Infer Meaning PDF

Sentence Correction
SC2
Infer Meaning
How to extract meaning from incorrectly written sentences?
© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

Prerequisites for the session
• 1.1 SC1 Live Session
• 1.2 SC1 Post Work
• 1.3 Foundations of GMAT Grammar
• 1.5 Roles of Verb-ing Words
✓ Practice Strategic Pausing method to extract meaning
✓ Understand the basics of GMAT grammar.
Integrated Study Plan
Also, make sure that you download integrated study plans for the entire batch here
Goals of this session
To demonstrate that using SP

method, one can extract To instill the rigor of asking
meaning from incorrectly “does this make sense?”.
written sentences as well.

Do you believe that without focusing on meaning,
you cannot ace Sentence Correction?
Yes No

Are you convinced that actively reading the sentence by strategically
pausing is the way to understand meaning of a sentence?
Yes No

So, let’s embark on this journey together to our destination
– becoming a skilled active reader.
Let’s chart our path and set some expectations for

this journey!!!

Learning path - expectations
Analyze Revise
Learning

Analyze Revise
1. strategically pause,
1. Where did you falter?
2. create sentence structure,
2. What did you find unusual?
3. extract meaning.

Analyze Revise & absorb Analyze Revise & absorb Analyze

1st set of 3 sentences learning 2nd set of 3 sentences learning 3rd set of 3 sentences
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
1. strategically pause, 1. Where did you falter? • Implementing the • Implementing the
2. create sentence 2. What did you find learnings from your learnings from
structure, unusual? revision in step 2 your revision in
3. extract meaning. steps 2 & 4
Time per
sentence
Avg 3 2 <1
case minutes minutes minutes
Absolutely 5 3 <2
acceptable minutes minutes minutes
case

Number of
questions
Step 1 3
Questions
Step 3
6
Questions
Step 5
9
Questions
Time per
sentence
Avg 3 2 <1
case minutes minutes minutes
Absolutely 5 3 <2
acceptable minutes minutes minutes
case

Why is it an iterative process?
1 2 3
You see a sentence structure You revise and you register that
You falter.
that you are not familiar with. unfamiliar sentence structure.

Why is it an iterative process?
4 5 6
Next time you see, you will In essence, you are wiring And good news – sentence
not falter. your brain. structures repeat!!!

Much like the process of
tying a shoelace!!!

Tie your shoelace
It’s so confusing
Tying your shoes when you were younger took thought and effort.
Step # 1 Loop the laces and pull tight Step # 1 Use Pause Points and Active reading
Step # 2 Make a loop (bunny ear) and wrap Step # 2 Stop at each sentence chunk and wrap
around / repeat with other lace your mind around each component
Step # 3 Pull both loops (bunny ears) tight Step # 3 Pull all components together to assess
logical meaning.
Step # 4 Double knot (optional) Step # 4 Create visual image out of all components
Now you tie your shoes without thinking. The same will be the
process of applying the practice of meaning analysis.
The destination!
1. Original sentence or Choice A analysis – 30 – 40 seconds

• Including meaning and error identification
• Steps 1 and 2
2. Answer choice analysis – 20 – 30 seconds

• Utilizing the analysis done for choice A

We are in this journey together!!!
1 We have created these sets for you.
✓ Access them from your course.

✓ SC 2 Assessment
2 Do this exercise up front so that you do not have to struggle later.
✓ Let’s wire your brain and get it used to

decoding these sentence structures!

Get Ready for
Sentence #1

Instructions
1. Read the sentence carefully, strategically pausing at the appropriate points.

2. Understand the meaning of each part and assimilate the meaning as you read the
next parts.
3. Summarize the meaning in your own words, generating a list of aspects that you
gather from the sentence.

Sentence #1 – Pulsar
Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by
graduate student Jocelyn Bell, it had not been announced until February, 1968.

Based on your understanding of this sentence, answer the questions in this section.
There are 4 questions in this section.

