The passages and questions
Questions may ask to explain a term from the text, to draw together details scattered throughout the text, to draw assumptions and conclusions, to infer premises, and to apply the information from the text to a hypothetical situation.
The passage should be read carefully, keeping in mind the main point of the author and distinguishing between the main point and supporting details, such as examples. In addition, the structure of the passage and the function of its parts must be kept in mind. A passage that contains an argument, for example, would also contain pieces of evidence to support the author's position.
Increase your MCAT verbal reasoning score with our success-proven MCAT verbal reasoning guide
Types of passages
Detail - This type of question requires the reader to draw together several details that are scattered throughout the text. 2) Inference - Here the reader is given a hypothetical situation and he or she must infer how the author would respond.
3) Application - A question of this type requires the reader to choose a statement that the author would be most likely to agree or disagree with, or that would strengthen or weaken his argument.
4) Logic - Here the reader must identify the function of a portion of the text or the logical relation between two elements.
Requisites / Skills
It is helpful to become acquainted with written texts that are argumentative in form, in which the author presents a position and then supports it with various arguments and pieces of evidence. To prepare, practice reading essays and editorials in newspapers and journals.
Academic texts often simply present information. Knowing the purpose, content and structure of the essay will help you to form a mental map of the text and know where to look for the answers.
Read more about:
MCAT verbal reasoning guide
MCAT practice tests