{"id":13509,"date":"2017-02-13T07:35:47","date_gmt":"2017-02-13T12:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/grockit.com\/blog\/gmat\/?p=1492"},"modified":"2020-09-11T20:42:25","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T20:42:25","slug":"using-a-passage-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/gmat\/using-a-passage-map\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a Passage Map for GMAT Reading Comprehension"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first step of the Kaplan Reading Comprehension Method is to read the passage strategically. Kaplan students know that part of strategic reading is making notes as you move through the passage; this\u00a0passage map<\/b>\u00a0is your guide through the passage.
\n 
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How To Map a Passage<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nIn the map, note the\u00a0purpose of each paragraph<\/a>. What function does it serve? Why did the author include it? Think of a passage map as if it were directions through the material. Just as you don\u2019t want an actual map or directions to be cluttered by unnecessary details (\u201cthere\u2019s a gas station on the left, but don\u2019t turn there; turn right just past the post office that used to be a burger joint\u2026.\u201d), you don\u2019t want your trail through the passage to be cluttered by trivial details. Details are only useful if they equal points. If you need the details, you can\u00a0use your map to find your way back to them<\/b>.
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Navigate by major themes, not minor details<\/h4>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nHere\u2019s an example first paragraph:
\n\t
\t\t

\nA pioneering figure in modern sociology, French social theorist Emile Durkheim examined the effect of societal cohesion on emotional well-being. Believing that scientific methods should be applied to the study of society, Durkheim studied the levels of integration in various social formations and the impact that such cohesion had on individuals within the group. He postulated that social groups with high levels of integration serve to buffer their members from frustrations and tragedies that could otherwise lead to desperation and self-destruction. Integration, in Durkheim\u2019s view, generally arises through shared activities and values.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
\nThis paragraph provides background information about Durkheim and introduces one of his theories, which will likely be discussed in the following paragraph(s). Shorthand notes to that effect would be\u00a0all you put in\u00a0your map<\/b>: Durkheim theory.
\nDurkheim\u2019s beliefs about scientific methods, observations about levels of integration, or his postulation about particular social groups do not belong in a map; those are the details you will use the map to retrieve, should you need them.
\nThe second and third paragraphs are as follows:
\n\t

\t\t

\nDurkheim distinguished between mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity in classifying integrated groups.Mechanical solidarity\u00a0dominates in groups in which individual differences are minimized and group devotion to a common goal is high. Durkheim identified mechanical solidarity among groups with little division of labor and high degrees of cultural similarity, such as among more traditional and geographically isolated groups.
\nOrganic solidarity, in contrast, prevails in groups with high levels of individual differences, such as those with a highly specialized division of labor. In such groups, individual differences are a powerful source of connection rather than of division. Because people engage in highly differentiated ways of life, they are by necessity interdependent. In these societies, there is greater freedom from some external controls, but such freedom occurs in concert with the interdependence of individuals, not in conflict with it.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
\nEach of these paragraphs discusses one of Durkheim\u2019s classifications. Take note of any major distinctions drawn by the passage\u2019s author\u2014in this case, the distinction between two classifications.
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Locate shared assumptions<\/h4>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nJust as you should look for distinctions in Reading Comprehension, so you should also take note of comparisons and similarities drawn between different categories, themes, or topics. The final paragraph is below:
\n\t
\t\t

\nDurkheim realized that societies may take many forms and, consequently, that group allegiance can manifest itself in a variety of ways. In both types of societies outlined previously, however, Durkheim stressed that adherence to a common set of assumptions about the world was a necessary prerequisite for maintaining group integrity and avoiding social decay.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
\nIn this last paragraph, the author points out a similarity between the two classifications.\u00a0A map for the entire passage would\u00a0look like this:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \u00b61 Durkheim theory<\/li>\n
  • \u00b62 mech sol<\/li>\n
  • \u00b63 org sol<\/li>\n
  • \u00b64 both: shared assumptions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Now if you see a question that asks about mechanical solidarity, you know where to research the answer; if you see a question asking about shared assumptions, you also know where to look. Your passage map is a\u00a0simple table of contents for the passage that allows\u00a0you to locate the information you need quickly, without needing to reread and waste precious time on Test Day.
    \n 
    \n

    Passage Mapping for Question Types<\/h3>
    <\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \nNow how do you use your passage map to help you get more questions correct? The key to using your passage map is to identify which type of GMAT reading comp question you’re looking at, and knowing where to find the correct answer.
    \nLet’s review the four main GMAT Reading Comp question types:
    \n