Sentence #1 – Pulsar – Question 1
Q. When was the pulsar discovered?
1. In February 1968
2. In summer of 1967
3. Don’t know

Q. Who discovered the pulsar?
1. Graduate student named Jocelyn Bell
2. A graduate student who was not named Jocelyn Bell
3. Don’t know

Q. What was announced in February 1968?
1. A collapsed star that spins rapidly
2. A pulsar
3. The fact that the first pulsar was discovered
4. Nothing was announced.

graduate student Jocelyn Bell, it had not been announced until February 1968.
Q. What is the contrast that the author wants to express?
1. JB discovered it but the announcement was made by someone else.
2. The discovery was made in summer of 1967, but it was announced about eight months later.
3. Pulsar is a collapsed star but spins rapidly.
4. The pulsar was discovered but the excitement was curbed for eight months.

Sentence #1 – Pulsar – All Answers
Q. When was the pulsar discovered? Q. Who discovered the pulsar?
1. In February 1968 1. Graduate student named Jocelyn Bell
2. In summer of 1967 2. A graduate student who was not

named Jocelyn Bell
3. Don’t know
3. Don’t know
Q. What was announced in February 1968? Q. What is the contrast that the author wants to
express?
1. JB discovered it but the announcement was made
2. A pulsar by someone else.
3. The fact that the pulsar was discovered 2. Discovery was made in 1967 summer, but it was
4. Nothing was announced. announced about 8 months later.
3. Pulsar is a collapsed star but spins rapidly.
4. The pulsar was discovered but the excitement was
curbed for eight months.
Key Takeaway
Such active reading enables you to extract all aspects

of meaning of the sentence.
- Read slowly by pausing at appropriate points.
- Assimilate the meaning by asking these

questions.

Sentence #1 – Pulsar – Meaning
• Although the first pulsar, 1. In February 1968, pulsar was

discovered.
• or rapidly spinning collapsed star,
2. Graduate student named JB
• to be sighted discovered pulsar.
3. The announcement of this
• was in the summer of 1967 discovery was made in Feb 1968.
4. Contrast stated between facts 1
• by graduate student Jocelyn Bell,
and 3.
• it had not been announced until February, 1968.

Sentence #1 – Pulsar – Grammatically Correct?
Is this sentence grammatically correct?
No
Q. What was announced in February 1968?

Pronoun reference error.
2. A pulsar
3. The fact the first pulsar was discovered Per the sentence, “it” refers to “the
first pulsar”, but that is illogical.
4. Nothing was announced.

Key Takeaway
Benefit of Active Reading = Identify grammatical errors

Based on your understanding of meaning and grammar analysis, now let’s analyze
each answer choice.
• Reject each incorrect choice on solid grounds. Review each choice actively. Utilize
cues in the choice to ask pertinent questions.
• Ensure that the correct choice communicates author’s intended meaning in

grammatically correct form.

Question #1 – Pulsar
Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate
student Jocelyn Bell, it had not been announced until February, 1968.
A. Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate
B. Although not announced until February, 1968, in the summer of 1967 graduate student Jocelyn Bell observed
the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted.
C. Although observed by graduate student Jocelyn Bell in the summer of 1967, the discovery of the first sighted
pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, had not been announced before February, 1968.
D. The first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was observed in the summer of 1967 by
graduate student Jocelyn Bell, but the discovery was not announced until February, 1968.
E. The first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, was not announced until February, 1968, while it was
observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell.

Sentence #1 – Pulsar – Choice B
1. In February 1968, pulsar was discovered.

2. Graduate student named JB discovered pulsar.
3. The announcement of this discovery was made in Feb 1968.
4. Contrast stated between facts 1 and 3.
Choice B
Although not announced until February, 1968, in the summer of 1967 graduate student Jocelyn Bell observed
Q. What was not announced until February 1968?

? In the summer of 1967
Illogical & ungrammatical
- Reject

Sentence #1 – Pulsar – Choice C

Choice C
Although observed by graduate student Jocelyn Bell in the summer of 1967, the discovery of the first sighted
Q. What was observed by JB?

? The discovery of the pulsar
Illogical
- Reject

Sentence #1 – Pulsar – Choice D

Choice D
The first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was observed in the summer of 1967 by
• The first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star,

• to be sighted Author’s intended meaning
• was observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student ✓ Communicated
Jocelyn Bell, ✓ In grammatically correct form
• but the discovery was not announced until February, 1968.

Sentence #1 – Pulsar – Choice E

Choice E
The first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, was not announced until February, 1968, while it
was observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell.
Q. What was not announced until February 1968?

