Best Strategies

• Double check every answer for first 10 questions

• Do not leave any question unfinished
• Know the time
• Proper use of scratch paper

Math
• A through study of fundamentals then basic concepts then developing ability
to apply these concepts
• You need to find the quick way to solve rather than best way
• Familiarize yourself with multiple ways to solve a problem

Data sufficiency
• Do not assume
• Don’t carry previous question info to next question (carry over effect)
• Know how to solve multiple ways use shortcuts, guess intelligently

Verbal
• Tests deeper understanding of concepts rather than rules
• Read quickly and understand
• Most students who do well in verbal have a good vocabulary

Reading comprehension
• Read quickly and take short notes
• Take advantage of outside knowledge
• Take advantage of inside information
• Find answers in some cases without reading the passage

Trigger word (that changes the direction of the passage)

But / although (even though) / However / Yet / Despite (in spite of) / Nevertheless
Nonetheless / Except / While / Unless / On the other hand.

Continuing the same thought words

In addition/ by the same token/ likewise/ similarly/ this/ thus

How to pick an Indisputable answer choice:

Usually / Sometimes / May / Can / Some / Most.

How to avoid a Disputable answer choice:

Always/ Must/ Everybody / All / Complete/ Never

Specific, strong statements are often wrong. Vague, wimpy statements are often correct
 Critical Reasoning
• At the first make a diagram (short notes)
• Use clues, analyze and basic structure of the passages
• Use process of elimination
• Do not skim

Look for conclusion /premises

Premise, premise, premise, then conclusion
Or
Conclusion….premise, premise, premise

Signposts to understand the conclusion

Therefore, Hence, Thus, So, Indicates that

Look for statement that cannot stand alone

Premise (signpost)
Since, Because, In view of, Given that, For, For example, Due to, Owing to, in that

Look for scope

• Answer choice that goes too far
• Answer choice is out of the scope of the argument

Assumption questions
• It is never stated in the passage
• It supports the conclusion of the passage
• It frequently turns on the gaps of logic
Ex: causes for an effect

Strengthen the argument

• Best answer will strengthen the argument with new information

• Answer choice that comes straight from the passage is wrong
• The new information will support the conclusion

Weaken the argument

• Deals with unstated premises and logical gap
• It should weaken the conclusion of the passage
• It frequently trades on the gaps of logic

Inference questions
These questions concern the premise not the conclusion