the question. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much in advance!
1
4 comments
One thing that's helped both me and my students quite a bit is recognizing that many LSAT science passages have a very predictable structure.
Quite often, the first two-thirds (or even three-fourths) of the passage is really just background. The author is walking you through the history of the research, competing theories, previous discoveries, or the sequence of events that leads in to the actual discussion. Then, toward the end of the passage, the focus usually narrows considerably and the makes a very noticeable transition into the specific issue the author actually wants to (briefly) discuss.
Because of that, I generally tell students to treat the background as exactly that—a necessary lead-in to the discussion. As you're reading, try to follow the progression of the story and the sequence of events, looking for the transition rather than worrying about the details of the science itself.
In other words, during the background portion, spend less energy trying to understand the science in all of its technical detail and more energy understanding what the author is doing with that information and how it's setting up the narrower discussion that's coming later. Once you recognize that shift, the passage usually becomes much easier to navigate.
I've found that this approach saves a surprising amount of time and mental energy while still positioning the students to accurately find answers to the questions.
Hope that helps!
@SCOTT_LEBO Thank you for the advice, Scott! That makes sense! : )
I can help you with science passages (free)! I am a science teacher and I love these sections. DM me!
@AlexandraFriestman Sure thing! Thank you. : )