Verbal Reasoning: Tips For Success On the surface, Verbal Reasoning seems straightforward: read a passage and answer questions. However, it’s more complex due to time constraints and lengthy texts. Here are sixteen key tips for success:
1. Use the Keyword Technique:
Avoid reading the entire passage. Instead, read the first two lines and the question. Identify a specific keyword from the question (e.g., dates, numbers, capitalized words). Scan the passage for this keyword and read the surrounding sentences to find the answer.
2. Identify Extreme Language:
Recognize extreme language (e.g., “always,” “never”) to make educated guesses. These are often false. Mild language (e.g., “may,” “sometimes”) is more likely to be true. Use this to your advantage, especially in “True, False, Can’t Tell” questions.
3. Don’t Miss True, False, Can’t Tell Questions:
These questions are quicker to answer since they require evaluating only one statement. Don’t spend too long on other questions at the expense of these quicker ones. Prioritize quick “True, False, Can’t Tell” questions to maximize your score.
4. Don’t Skip Around Too Much:
Skipping back and forth can waste time and confuse your pacing. Try to follow a linear approach.
5. For Author Questions, Check the Conclusion First:
Look at the last paragraph for the author’s main point or conclusion. This can save time in understanding the author’s opinion.
6. Guessing Author Questions:
Verbal Reasoning Author questions can be lengthy and time-consuming. If you find yourself pressed for time, these questions might be the best ones to guess. The Verbal Reasoning section is challenging because of the strict time limits, making it difficult to answer every question thoroughly. It’s more practical to acknowledge that you might not finish all questions. Therefore, if you struggle with timing, consider making educated guesses on author questions. This approach allows you to allocate more time to other questions that might be easier or quicker to answer.
7. Watch Out for ‘Strongest Opinion’ Author Questions
When asked for the author’s strongest opinion, look for the statement that the author agrees with most strongly. These questions require careful evaluation as all options might be true, but one will be the most strongly supported.
8. Watch Out for Negative Questions
Negative questions (e.g., “which of these is NOT true”) require special attention. First, recognize the negative wording. Then, identify the statement that contradicts or is not mentioned in the passage.
9. Don’t Spend Too Long Checking
Time management is crucial. Avoid spending too much time double-checking answers. If you find a correct statement among multiple options, move on without verifying all other statements unless you have significant doubts.
10. Practice in a Library
Simulate exam conditions by practicing in a library. This helps you get used to the exam environment with distractions like those at the testing centre, and older desktop PCs like those used in exams.
11. Work on a Screen
Practice reading on a screen, as the actual exam will be computer-based. Avoid highlighting texts in books; instead, get used to extracting information from a screen to mimic the test conditions.
12. Beware of Time Traps
Some questions are designed to be time-consuming. Recognize these and make an educated guess, if necessary, then move on to avoid wasting time on difficult questions that can cost you easier marks.
13. Prepare Yourself Mentally
This is the first section of the exam, so be mentally prepared. Avoid perfectionism; checking answers excessively can waste precious time. Trust your preparation and move forward confidently.
14. Work on Skim Reading
Skim reading is essential for identifying keywords quickly. Practice this skill by doing more verbal reasoning questions rather than unrelated reading material like newspapers.
15. Use the Flagging Function
Use the flagging function to mark questions you are unsure about and revisit them if time permits. However, always make an educated guess before flagging to avoid unanswered questions.
16. Consider Operational Time
Efficiency is key. Avoid unnecessary actions like writing down keywords on your whiteboard. This can waste valuable time. Focus on quickly extracting and processing information to manage your time effectively.
Bonus: Verbal Reasoning Needs Confidence
The final tip for Verbal Reasoning is to trust in yourself. The answers in this section might not always be clear-cut and often require some degree of inference. If you have a gut feeling about an answer but can’t find explicit support in the text, go with your intuition. You can review your answers if time permits, but trusting your instincts can save valuable time during the test.
Remember, there is no negative marking in any section, so don’t leave any questions unanswered. Even a random guess gives you a chance to score points.
FAQs
What is Verbal Reasoning?
Verbal Reasoning assesses a candidate’s ability to comprehend and evaluate information from written passages.
How many questions are in the Verbal Reasoning section?
The section contains 25-30 questions.
What are some tips for success in the Verbal Reasoning section?
Key tips include reading the passage thoroughly, focusing on main ideas, using keywords to locate important information, and practicing with sample questions.
What should I do if I encounter difficult passages or questions?
Stay calm, take a deep breath, and re-read the passage if needed. Eliminate obviously incorrect answers and make an educated guess if you’re uncertain.
Should I spend more time on difficult questions in the Verbal Reasoning section?
Effective time management is crucial. Don’t spend too much time on tough questions. Make an educated guess and move on.
How can I improve my reading speed for the Verbal Reasoning section?
Practice reading articles on various topics to gradually increase your reading speed and track your progress.
How important is the Verbal Reasoning section?
It’s a vital part of the exam, testing essential skills for the secondary school, such as critical thinking, reasoning, and comprehension.