I am scoring consistently in the LR and LG sections of my PT's, usually -3 total for LR and -0 for LG save some dumb mistakes on occasion that have diminished now that my timing is doing amazing after drilling nearly all LG for 1-38.
BUT- my reading comp just isn't improving nor is it consistent. Sometimes I do pretty well, like -2,-3 and other times I ruin my entire score with like an -8. I am just looking for any guidance that any of you used that led to improvement. Timing and accuracy are both issues for me, I can't seem to get a good internal clock for RC and regularly run out of time.
I know that practice, practice, practice is key but any specific strategies are welcome. I just ordered the Trainer solely for the reading comp lessons because Im that desperate.
Like I said, any tips or strategies that helped you are welcome.
Comments
Tbh, all these methods -- and i've read all of them -- help to a degree but you need to find what works for YOU. Marking up a passage IMO absolute god awful waste of time, aside from the MP designation(s). While you're paraphrasing the small paragraphs in the passage on the margins it takes away from the flow of your read, which is beyond CRITICAL in comprehension. 75%-80% of the information in the passage is worthless, so why get bogged down in details. A friend of mine suggested a golden ticket, and it's worked wonders for me. HIGHLIGHTER baby. As the trainer notes, "let the main points right the way!" So I keep it simple, when the author expresses his view on an issue i'll highlight the introductory line where he/she is about to explain his stance... but I wont highlight the details. Same goes for the critics or any other viewpoint(s) in the passage. If a particular group of people or study is mentioned I'll highlight the line that introduces that discussion, but refrain from highlighting the details of the studies or group of people. I'll also highlight words that are defined by the passage, but I wont highlight the actual definition, just as I highlight the sentences that introduce examples for a respective viewpoint, but I won't highlight the actual details of examples. The less you highlight, the better. You get the point..
In doing so, you'll have a much clearer visual interpretation of both structure and content within a read. By not writing in margins you keep your eyes focused on the read and it's easier to remember where things are when your eyes aren't floating around the page as you scribble less-than-ideal summaries of paragraphs. I was SHOCKED to see how efficient this model is, so many question's arise where I already have the text highlighted needed for the answer. Mind you, I've only employed this method for about a month and half and it's insane how much better I am now. I cant promise this will work for everyone, but it sure as hell works for me. Good Luck! And if anyone has any other strategies I'd love to hear them as well!
Also, I just got the Trainer and started the RC lessons, and I am feeling like its going to be a big help.