Best Process for Isolating Problem Question Types

[ehilliard]

Hello,

I am having consistent issues with Weaken and Assumption questions on my practice tests. I have recently reviewed both of these sections in the books and watched the online class recordings pertaining to them. I have also completed all of the specific Weaken and Assumption Homework.

What would you suggest for best ways to isolate these question types and improve? Keep taking practice LR sections? I don't feel like that is a particularly effective method and wanted to know if you had other thoughts or ideas.

Thanks!
Erin

[BethRibet]

Hi Erin,

Thanks for writing. It may help to review the overview in the books one more time, unless you feel that you've already done that exhaustively. Weaken and assumption questions often overlap -- the assumption the author is making is generally also a weakness in the argument. So anything you can start to identify about why you're having difficulty identifying assumptions, or alternately, what's working well when you are having more success in spotting them, will likely help with both areas.

Other than drilling with these question types, if you're still having trouble in a few weeks, and it's an option for you, I would look into working with a tutor, or if that's not an option, see if you can find a study group with other test-takers. Sometimes it makes a big difference to just talk the problems through.

Good luck!
Beth