I took this section last night, got a 20/25. I think I got the same score taking this section in February, but with some different wrong answers. While I am getting more 5-star questions right here, I have two questions:
How can I prepare myself for fresh material without getting stumped? I didn't memorize these questions, but it did speed the process along when I was making predictions.
While I am getting past the first 15-17 questions, I still got a few wrong answers in the front half of the section. How can I better pace myself so I can get as few 1-2 star questions wrong as possible?
0
3 comments
I already have Double Time on the real exam, so I was taking it under those circumstances. I certainly wasn't "rushing" in that sense. Thank you for your insights!
If you're getting questions wrong in the first 15-17, you could benefit from less focus on finishing a section and more on getting the questions you attempt correct. Better to get 15/25 correct when you only tried 15/25 than to get 15/25 correct when you try all 25. Improved accuracy over time will translate to even the hardest questions. Try untimed drills where you are getting clarity on each wrong answer immediately after answering it.
I would feel the same way about completing questions I've already seen. I would argue with myself saying, "If I've already seen these questions, I should get them all right." Of course, that wasn't the case. Using used material still works because we normally still make mistakes. The best way to prepare yourself for new material is to understand your mistakes, asking yourself why the correct answer is correct and why the answer you select is wrong. Always leave with broad takeaways that will apply to other questions.
Pacing comes with time, primarily through pattern recognition. I strongly recommend completing your sections at 150% time to keep the pressure of the clock still there, but allowing yourself the time get those first ~15 questions right. At your level, this section could have easily been a -3. Once you're scoring -3/-2 at 150%, bring the clock back down.