Today’s GMAT tip comes from Kaplan. In this article, Kaplan GMAT instructor Bret Ruber provides some advice on what to do when you encounter a dense science passage on the Reading Comprehension section:
When a reading comprehension screen appears on test day, most test-takers go through a quick succession of thoughts. “Business passages I can handle. History passages are all right too. Even a social science passage would be ok. But, please, do not be a science passage on biology, chemistry or physics!”
Unfortunately for such test-takers, almost half of the passages will be on either physical or biological sciences and these passages can be quite dense. So, what should a test-taker do upon encountering such a passage?
First off, do not panic. Read through the passage in the same manner as any other passage. You may need to reread pieces of it, but keep in mind that you are reading for overall themes and the author’s viewpoint, not for specific details.
If the passage contains technical vocabulary, with which you are not familiar, check to see if the words are defined within the passage itself; there is a good chance they are. If the words are not explicitly defined in the passage, you can usually determine their meaning from context.
Always remember that the GMAT is not testing your knowledge of specific subjects, but rather is testing your ability to pick up the information that the author is imparting. A lack of previous knowledge is expected and answers to the questions can always be found somewhere in the passage. In fact, previous knowledge of a topic can be a hindrance on the GMAT, as students must completely disregard it on test day and answer the questions only based on the information in the passage. If a student has knowledge that conflicts with the information in the passage, this can be especially difficult.
So, remember, when encountering a dense science passage on the GMAT, the answer is in the passage. You just need to find it.
For more information on Kaplan, download Clear Admit’s independent guide to the leading test preparation companies here. This FREE guide includes coupons for discounts on test prep services at ten different firms!
Read the full article: GMAT Tip: Dealing with Dense Science Passages