Definition: Modifiers are words or phrases that supply additional information about other words or phrases.
Example: The word "only" can change the meaning of a sentence (e.g., "There are only two classes of meteorites" vs. "Meteorites are often classified between primitive and differentiated").
Types of Modifiers:
Extreme Modifiers: Words like "always" or "never" make statements too strong. In academia, things are rarely certain.
Frequency Modifiers: Words like "usually," "sometimes," "almost always" can convey uncertainty.
Degree Modifiers: Words like "some," "most," and "almost all" can change the meaning of sentences significantly.
Caution: Be alert to modifiers that can make incorrect choices appear correct.
Tip 2: Remember the Question Location
Test Format: Questions are numbered and linked to specific paragraphs.
Strategy: Look at the previous question to determine where to find the next answer. Answers often follow the previous question in the same paragraph.
Caveat: Not all answers will be directly after the previous question; sometimes reading the entire paragraph is necessary.
Tip 3: Identify Question Types
Types of Questions:
Factual information (what is X?)
Negative factual information (what is NOT correct?)
Inference questions (not the same as factual)
Other Types: Rhetorical purpose, sentence simplification, insert text, reference, summary, fill in the table.
Note: Some question types (e.g., reference questions) are rare on the actual test.
Tip 4: Narrow Your Focus and Limit Keywords
Focus on Keywords: Keywords (nouns, verbs, adjectives) provide essential information that helps in finding answers faster.
Active Reading: Use keywords to trigger active reading strategies and improve comprehension.
Efficiency: Concentrating on keywords allows for quicker identification of relevant information.
Tip 5: Eliminate Before You Answer
Elimination Strategy: Narrow down choices to improve the odds of selecting the correct answer (from 25% to 33% or 50%).
Be Careful: Ensure that while eliminating, you do not remove the correct choice. Look at all options before deciding.
Tip 6: Practice with the Same Test More Than Once
Repetition: Taking the same practice test multiple times reinforces learning and identifies areas for improvement.
Timing: Space out practice tests for best retention and learning.
Tip 7: Manage Your Time
Time Allocation: Consider each passage to take 18 minutes, with a target to complete questions at 10-minute intervals.
Example: By 10 minutes, aim to be on question 6; by 15 minutes, question 9; finish all questions by the 35-minute mark.
Tip 8: Explain Your Answers
Post-Exam Analysis: Review why certain choices were correct or incorrect, enhancing understanding of the material.
Use Answer Keys: Reference provided answer keys to gain insights into your mistakes.
Tip 9: Identify Reasons for Incorrect Answers
Common Reasons:
Misreading the question
Confusing question types (e.g., factual vs. inference)
Difficulty with vocabulary or grammar
Tip 10: Choose the Right Time and Place to Study
Recommended Time: Studying in the morning when the mind is fresh tends to yield better results.
Personal Preference: However, understand your own productive times and study when you feel most focused.
Additional Tip: Seek Professional Support
Resources: Consider getting help from experienced teachers if you are struggling with study materials or understanding test content.