    Detail<\/h4>
    <\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \nThese questions ask about the supporting points of the passage and are fact-based.
    \nHow to Answer<\/strong>: Identify the keywords in the Detail question and refer back to your passage map and the specific paragraph that contained the detail. Try to use your notes on that paragraph as a prediction FIRST, and only delve back into the passage if the answer choices are too narrow.
    \nExample Question<\/strong>: According to the passage, which of the following is true of copyright protection?
    \nWe know this is a detail question because of the phrase “according to the passage”. The keywords here are “copyright protection”. Look back to your passage map to identify which paragraph contained those keywords. Let’s say it was the third. BEFORE looking back into the specific lines of the passage, re-read what you wrote as the main idea of the third paragraph. Chances are, whatever point the author made about copyright protection was in support of that paragraph’s main idea. Try to use the information in your passage map as a prediction FIRST. It is often enough to help you eliminate the 4 incorrect choices. Only if absolutely necessary should you re-read the specific lines of the passage.
    \n

    Main Idea<\/h4>
    <\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \nThese questions ask about the main points of the passage and require you to understand the purpose of the passage as a whole.
    \nHow to Answer<\/strong>: The last thing you should include in your passage map is the Purpose of the passage, in your own words. Don’t allow yourself to start answering questions without it, since almost every passage will have a Main Idea question. Refer back to that part of your passage map and re-read what you wrote. Scan the answer choices and eliminate choices that are too specific or only relate to one part of the passage.
    \nExample Question<\/strong>: Which of the following statements best summarizes the main idea of this passage?
    \nThis is the classic “Main Idea” question format. Go to the bottom of your passage map where you wrote down the Purpose, and use it to eliminate answer choices. Don’t fall in love with one of the choices, even if it seems like the right answer. Always be methodical and read every answer choice. On your scratch paper, write out A through E and scratch out the choices that don’t fit the main idea. If you are left with two, choose the one that best fits the scope of the passage.
    \n

    Inference<\/h4>
    <\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \nThese questions require you to understand what is being implied.
    \nHow to Answer<\/strong>: As you read each paragraph, take notes not only on what is directly stated by the author, but also on anything he implies by his use of certain words or phrases. Look for any descriptive adjectives that will reveal the author’s opinion, and trust your own impressions. Think of a passage like a body of water. There is always much more going on beneath the surface.
    \nExample Question<\/strong>: The passage implies that family farms, compared to large-scale corporate farms…?
    \nWe know this is an Inference question because of the word “implies”. Here the keywords are “family farms” and “large-scale corporate farms”. Find where each was mentioned in your passage map. What was the author’s main point about the two types of farms? If your prediction is a little more complicated than your passage map notes, write it down BEFORE scanning the answer choices. Inference questions can be especially challenging and there may be two answer choices that are very close. Find the best match based on your prediction.
    \n
    \nThese questions ask about the author of the passage or the mood\/tone of the entire piece.
    \nHow to Answer<\/strong>: Put yourself in the author’s shoes. In your passage map, you should have taken notes on the author’s point of view throughout the passage. How does he feel about each of the topics he discusses? I like to write down a happy face or a sad face next to each new topic for easy reference! It’s okay if the author has mixed feelings too, but pay attention to his specific likes and dislikes.
    \nExample Question<\/strong>: The tone of this passage suggests that the rise of agribusiness makes the author of this passage most likely feel which of the following?
    \nThe key phrase here is “rise of agribusiness”. Go back to your passage map and locate where the author first introduced this topic. Did he reveal emotion in his use of descriptive words or phrases? If he has mixed feelings about the “rise”, what does he like and dislike? Make a prediction, writing it down if necessary, and eliminate answer choices that do not logically follow. Remember that the tone of GMAT passages will be scholarly, so you can often eliminate informal or extreme verbiage.
    \nPractice making passage maps with your scratch paper every single time, and you can handle any passage type the GMAT throws at you: science-based, social studies-based or finance-based.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The first step of the Kaplan Reading Comprehension Method is to read the passage strategically. Kaplan students know that part of strategic reading is making notes as you move through the passage; this\u00a0passage map\u00a0is your guide through the passage.   In the map, note the\u00a0purpose of each paragraph. What function does it serve? Why did […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28717,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[55],"tags":[56,84],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13509"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13509"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36018,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13509\/revisions\/36018"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}