RC Section

[laurasmith]

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I was wondering if you have any suggestions about how to improve my RC score. I got a 15 on the RC section and I will be taking the DAT again in nov.
How should I study for it?
In the DAT Should I read the passage or the question first?

 

[Typo]

Definitely read the passage first. What you want to do is get down a system of using your scratch paper to map out the passage so that you can accurately find answers when you get to the question.

Write down the paragraph number, and then write down a key topic word or phrase (the shorter the better). You might want to jot down a word or phrase or two more, but be careful not to write too much because it can eat up your time. Avoid jotting down details that you can just jump back and find with a good topic word.

The key is to practice enough that you are fairly confident in this system. In my opinion, going straight to the questions could be disastrous because if it doesn't work right, you'll get flustered and will end up stressing over time and will get even more flustered. This'll make it tough to focus. Try practicing the key word method.

Good luck!

 

[DrTacoElf]

Read passage quickly and take note of where stuff is (don't memorize details). Also it helps to pull the main idea. Then go to questions. Practice by reading anything quickly (i did this each and every day).

 

[LissDentist]

I got a 20 on the RC section and found it very easy if you do this: make sure that you only spend 20 minutes on each section (there are 3) regardless if one passage is longer then the other. Read all the questions for the 1st passage 1st. Then skim the article for the framiliar words. The questions about what the author might think or title an article, I saved for the very end if I had time. I figure if you get those 1-2 wrong and the rest correct you're in good shape. I wound up having 3 extra minutes at the very end. Good luck

 

[DrTacoElf]

Yep the 20 Minute rule is very good 🙂

 

[lnn2]

Definitely read the passage first. What you want to do is get down a system of using your scratch paper to map out the passage so that you can accurately find answers when you get to the question.

Write down the paragraph number, and then write down a key topic word or phrase (the shorter the better). You might want to jot down a word or phrase or two more, but be careful not to write too much because it can eat up your time. Avoid jotting down details that you can just jump back and find with a good topic word.

The key is to practice enough that you are fairly confident in this system. In my opinion, going straight to the questions could be disastrous because if it doesn't work right, you'll get flustered and will end up stressing over time and will get even more flustered. This'll make it tough to focus. Try practicing the key word method.

Good luck!

I agree 100% 👍 Very good advice 👍 That was exactly what I did, my RC was 20. If I remember it right, Kaplan book has very good tips on RC and Hole punching.

 

[Typo]

By the way, using the method I outlined above I scored a 26 on Reading Comprehension. I tell you this not to brag, but to show you why I feel it's so effective. Like lnn2 said, it's the nuts and bolts of Kaplan's method as well. Using that method allowed me to practice RC until I had the system down pat, and then to forget about it and spend more time on higher-yield activities such as studying for the Biology or Chemistry sections. Since you can't prepare for the material you're going to see, it serves you to master the method and then spend your time elsewhere.

Use whatever works for you, though! I'm sure there are people who have scored higher than I did on RC who read the questions first. This method just happens to be very tried-and-true.

 

[C_dent]

Much to my surprise, the reading comprehension section was by far my best section on the dat...i got a 27, and my next highest section was a 22. For me the test was all about focus. Just read the whole passage before you answer the questions- don't worry about hurrying, but be sure to keep moving forward. (In other words, don't reread anything.) Also, as other people have said, don't worry about memorizing details, you can look those up later as needed.

Just relax and focus and you'll do great. I'm honestly not a very fast reader, but I had plenty of time for the test. Just don't get hung up on the details.

Good luck.