Verbal- skim or read every word?

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I love EK so far, but I have my doubts about their verbal strategy. In particular, I am doubtful about their assertion that reading speeds don't matter and that one needs to read every single word of every single passage at a normal speed.

Tried doing that and while I didn't go back to the passage very often, I still got many questions wrong. What's ironic is that I almost ran out of time toward the end, so I had to skim one passage and answer the questions by going back to the passage from time to time. I only got one question wrong from THAT passage which I skimmed!

I think when I read every word, sometimes I get bogged down in the details and start losing track of the main idea. So by the time I get around to looking at the questions, my mind is filled with all kinds of superfluous fluff. Plus, certain question stems/answer choices have a way of calling forth false themes found in the unnecessary details of the passage.

It seems far easier to me to skim for the main gist of the passage and then to go back as needed depending on the question. Thoughts? Experiences?

 

[.surgical.]

I really don't think I could accurately answer the questions based on a skim, but then again the April 12th exam had insanely long passages. Had I trained myself to skim, it may have proved a valuable skill as time was running out.

Just practice practice practice... as many different ways that you can. The right way for you will emerge in your scores.

 

[merlinwall]

I don't know how I could possibly answer the questions without giving myself a good 3-3.5 minutes per passage. It takes time to metabolize all the info/trends.

My verbal score leaped upwards when I started being able to anticipate the questions just from reading the passage. After you do enough passages (most of the AAMC practice, and about half the EK 101 verbal ones) you'll notice that what you highlight is exactly where the answers are when you answer the questions... look for trends stated in the passage... If brick builder wages have steadily declined from the 19th century into the 20th century despite consistent workload-- highlight it, so when you're asked-- Inferring from the passage, modern day brick builders would most likely feel 1) rationally disgruntled 2) considerably confident or 3) unfairly compensated... you can look straight back and say-- from skimming I might have put (1) because the passage was about how hard it is to be a mason, but the trend stated in the passage points exactly at (3)-- 3's the answer.... (sorry for the crappy example, but you know what I mean!)

 

[meddoc1]

Well, I have the same problem too, verbal is the hardest section for me. I have been trying out this new method which is basically for people who normally don't have enough time to finish the verbal section.
First you read at the maximum speed. I don't know your definition of skiming. For me I will read very fast(which is still slow compared to native speaker) but everyword.
I find reading the question before hand helps cos it give me a slight idea of what I am reading about.
I normally don't have enough time to write out a summary or time line. Does anyone do that anyway????
If you are people like me who tends to over analyse the problem, I will just keep working without looking back to the passage if I have no idea where I can find the answer. Then I mark the question. If I have time, I will go back later. I know it doesn't sound like a great idea. But remember, this is for ppl who are realy realy lack of time for verbal.
Well, I cannot say this method work a hundred % anyway but its worth a try. Might work for you.
🙄