? The first sighted pulsar
Illogical
- Reject

Key Takeaway
The precise understanding of the original

sentence provides you the framework for analysis
of each choice.

Question #1 – Pulsar
Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate
A. Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate
B. Although not announced until February, 1968, in the summer of 1967 graduate student Jocelyn Bell observed
C. Although observed by graduate student Jocelyn Bell in the summer of 1967, the discovery of the first sighted
D. The first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was observed in the summer of 1967 by
E. The first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, was not announced until February, 1968, while it was
observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell.

Takeaways
Actively Reading the original sentence through strategic pausing
1 2
Enables you to extract all the aspects of the Enables you to identify grammatical errors in the
meaning that the author wants to communicate. original sentence.
3
Gives you the framework to evaluate answer choices.

Get Ready for
Sentence #2

Instructions

next parts.

Sentence #2 – Hagfish
Read this sentence in 20 seconds.
Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands several
hundred times as it absorbs seawater, forming a slime ball that can coat the gills of predatory fish and
either suffocate them or distress them enough to make them flee.

Did you understand the meaning of this sentence?
Yes No

Key Takeaway
To understand the meaning of the sentence,

you need to read slowly!!!

next parts.

Sentence #2 – Hagfish

Based on your understanding of this sentence, answer the questions in this section.
Ensure that your answers are logically sound.
There are 5 questions in this section.

Sentence #2 – Hagfish – Question 1
Q. Who is threatened?
1. Hagfish
2. Slime
3. Predatory fish
4. Seawater

Q. What does hagfish do when it is threatened?
1. It secretes slime in small quantity.
2. It expands several hundred times.
3. It absorbs seawater.
4. It forms a slime ball.
5. It coats the gills of predatory fish.

Q. What expands several hundred times?
1. Hagfish
2. Slime
3. seawater

Q. What forms a slime ball?
1. Hagfish
2. Slime
3. seawater

Q. What is the contrast that the author wants to express?
1. Hagfish secretes slime when it is threatened – but – it expands 100X once it absorbs seawater.
2. Initial amount of slime is small – but – slime expands 100X.
3. Hagfish is threatened – but – It can suffocate or distress the predatory fish.

Sentence #2 – Hagfish – All Answers
Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands several hundred times
as it absorbs seawater, forming a slime ball that can coat the gills of predatory fish and either suffocate them or
distress them enough to make them flee.
Q. Who is threatened? Q. What does hagfish do when it is threatened?
1. Hagfish 1. It secretes slime in small quantity.

2. Slime 2. It expands several hundred times.
3. It absorbs seawater.
3. Predatory fish 4. It forms a slime ball.
4. Seawater 5. It coats the gills of predatory fish.
Q. What expands several Q. What forms a slime Q. What is the contrast that the author wants to express?
hundred times? 1. Hagfish secretes slime when it is threatened – but – it
ball?
1. Hagfish expands 100 once it absorbs seawater.
1. Hagfish
2. Slime 2. Initial amount of slime is small – but – slime expands
2. Slime 100X.
3. seawater
3. Seawater 3. Hagfish is threatened – but – It can suffocate or distress
the predatory fish.
Key Takeaway
Such active reading enables you to extract all aspects

of meaning of the sentence.
- Read slowly by pausing at appropriate points.
- Assimilate the meaning by asking these

questions.

Sentence #2 – Hagfish – Meaning
• Although when a hagfish is threatened, 1. When threatened, hagfish secretes

• it will secrete slime slime in small quantity.
• that is small in quantity, 2. Slime later expands 100X when it
• it expands several hundred times absorbs seawater.
• as it absorbs seawater, 3. This expanded slime becomes a
• forming a slime ball slime ball that covers the gills of
• that can predatory fish
• coat the gills of predatory fish 4. Contrast stated between facts 1
• and and 2 →
• either suffocate them • initial quantity of slime is small
• or distress them enough to make them flee. – but – later it expands 100X

Sentence #2 – Hagfish – Grammatically Correct?
Is this sentence grammatically correct? No
Q. What expands several Q. What forms a slime Q. What is the contrast that the author wants to express?
hundred times? 1. Hagfish secretes slime when it is threatened – but – it
ball?
1. Hagfish expands 100 once it absorbs seawater.
1. Hagfish
2. Slime 2. Initial amount of slime is small – but – slime expands
2. Slime 100X.
3. seawater
3. Seawater 3. Hagfish is threatened – but – It can suffocate or distress
the predatory fish.
This sentence has a grammatical error

- pronoun reference error –
that leads to illogical meaning.
Key Takeaway
Such active reading enables you to identify logical

intended meaning even when grammatical errors in
the sentence make it illogical.

