VR-type/experimental passages in PS and BS

[The Brown Knight]

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I struggle with VR, so my strategy in tackling the VR-type (i.e. primarily reading comprehension)/experimental based passages in the sciences is to just do them last and leave lot of time for them. While I'd get most of them right, I always end up feeling unsure/depressed about them and want a better strategy for tackling them. What do you recommend? My approach is to mark in my head what info is located where in the passage and return accordingly, though I've sometimes overlooked obvious info in text/graphs for some AAMC BS sections.
Also, what's a good source of passages for these? I've been using TBR Bio, Kaplan Science Topic tests, and doing/redoing the advanced passages only in TPRH SW.

 

[NextStepTutor_3]

For practice passages, the Kaplan topical tests are great (for bio and physics especially, but even the ochem ones are outstanding, and they are usually heavily based on passage info). Since you have the science workbook as well, I'd advise mainly using passages from there (not just the advanced ones). One thing to note: the majority of SW passages are based on passage info, but the explanations tend to say something like "you should just know ____." Try doing a few passages from each section and really focus on what the text/figures give you, as opposed to relying on outside knowledge. One good exercise is to take a passage or two and pretend you don't know anything about the topic at all. Of course, this would be absurd to do on the exam, but it actually helps force you to dig into the passage, and you'll start to pick up patterns as to where important info tends to be located.

In general? In experiment-based bio passages, pay attention to graphs above all else. There will be plenty of times where you don't even use a given figure or diagram, but graphs will be asked about in the questions without fail. Ask yourself 1) what variables are on the axes? and 2) what relationship does this show? before you even reach the questions. And one last thing that helps a ton: verbal practice! I know it can be tough, but in-depth analysis of even a few verbal passages really does help with the sciences as well.

 

[The Brown Knight]

Hi, thanks; this is really helpful.
I've finished most of the TPRH SW, which is why I'm redoing the harder ones.
I was actually thinking about trying what you said about pretending not knowing the content to work on information extraction skills.
And does the in-depth verbal analysis pretty much involve breaking the passage down into its constituent arguments, evidence, and opinions?