In recent articles, we’ve talked about how to read RC passages and we’ve also discussed how to analyze an RC practice problem when we’re studying. (I recommend reading those articles before you read this, if you haven’t already.)

Today, we’re going to do another question from the Language Power passage (follow the link for the passage!), and we’re going to analyze that question using the how to analyze a problem process. If you haven’t already read this passage (or if it has been a while since you read it), go take a look at the Language Power article first. Give yourself roughly 3 minutes to read through the passage and take notes (not much time!), then read the rest of that article.

Okay, finally, you can get started on this article! Below is the full text of the passage followed by the question (© ManhattanPrep).

Sarah Meyers McGinty, in her new book Power Talk: Using Language to Build Authority and Influence, argues that while the simple lingual act of declaring power does not help a powerless person gain influence, well-considered linguistic techniques and maneuvers do. McGinty does not dispute the importance of factors such as expertise and ability in determining stature, but argues persuasively that these power determinants amount to little in a person unable to communicate effectively. Many surveys have shown that the ability to communicate effectively is the characteristic judged by managers to be most critical in determining promotability in the workplace or an academic environment.

McGinty divides speech into two categories: “language from the center” and “language from the edge”. In McGinty’s words, “Language from the center makes a speaker sound like a leader. McGinty suggests that language from the center is not only for those in high positions of power, but also for those of lower ranks who wish to gain more power and credibility. A speaker using language from the center exhibits the following characteristics: he directs rather than responds; he makes statements rather than asks questions; he contradicts, argues, and disagrees; he uses his experience persuasively; and he maintains an air of impersonality in the workplace. McGinty suggests that the use of language from the center can alter or create a new balance of power. These assertions are supported by studies that show that people accept leadership from those they perceive to be experts.

Language from the edge stands in stark contrast to language from the center. Language from the edge is careful, exploratory, and inquiring. It is inclusive, deferential, and collaborative. A speaker using language from the edge responds rather than directs; asks questions; strives to make others feel heard and protected; and avoids argument. The main purpose of language from the center is to claim authority for a speaker, while language from the edge strives to build consensus and trust. McGinty argues that true power comes from a deep understanding of when to use which style and the ability to use both as necessary.

What distinguishes McGinty’s discussion of effective communication is her focus on communication skills as a way of gaining power; this contrasts with most workplace communication theory, which focuses on communication skills as a way of preventing misunderstandings, avoiding conflict, and fostering interpersonal relationships. McGinty, however, holds that language not only helps maintain relationships but also lends authority. According to Power Talk, effective communication skill is an understanding of how situation shapes speech and how speech shapes situation and an understanding of how speech styles and the forces that affect those styles . . . can build your authority, and enhance your credibility and impact.

According to the passage, McGinty believes that ineffective communication can undermine which of the following power determinants?

(A) experience

(B) stature

(C) expertise

(D) an air of impersonality

(E) confidence

The first thing everybody does is check the answer “ but I’m not going to tell you what it is till later. : )

Now we’re going to analyze our work. I’ve reproduced the questions from the How To Analyze article below, but in a shorter form. I’ve followed the questions with italicized notes. These italics represent what I would think to myself when analyzing this problem.

Note: I’m going to pretend that I chose answer choice D (so I got it wrong!).

1. Did I know WHAT they were trying to test?

Questions: Was I able to categorize this question? Did I comprehend all the words, vocab, concepts, and answer choices? Do I know what I’m supposed to do for questions of this type?

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Each week, we post a new Challenge Problem for you to attempt. If you submit the correct answer, you will be entered into that week’s drawing for two free Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides.

x and y are positive integers such that 3^x y² = 432.

Quantity A
3^x

Quantity B
y²

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Catch up on your graduate school tips and news with some of this week’s top articles:

How to Strengthen Your Graduate School Application (Happy Schools Blog)

Read about the various elements of the graduate school application and learn how to construct your best application package.

15 Essential Things To Do Before Starting Grad School (USA Today College)

Your summer before grad school should not be an intense one. USA Today College has 15 things you should do to fill the time.

What’s the Role of GPA in Graduate School Admissions? (About.com Graduate School)

Read more

Check out the last sentence of this article about a pit bull attack:

Note that, in the top sentence captured above, the pit bull is “vicious.”

In the last line, it is “viscous.” NOT THE SAME WORD.

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Each week, we post a new Challenge Problem for you to attempt. If you submit the correct answer, you will be entered into that week’s drawing for two free Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides.

A solid metal cylinder was dropped into a cylindrical glass originally holding 200Ï€ centimeters3 of water. If the metal cylinder has a radius of 3 centimeters and height of 7 centimeters, and is completely submerged in the water, by what percent did the water level in the glass rise? (Assume the metal is non-porous, so the resulting water and metal volume equals the original water volume plus the metal cylinder volume.)

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If you’ve been feeling frustrated with the abstruse, opaque, even occult charts and tables on the GRE’s Data Interpretation section, you might find this amusing.

