#help with answer strategies/not reading all choices vs. reading all

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• 1 Like

  jugolo96 Alum Member

  May 2020 edited May 2020 103 karma

  In my case it is more of an art than a science (cliche, I know). I have a range of approaches from a pure attack method (trying to find the answer and moving on once I find it) and a pure elimination method (going through each choice).

  As a general guideline I know that I should be more comfortable with a pure attack method in the first 10-15 questions in the section. I will say, though, that I am flexible and only go for this approach if I succesfully prephrase and find exactly that answer. When I get deeper into the section I try to be more cautious of traps and range from a quick skim of answers if I am fairly confident to a slower process of elimination for the toughest ones.

  To your question on specific types, I generally don't check all choices or do a very quick skim for MP or AP questions since at a relatively early point in your preparation you should be very good at breaking up an argument. In terms of other types, I can also be quite confident of MBT, Necessary Assumption, and easier RRE questions.
• 1 Like

  DINOSAUR Member

  May 2020 591 karma

  I would be very cautious at not reading all ACs. I doesn't work out well for me. I would have a lot of overconfidence errors if I do that a lot. For me, if the question is very cookie cutter, absolutely no trick, and the answer choice is saying exactly my prephrase and absolutely no trick, only then would I just pick that answer choice and move. Trick comes from detail. Always be super careful. Pay attention to details!
• georgiannajd2b Member

  May 2020 65 karma

  @jugolo96 and @DINOSAUR thank you both so much, you both actually answered exactly what I wanted to know. Great advice b/c I wasn't very feeling comfortable finding the answer and moving on to try to increase speed, but I will use the "exact paraphrase or read all" tip.