Key Takeaway
While actively reading the sentence, you always should

ask “does it make sense”?
, several hundred times

Given the context of

Given the context of
the sentence, what
the sentence, does it No it does not.
makes sense?
make sense?
hagfish Slime expands

expands 100X 100X

Key Takeaway
You are author’s friend.
Your job – help your friend communicate

in a
- At times you need to infer this meaning since the

author made a huge grammatical mistake while
writing the sentence.
- From the components of the sentence!

Based on your understanding of the meaning and grammar analysis, now let’s analyze
each answer choice.
• Ensure that the correct choice communicates author’s intended meaning in


Question #2 – Hagfish
Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands several hundred
times as it absorbs seawater, forming a slime ball that can coat the gills of predatory fish and either suffocate them
or distress them enough to make them flee.
A. Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity,
B. Although a small quantity of slime is secreted by the hagfish, when threatened
C. Although, when threatened, a hagfish will secrete slime that is small in quantity,
D. Although the slime secreted by a threatened hagfish is small in quantity,
E. Although the hagfish secretes a small quantity of slime when threatened,

Sentence #2 – Hagfish – Choice B
Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands several hundred times as it absorbs
seawater, forming a slime ball that can coat the gills of predatory fish and either suffocate them or distress them enough to make
them flee.
1. When threatened, hagfish secretes slime in small quantity.

2. Slime later expands 100X when it absorbs seawater.
3. This expanded slime becomes a slime ball that covers the gills of predatory fish
4. Contrast stated between facts 1 and 2 →
• initial quantity of slime is small – but – later it expands 100X
Choice B
Although a small quantity of slime is secreted by the hagfish, when threatened it expands 100x
Q. What is threatened? – the hagfish

What expands? – the hagfish
Illogical
- Reject

Sentence #2 – Hagfish – Choice C
them flee.

Choice C
Although, when threatened, a hagfish will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands 100x

Illogical
- Reject

Sentence #2 – Hagfish – Choice D
them flee.

Choice D
Although the slime secreted by a threatened hagfish is small in quantity, it expands 100x

What expands? – the slime
Logical and Correct

Sentence #2 – Hagfish – Choice E
them flee.

Choice E
Although the hagfish secretes a small quantity of slime when threatened, it expands 100x

Illogical
- Reject

Key Takeaway

of each choice.

Question #2 – Hagfish
Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands several hundred
times as it absorbs seawater, forming a slime ball that can coat the gills of predatory fish and either suffocate them
or distress them enough to make them flee.
A. Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands 100x
B. Although a small quantity of slime is secreted by the hagfish, when threatened it expands 100x
C. Although, when threatened, a hagfish will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands 100x
D. Although the slime secreted by a threatened hagfish is small in quantity,
E. Although the hagfish secretes a small quantity of slime when threatened, it expands 100x

Takeaways
1 2
Always ask the question – “does this make sense” Using all the extracted meaning from the sentence,
– to decipher the logical meaning of the author. you should infer what the author intended to
communicate.

Get Ready for
Sentence #3

Sentence #3 – Museums
Although dozens of New York’s small museums are either devoted to local history or various ethnic
groups, there are many one-of-a-kind museums from Manhattan to the Bronx that are open for
exploration on summer weekends.

Sentence #3 – Museums – Discussion
Although dozens of New York’s small museums are either devoted to local history or various
ethnic groups, there are many one-of-a-kind museums from Manhattan to the Bronx that are open for
exploration on summer weekends.
As stated, contrast
No, there is no logical connection
Some museums Does this • Devoted to certain topics
devoted to local history
or various ethnic groups make sense? • Being open on certain days
Some museums open Thus, illogical contrast.

on summer weekends

Key Takeaway
You are author’s friend.
Your job – help your friend communicate

in
- At times you need to infer this meaning since the

author made a mistake while writing the sentence.
- From the components of the sentence!

