Celebrity English | Test-Taking Tips

The computer-based formats of the GMAT and the GRE are similar. Each test usually contains 2-4 reading comprehension passages with 3-4 associated questions apiece. When the computer presents a reading comprehension question, the screen will split vertically; the passage will be on the left side of the screen, and the questions will appear on the right side of the screen. One question will be displayed at a time. It will most likely be necessary to scroll vertically when reading the passage and when looking for information necessary to answer the questions. The top of the left panel will display the number of questions associated with the passage.

Keep these tips in mind as you approach the reading comprehension questions on the GMAT:

1. Read the first question before reading the passage. Do not read the answers to this question, but do read the question to get an idea of what to look for as you read the passage.
2. Put the excerpts into context. When a question refers to text on a certain line (or lines), be sure to read the text that comes before and after the excerpt. Sometimes the answer cannot be determined from simply reading the sentence (or sentences) in the excerpt.
   
3. Choose a main point or purpose that is not too broad or too specific. If you are asked to choose the main point or purpose of the passage, read each option carefully to determine not only whether it makes sense, but also whether it is too broad or too specific. You can be certain that one of the choices will be much too general and that another will focus on a detail mentioned in the text rather than on the entire text. A helpful tactic is to reread the first paragraph and the first sentence of subsequent paragraphs to get a better sense of what the whole piece is about.
4. Think about inferences. An author may imply something without actually saying it. You will be asked to infer the meaning of the text. The answer will not be directly stated in the passage. Think about the main point or purpose of the passage. This information may help you extract meaning from the text.
5. Pay attention to negatives. If you are asked to choose an answer that does NOT support the author’s argument or to respond to a question that contains “EXCEPT,” read each answer and ask yourself, “Is this true?” If it is, eliminate that choice.
6. Turn the Roman numeral items into true/false questions. When you are presented with a question that asks which of three items (numbered with Roman numerals) are correct, treat each item as a true/false question. Read each item and decide whether it is true or false and use your scrap paper to record the Roman numeral of correct items. Then look at the five answers to see which combination of “true” items is correct.