I understand the RC passage well but I get the questions wrong

DulasiTennakoon · 2026-10-19T13:25:23Z

Guys I need help. I've been scoring -2 on LR and scoring around -8 in RC. I really need to boost my RC score up. I am taking my test in November. Here's the thing. I understand the passage well. But when I get to questions I panic and get things confused. I don't have a timing issue either. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ANSWER CHOICES. idk they confuse me. PLEASE HELP ANY TIPS?

Hi there! If you feel like you're understanding the passage correctly and can track what the author is thinking, other POVs, etc, then it may be good to take a look at the RC Question Type Strategy module in the core curriculum. I recommend that to students who are struggling to identify what the questions are asking, and trying to figure out what to look for. I also recommend drilling where you time your passage reading (since it sounds like you can read it in a fairly short time) but don't time answering the questions. Go through each question methodically and identify: whose point of view is this asking about (if any) and what am I looking for?

For instance, if a question asks "according to the passage, the author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following?" then I'd look at that and say "okay. It's the author's POV, and it's going to be something they agree with." Try to look through the answer choices before looking back at the passage, and rule out whatever you can (unless the question references a specific line. Then look at that and the surrounding lines first). Methodically justify every answer you cross out and your correct answer, and don't move on until you're confident in your justification. Start doing this with 1-star passages, and work up a star level every time you're feeling comfortable. It may also be helpful to translate more complex answer choices into your own words, to check that you understand what they're saying. That plus targeted drilling will hopefully help get you in the habit of treating RC questions rigorously and analytically, and should help with the question panic you're experiencing!

2 comments

Josephine Tutor
13 hours ago

Hi there! If you feel like you're understanding the passage correctly and can track what the author is thinking, other POVs, etc, then it may be good to take a look at the RC Question Type Strategy module in the core curriculum. I recommend that to students who are struggling to identify what the questions are asking, and trying to figure out what to look for. I also recommend drilling where you time your passage reading (since it sounds like you can read it in a fairly short time) but don't time answering the questions. Go through each question methodically and identify: whose point of view is this asking about (if any) and what am I looking for?
For instance, if a question asks "according to the passage, the author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following?" then I'd look at that and say "okay. It's the author's POV, and it's going to be something they agree with." Try to look through the answer choices before looking back at the passage, and rule out whatever you can (unless the question references a specific line. Then look at that and the surrounding lines first). Methodically justify every answer you cross out and your correct answer, and don't move on until you're confident in your justification. Start doing this with 1-star passages, and work up a star level every time you're feeling comfortable. It may also be helpful to translate more complex answer choices into your own words, to check that you understand what they're saying. That plus targeted drilling will hopefully help get you in the habit of treating RC questions rigorously and analytically, and should help with the question panic you're experiencing!

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Worn
7 hours ago

@Josephine wonderful

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I understand the RC passage well but I get the questions wrong

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