Based on your understanding of the meaning and grammar analysis, now let’s analyze
each answer choice.
• Ensure that the correct choice communicates the author’s intended meaning in a

Sentence #3 – Museums – All Choices
Although dozens of New York’s small museums are either devoted to local history or various ethnic groups, there are many one-of-
a-kind museums from Manhattan to the Bronx that are open for exploration on summer weekends.
1. Some museums devoted to local history or various ethnic groups

2. Some museums open on summer weekends
A. Although dozens of New York’s small museums are either devoted to local history or various ethnic groups, there
are
B. Although dozens of New York’s small museums are devoted to local history or various ethnic groups,
C. Dozens of New York’s small museums are devoted to local history or various ethnic groups, but there are
D. Dozens of New York’s small museums are devoted to local history or various ethnic groups, and there are also
E. Devoted to local history or various ethnic groups, dozens of New York’s small museums and also

Sentence #3 – Museums – All Choices
Although dozens of New York’s small museums are either devoted to local history or various ethnic groups, there are many one-of-
a-kind museums from Manhattan to the Bronx that are open for exploration on summer weekends.
1. Some museums devoted to local history or various ethnic groups

2. Some museums open on summer weekends
A. Although dozens of New York’s small museums are either devoted to local history or
various ethnic groups, there are
B. Although dozens of New York’s small museums are devoted to local history or various
ethnic groups, No verb for “many one-of-a-kind museums”
C. Dozens of New York’s small museums are devoted to local history or various ethnic
groups, but there are
D. Dozens of New York’s small museums are devoted to local history or various ethnic
groups, and there are also
E. Devoted to local history or various ethnic groups, dozens of New York’s small museums
and also No verb for “dozens of NY’s small museums and many
© Copyright e-GMAT 2020 one-of-a-kind museums”
Key Takeaway

of each choice.

Takeaways
1 2
Always ask the question – “does this make sense” Using all the extracted meaning from the sentence,
– to decipher the logical meaning of the author. you should infer what the author intended to
communicate.

Conclusion
1 2 3
SP – active reading Ask – does it make sense You are author’s friend.

Next Steps
Start learning about Constructs in English language
Keeping “meaning” in the forefront

ALWAYS, do
1. SC2 Assessment
2. SV concepts as outlined in your

study plan.
Integrated Study Plan
Also, make sure that you download integrated study plans for the entire batch here
EMPOWERING DREAMS || CHANGING LIVES
- Thankyou -
Next Session
September 3, 2020
7:30 pm IST

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Sentence Correction

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

• 1.1 SC1 Live Session

• 1.2 SC1 Post Work

• 1.3 Foundations of GMAT Grammar

• 1.5 Roles of Verb-ing Words

✓ Practice Strategic Pausing method to extract meaning

✓ Understand the basics of GMAT grammar.

Integrated Study Plan

To demonstrate that using SP

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

– becoming a skilled active reader.

Let’s chart our path and set some expectations for

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

Analyze Revise & absorb Analyze Revise & absorb Analyze

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

1. Original sentence or Choice A analysis – 30 – 40 seconds

2. Answer choice analysis – 20 – 30 seconds

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

1 We have created these sets for you.

✓ Access them from your course.

2 Do this exercise up front so that you do not have to struggle later.

✓ Let’s wire your brain and get it used to

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

1. Read the sentence carefully, strategically pausing at the appropriate points.

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

Q. When was the pulsar discovered?

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

Q. Who discovered the pulsar?

1. Graduate student named Jocelyn Bell

2. A graduate student who was not named Jocelyn Bell

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

Q. What was announced in February 1968?

1. A collapsed star that spins rapidly

3. The fact that the first pulsar was discovered

4. Nothing was announced.

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

Q. What is the contrast that the author wants to express?

1. JB discovered it but the announcement was made by someone else.

3. Pulsar is a collapsed star but spins rapidly.

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

Q. When was the pulsar discovered? Q. Who discovered the pulsar?

1. In February 1968 1. Graduate student named Jocelyn Bell

2. In summer of 1967 2. A graduate student who was not

Such active reading enables you to extract all aspects

- Read slowly by pausing at appropriate points.

- Assimilate the meaning by asking these

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

• Although the first pulsar, 1. In February 1968, pulsar was

© Copyright e-GMAT 2020

Is this sentence grammatically correct?

Q. What was announced in February 1968?