I need help with art history passages

[Chromatic543]

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I am so frustrated with art history passages on the CARS Q pack 1 and CARS Q pack 2. No matter how hard I try, I cannot do well on art history passages. I get lost in the details, the descriptions, and all the names they keep throwing at me.

I keep managing to get a 2/5 or 3/5 on these passages and it's driving me crazy! What should I do?!

 

[Zenabi90]

This may be a case where reading the questions before the passage may actually help you frame how you read the passage. If you get lost in the nitty gritty and it's not helping you answer the questions, reading the questions before the passage can give you a clue as to what you really need to pay attention to in the passage, what is "high yield" info.

 

[curvesetter]

I had a lot of issues with art history as well and basically lucked out on the real MCAT by getting a passage on a topic I found really interesting (street art). That basically made me realize that I only do well on them when I truly invest myself in the passage and try to have a dialogue with the writer.
Figure out a way to make yourself interested in the passage. Develop an argument against the writer and talk it out in your head. Mention what ideas you like and which you don't agree with. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the passage rather than have all the details fly over your head.
Good luck!