Click to enlarge.

To practice GRE charts and tables for real, see:

• Three sample questions with explanations, directly from ETS
• Data Interpretation is Really About Reading Carefully (Well, That and Percents!)
• GRE Data Interpretation for Hipsters

In recent articles, we’ve talked about how to read RC passages and we’ve also discussed how to analyze an RC practice problem when we’re studying. (If you haven’t already read those articles, you may want to do so before you continue with this article.)

Today, we’re going to do another question from the Language Power passage that we reviewed in a previous article, and we’re going to analyze that question using the how to analyze a problem process. If you haven’t already read this passage (or if it has been a while since you read it), go take a look at the Language Power article first (linked in the first sentence of this paragraph). Give yourself roughly 3 minutes to read through the passage and take notes, then read the rest of that article.

Okay, finally, you can get started on this article! Below is the full text of the passage followed by the question (© ManhattanPrep).

Sarah Meyers McGinty, in her new book Power Talk: Using Language to Build Authority and Influence, argues that while the simple lingual act of declaring power does not help a powerless person gain influence, well-considered linguistic techniques and maneuvers do. McGinty does not dispute the importance of factors such as expertise and ability in determining stature, but argues persuasively that these power determinants amount to little in a person unable to communicate effectively. Many surveys have shown that the ability to communicate effectively is the characteristic judged by managers to be most critical in determining promotability in the workplace or an academic environment.

McGinty divides speech into two categories: “language from the center” and “language from the edge”. In McGinty’s words, “Language from the center makes a speaker sound like a leader. McGinty suggests that language from the center is not only for those in high positions of power, but also for those of lower ranks who wish to gain more power and credibility. A speaker using language from the center exhibits the following characteristics: he directs rather than responds; he makes statements rather than asks questions; he contradicts, argues, and disagrees; he uses his experience persuasively; and he maintains an air of impersonality in the workplace. McGinty suggests that the use of language from the center can alter or create a new balance of power. These assertions are supported by studies that show that people accept leadership from those they perceive to be experts.

Language from the edge stands in stark contrast to language from the center. Language from the edge is careful, exploratory, and inquiring. It is inclusive, deferential, and collaborative. A speaker using language from the edge responds rather than directs; asks questions; strives to make others feel heard and protected; and avoids argument. The main purpose of language from the center is to claim authority for a speaker, while language from the edge strives to build consensus and trust. McGinty argues that true power comes from a deep understanding of when to use which style and the ability to use both as necessary.

What distinguishes McGinty’s discussion of effective communication is her focus on communication skills as a way of gaining power; this contrasts with most workplace communication theory, which focuses on communication skills as a way of preventing misunderstandings, avoiding conflict, and fostering interpersonal relationships. McGinty, however, holds that language not only helps maintain relationships but also lends authority. According to Power Talk, effective communication skill is an understanding of how situation shapes speech and how speech shapes situation and an understanding of how speech styles and the forces that affect those styles . . . can build your authority, and enhance your credibility and impact.

And here’s the problem; give yourself about 1 minute to answer it.

The third paragraph suggests that McGinty would be most likely to agree with which of the following?

(A) Language from the center is more effective than language from the edge.

(B) Managers who use language from the edge are not authoritative.

(C) Powerful people are both authoritative and inclusive.

(D) A person using both language from the center and language from the edge will develop true power.

(E) People who use language from the center have difficulty building consensus.

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Grammarly.com claims to be the world’s most accurate online grammar checker. Interesting!

Fortunately, grammar is not tested on the GRE (as it is on the SAT and GMAT). However, Grammarly’s Facebook page is full of (that is, replete with) vocab learning and other word fun.

Do you know the meanings of agog, voracious, loquacious, frolicsome, tortuousness, and indelicate? Check out these explanations, then try a GRE problem at the bottom of the post.

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Take a break from studying and catch up on some of this week’s top articles!

The GRE Tests Give Students More Options than Ever (NewsUSA)

The GRE revised General Test now provides more options and opportunities for test takers. Check out the five reasons why there’s never been a better time to take the GRE revised General Test.

Tips for College: Finding the Right Grad School for YOU (Jobs & Hire)

Jobs & Hire has some great tips to keep in mind if you’re trying to find the right grad school for you.

6 Tips for International Graduate Students Enrolling This Fall (U.S. News Education)

Learn how to adjust to studying in the United States as soon as you get to campus.

Where Will the Money Come From? (Inside Higher Ed)

At a roundtable discussion, research officers discuss the future of federally funded research — and the growth of technology transfer and an emphasis on entrepreneurship at their institutions.

Did you know that you can attend the first session of any of our online or in-person GRE courses absolutely free? We’re not kidding! Check out our upcoming courses here.

The Blog as GRE Prep Guide

A student recently had a great idea for an article: how to use the blog as a GRE prep guide. There are so many articles—where should you start and what should you do? This article contains a lot of practical advice along with many links to additional resources. Follow the links! Read more