Verbal Timing

[GMBA85]

I am consistently scoring 35 in the VA Section. I am consistently able to finish the section fifteen minutes before the time.

Could you please suggest how could I utilize this time and get a higher score?

[StaceyKoprince]

Sure. Slow down. :)

Take a look at the data to see where you're moving too quickly. SC should average around 1.5 min. CR should average around 2. RC should average 3-5 for the first question (depending on length of passage) and 1.5 to 2 for remaining questions.

So, if you tend to move to quickly on certain types or sub-types, start by slowing down a little and being more thorough. Below are some ideas about how to be more thorough.

For all types:
Track your thought process on your scrap paper. Have three consistent symbols: (1) this is wrong (I use an X), (2) I'm not sure (I use a horizontal squiggle), and (3) this is right (I use a check mark). Write ABCDE on your scrap paper and, underneath, make a symbol for every single answer choice, even if you think you've already found the right one before you get to choice E. (And, obviously, assess each choice - don't just make random symbols!)

SC:
- be able to articulate at least one concrete reason why each wrong answer is wrong
- once you choose an answer, re-read the original sentence with your choice substituted in (just to make sure)

CR:
- jot down (using abbreviations / serious shorthand) the argument's conclusion (if it has one)
- be able to articulate why the wrong answers are wrong, not just that they are wrong
- make sure that the right answer passes whatever the "right answer test" is for that question sub-type (eg, for draw a conclusion questions, the right answer has to be 100% true according to the info in the passage; you should not have to make any assumptions, however minor, in "concluding" that choice)

RC:
- jot down (using abbreviations / serious shorthand) the main point of each paragraph (and label by paragraph number)
- jot down the overall point of the entire thing (or, if the overall point is the main point of one of the paragraphs, then just label that paragraph as "the point" or "TP")
- be able to articulate why the wrong answers are wrong, not just that they are wrong
- for specific questions, make sure to find the proof sentence (typically one, sometimes two) in the passage that proves the correct answer; you should be able to point to it on the screen
make sure that the right answer passes whatever the "right answer test" is for that question sub-type (eg, inference questions on RC follow the same rule that draw a conclusion questions follow on CR)