Do we need to take Notes on CARS?

[btttbgfr34]

The review course that I attended, told us to summarize each paragraph. Does anyone take notes on the paragraphs? I feel like the time is so limited that one would barely finish the passage,let alone the notes.

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[workaholic181]

Try both and do the one that works for you. I think itd be risky and did not take notes but ti each his own.

 

[curvesetter]

The review course that I attended, told us to summarize each paragraph. Does anyone take notes on the paragraphs? I feel like the time is so limited that one would barely finish the passage,let alone the notes.

Summarizing each paragraph to track the main idea and it’s shifting nuances throughout the passage is a great idea. I agree with your concerns on time, so I’d recommend starting with paper for practice. As you get more comfortable with this method, you’ll be able to summarize quickly in your head and move on.

 

[FutureDoc06141]

I started doing it on my first two practice tests and didn't like it. It felt like a waste of time for me as I would always be rushing to finish the section because I took a more slow/methodical approach to reading the passages. Stopped doing it and saw my scores for the section go from 125ish to 129-130 on future practice tests. Find out what works for you, there's no universally "correct" way to approach CARS or the test as a whole.

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

I heard this too and I did it for like 3 FL’s and it didn’t go well. Do it only if it helps

 

[NextStepTutor_1]

As others have said, try it out and see how it goes. A lot of different processes are compatible with high-level CARS success, so it's all about trying it out and seeing how it works, keeping in mind that you might have to stick with a new way of doing things for a little while to get past that initial discomfort that comes from new things.

I'd also add that your choice of strategy may be passage-dependent. For example, in bio/biochem, students who don't like taking notes in general might find it useful to jot down some quick notes about how pathways are logically related in alphabet-soup biochem passages. Similarly, you might find that taking notes in CARS might help more with passages that are initially very confusing or on a topic you don't like, because note-taking forces you to concentrate, but it might not be as necessary with passages that flow more easily. Keep experimenting and you'll find a good rhythm!

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

Since the CARS passages aren't that long, I try to read the whole thing as fast as I can (Im a pretty good reader) and get about 75-80% retention just for the purpose of remembering where everything is mentioned then go back to it as the question calls up a point. You may say it takes long to find that but that takes practice and I didn't take long reading the passage in the first place.

 

[btttbgfr34]

Thank you all !!