Describe approach

(Appr.)

Stems that ask us to characterize the approach the authors take in presenting their passages, often in abstract terms (e.g. "applying general principles to particular examples"). Exclusive to comparative reading passages.

Avg. 0.1 per section

“The argument described in passage A and the argument made by the author of passage B are both advanced by”

Method of reasoning or descriptive
11%
0%
33%
11%
44%

Avg. difficulty: 3.8

Correct answer criteria

  • Accurate description of the way the authors develop their arguments

Key tactics

  • Do you recall, or did you note, a common form of reasoning from the stimulus? (rule-application, phenomenon-hypothesis, generalization, analogy, cost/benefit, etc.)
  • If you can't, that's OK; not every argument uses an easy-to-describe form of reasoning

Answer choice tips

  • Be careful about answers that are extreme - wrong answers will often go beyond what the argument actually said (e.g., The second author said the first author's conclusion was "unjustified," but a wrong answer says the second author called the first author's conclusion "false.")
  • Be prepared for abstract answers - take time to match different parts of the correct answer to the stimulus. If you can't match every part of the answer to the stimulus, it's wrong

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Logical reasoning question types

Argument part Evaluate Fill in the blank Flaw or descriptive weakening Inference Main conclusion or main point Method of reasoning or descriptive Most strongly supported Must be false Must be true Necessary assumption Parallel flawed method of reasoning Parallel method of reasoning Point at issue: agree Point at issue: disagree Principle PSA - find or complete the application PSA - find the rule Resolve reconcile or explain Strengthen Sufficient assumption Weaken

Reading comprehension question types

Analogy (RC) Application Author’s attitude Author’s perspective Describe approach Describe organization Describe relationship Implied Logical continuation Main point Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Other’s perspective Principle or generalization Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Purpose of paragraph Purpose of passage Stated Structure WSE (RC)

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