Flashcard Set

GRE Verbal: Reading Comprehension

14 cards

Argument structure, inference, and every GRE Reading Comprehension question type, with strategy.

1
Term
When reading a dense academic passage on the GRE, what is the primary goal of your first pass?
Definition
To map the passage's structure (identifying transition points, key viewpoints, and the main thesis) rather than memorizing specific details.
2
Term
In argument analysis, a statement is classified as a ___ if it is used to support, justify, or prove another claim, whereas the ___ is the central claim the author wants the reader to accept.
Definition
premise | conclusion
3
Term
What is the key distinction between a passage's 'Main Idea' and its 'Primary Purpose' on the GRE?
Definition
'Main Idea' refers to the core thesis or central argument of the passage, while 'Primary Purpose' refers to the author's rhetorical goal (e.g., to reconcile, to critique, to advocate).
4
Term
In a GRE Reading Comprehension Inference question, what standard must the correct answer meet?
Definition
It must be logically supported and true based only on the explicit facts provided in the passage, requiring zero outside extrapolation.
5
Term
To determine the 'function' or 'role' of a highlighted sentence in a passage, you must analyze its relationship to ___.
Definition
the immediate preceding and succeeding sentences, as well as the author's overarching thesis.
6
Term
What is the most effective process for answering a Detail (or 'According to the Passage') question?
Definition
Identify keywords in the prompt, locate the exact sentence in the passage, paraphrase the fact, and match it to the option that says the same thing using synonyms.
7
Term
What is the 'Negation Test' used for in GRE argument-based questions?
Definition
To identify an assumption. If you negate an answer choice and the author's central conclusion falls apart, then that choice is the necessary assumption.
8
Term
To strengthen or weaken an argument, what specific logical link must your chosen answer target?
Definition
The link between the premises and the conclusion (e.g., by validating or invalidating the unstated assumption that connects them).
9
Term
On the GRE, correct answers to 'Author's Tone or Attitude' questions are rarely ___ or ___.
Definition
extreme (e.g., unconditionally hostile) | completely neutral/indifferent
10
Term
What makes a scope error (e.g., 'too broad' or 'too narrow') such an effective trap on GRE Reading Comprehension?
Definition
It contains ideas explicitly mentioned in the passage, but applies them to a larger context than supported (too broad) or focuses on a minor detail instead of the main point (too narrow).
11
Term
How should you adjust your scratch-paper strategy when tackling an 'EXCEPT' or 'NOT' question?
Definition
Write down 'A B C D E' and cross off the 4 options that are supported by the text; the remaining option without a mark is your correct answer.
12
Term
In Roman-numeral multiple-selection questions (I, II, III), what is the most efficient elimination strategy?
Definition
Evaluate the statement you are most certain about first. If statement II is definitely false, immediately eliminate all answer choices containing II.
13
Term
Visualize a passage map tracking a multi-perspective scientific debate. What three core elements must your mental layout represent?
Definition
The main scientific phenomenon/problem.

The differing viewpoints (e.g., Theory A vs. Theory B).

The author's ultimate stance on these theories.
14
Term
Why do absolute qualifiers (such as 'always,' 'never,' 'solely,' or 'uniquely') in an answer choice usually signal a wrong answer?
Definition
They are too extreme to be logically supported by the typical qualified, nuanced academic texts featured on the GRE.