How to practice verbal everyday if there isn't enough good material?

[katniss09]

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[fritolays08]

I think this is a pretty common problem. There are multiple versions of the PRHL workbook but those are pretty costly and don't think that you want to break your bank over a few VR workbooks. Does reading a lot of research papers or scientific literature help? I've seen mixed reviews on how much help outside reading has on VR improvement

 

[DoctorWhoo]

1) Find random articles online
2) Speed Read
3) Summarize the article
4) Ask what message the author was trying to get across
5) Re-read the article more carefully and re-evaluate your summary and interpretation

Verbal is the hardest section to systematically approach, but this exercise is good practice in highlighting the kinds of details you tend to skim over when speed reading. In addition, this reinforces active reading as a habit rather than something you have to consciously think about during the test.
-Whoo?

 

[bea524]

I think this is a pretty common problem. There are multiple versions of the PRHL workbook but those are pretty costly and don't think that you want to break your bank over a few VR workbooks. Does reading a lot of research papers or scientific literature help? I've seen mixed reviews on how much help outside reading has on VR improvement

Are you sure about this? Do the different versions of the TPRH Verbal Workbooks have different passages?

 

[bea524]

Also, TPRH Verbal Workbook is definitely the best VR resource out there, but if that has been exhausted perhaps you might give the TPR ICC a try.

 

[fritolays08]

Are you sure about this? Do the different versions of the TPRH Verbal Workbooks have different passages?

I have heard that they have different versions, but no clue if they are different passages. But I would assume that the 2011 version would be different from the 2012 version...I am using the 2011 version now. I just wish they have more practice in it. I paid $180 for it!!!

 

[mathwhiz09]

I have heard that they have different versions, but no clue if they are different passages. But I would assume that the 2011 version would be different from the 2012 version...I am using the 2011 version now. I just wish they have more practice in it. I paid $180 for it!!!

There are no major differences in the TPR Verbal Workbook over the past couple of years, as in no brand new passages. 2010, 2011, and 2012 are very similar. I haven't seen the 2013 yet. With each new year it seems like they simply correct typos and update some answer choices to better fit the mold of the actual MCAT (vague, confusing, tricky). They also released a "Verbal Reasoning Supplement" packet last year that is essentially a rand new 80ish additional pages of Verbal practice, almost like a bonus chapter or 2 that was added but simply not put into the Verbal Workbook.

In terms of answering the OPs question, though, keep in mind that simply practicing Verbal passages every day isn't the only key to success. You need to also study questions you're missing, and perfect your time and pacing within a full section and within each passage. And that's different for everyone. Just doing it each day without studying what you've missed is a huge mistake. So if you're looking to split it up methodically, give yourself some time to work on Verbal passages for the first time (as in on one day), and then give some additional time to study both the things that you missed but also questions you may have answered correctly but weren't confident about, felt like you were guessing. Don't talk yourself into the right answer...instead, see that you answered it wrong (you could even mark right/wrong on Day 1; then go back and review on Day 2 so you've forgotten what the right answer was!) and work backwards to pick a different answer, and try to figure out what led you to pick the wrong answer in the first place so you don't make that same mistake again. Figure out what works for you as you're going. Good luck!

 

[starfar]

There's PLENTY of good material.. I'm using TBR Verbal, TPRH, and EK and at btw 4-7 passages a day I don't even think I'll be through with it all by my June 20 test date! I guess it depends on how far out you're starting

 

[fritolays08]

There's PLENTY of good material.. I'm using TBR Verbal, TPRH, and EK and at btw 4-7 passages a day I don't even think I'll be through with it all by my June 20 test date! I guess it depends on how far out you're starting

I heard TBR verbal is pretty bad though

 

[Back 5]

I'm not sure how you could run out of passages. We are talking hundreds of passages between TPR, EK, AAMC.

If you complete 7 passages a day + spend time reviewing each question to figure out why you got the question wrong...there is plenty of practice to be had.

 

[starfar]

I heard TBR verbal is pretty bad though

Not sure where you heard that.. SN2ed recommends it as a part of his "Breaking Down the MCAT" schedule.. so it must not be THAT sucky..

 

[Howisbabbyformd]

Not sure where you heard that.. SN2ed recommends it as a part of his "Breaking Down the MCAT" schedule.. so it must not be THAT sucky..

I have it, it's not bad at all.