Should I read the stem for every question?

[marcnash]

Hi,

Does the stem ever present more information required to solve the question that is not included in the stimulus? Is it always safe and enough quickly glance over the question stem for keywords such as "weaken, strengthen, paradox, ..." and modifers like "not, except, ...." ?

The only reason I would consider doing that is to save time; even though I don't really much trouble with the time constraint in LR section thanks to the bible efficient methods, but it's more to maintain the argument in my head when analyzing the answers while maintain the least distraction between the argument and the answer choices.

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi Marc,

Yes, you should absolutely read the stem for every question, though you should ideally do it after you've read the stimulus. As you point out yourself, sometimes it can be difficult to focus on both the stimulus and the stem - especially when the argument in the stimulus has a more complicated structure. Logically, it makes more sense to read the passage about which you'll be asked a question, not the other way around. Not to mention that sometimes the stem will reference elements mentioned in the stimulus: Method-AP questions, for instance, will ask you to identify the function of an argument part, which would make little sense if you didn't read the argument first. Occasionally, the stem may even contain the conclusion of an argument whose premises were outlined in the stimulus (e.g., "If it is concluded from the information above that..., which one of the following would be most important to answer in evaluating the strength of that conclusion?")

Admittedly, for some students reading the stem first makes it easier to focus on the relevant information. Personally, I've found that this approach only makes the easy questions slightly easier; the opposite effect occurs with higher-level questions. That said, if you're wondering if you might benefit from this alternative approach to LR, there is no harm in trying it out on a few sections and see if your speed and accuracy are effected either way.

Hope this helps a bit!