Read a Strategy Session

Reading

Topic: Reading Comprehension
Strategy Used: Active Reading

The best test-takers use a strategic plan for attacking passages and questions in an aggressive, energetic, and critical way. Working this way pays off because it's the kind of pragmatic and efficient approach that the GRE rewards.

The strategy of attacking the opening paragraph entails being an active reader. This means thinking about what you're reading, paraphrasing the complicated parts, determining the topic, scope, and passage structure, the author's purpose voice, and asking yourself questions about the passage.

Consider the following example

The following is the first sentence of a passage:

The great migration of European intellectuals to the United States in the second quarter of the twentieth century prompted a transmutation in the character of Western social thought.

Now, ask yourself: What's the topic? The migration of European intellectuals to the United States in the second quarter of the twentieth century. That's clear. Second, what's the scope? Well, the passage looks as if it will discuss the effects of this migration on social thought.

By quickly determining the topic and scope while reading, we can easily deduce why the author is writing and notice the structure of what will follow. Actively reading passages can save a considerable amount of time once you get to the questions.

Mathematics

Topic: Mathematics
Strategy Used: Picking Numbers

Sometimes you can get stuck on a math question just because it's too general or abstract. A good way to get a handle on such a question is to bring it down to earth and make it more explicit by temporarily substituting particular numbers. This "picking numbers" strategy works particularly well with word problems that contain variables.

Consider the following example

When n is divided by 14, the remainder is 10. What is the remainder when n is divided by 7?

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5

Rather than try to think this one through abstractly, it's easier for most people simply to pick a number for n. You should pick a number for n that leaves a remainder of 10 when divided by 14. (When picking a number on a remainder problem, add the remainder to the number you're dividing by and pick that number.) The easiest strategy is to pick n=24 (because 14 + 10=24). Now try your number out: 24 divided by 7 = 3 with remainder of 3. Thus the answer is (C).

Writing

Topic: Writing – Essay Question
Strategy Used: Writing for Points

Following the instructions is critical to doing well on CBEST essays. Free-form brilliance or stream-of-consciousness has not generally been rewarded by CBEST essay-graders. Here are some basic strategies to help you write clear, concise, and effective (i.e. high-scoring) essays:

Top Essay-Writing Strategies

1. Before you begin to write, outline your essay. Good organization is vital to your score.
2. Vary the structure of your sentences. Graders will appreciate it.
3. Use transitional phrases like first, therefore, since and for example, so that the readers can recognize the structured argument.
4. Use synonyms for important terms. For example, if your essay is about promoting a product, include synonyms for the word "promotion": advertising, marketing, publicity, etc. Also include pertinent examples of promotional campaigns.
5. Proofread your work. Save enough time to allow for one final read through of the entire essay. Have a sense of the errors you are likely to make, and seek to find and correct them.
6. Keep sight of your goal. Your goal isn't to become a prize-winning stylist. Write a solid essay and move on. Write well enough to address the topic and demonstrate that you can write. Remember, essay graders aren't looking for rhetorical flourishes, they're looking for effective expression. Express your ideas clearly and simply, and you'll be well on your way to success.