Improving my weak-points

[David44357]

I have reviewed a couple practice tests and noticed specific question-types that I tend to do poorly on:
* Parallel reasoning from the Logical Reasoning section
* What is the main conclusion-type questions from the Reading Comprehension section
* The author would most likely agree with... from the Reading Comprehension section
* The Analytical Reasoning section in general

I was wondering if there was a way to easily find course materials, class sessions and practice questions related to these specific question types. For example, if the textbook is available online in a searchable format, or if you know off-hand which lessons the first three were covered in.

-David

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hey David,

Thanks for the question. It's great you've been able to isolate the question types you're struggling with the most. Here's how I would tackle each issue:

Parallel reasoning from the Logical Reasoning section

Parallel Reasoning questions are discussed in Lesson 8 of our Full-Length/Live Online coursebooks, as well as in Chapter 16 of the Logical Reasoning Bible. Make sure to consult the virtual modules on the Online Student Center under Lesson 8, as well as all the question explanations to your Homework problem sets.

What is the main conclusion-type questions from the Reading Comprehension section

You mean "Main Point" questions? That's usually the first question in any RC passage, and requires understanding the main point/conclusion of the main argument contained in the passage. This is discussed in Lessons 2 and 6 of our course, as well as in the Reading Comprehension Bible.

The author would most likely agree with... from the Reading Comprehension section

This is a modification on the Must Be True idea: you are being tested on the author's perspective regarding a given issue. The correct answer choice must pass the Fact Test, i.e. it must be provable by reference to the relevant section in the passage. Again, the basic types of RC questions are covered in Lessons 2 and 6, and also under the supplemental course materials online.

The Analytical Reasoning section in general

We discuss logic games extensively in our lessons and online. Of particular relevance will be Lessons 1 (sequencing), 3 (basic linear), 4 (adv. linear), 5-6 (grouping), 7 (combination), 9 (num. distribution and templates). Of course, all of these lessons come with virtual modules that discuss our approach to each game type. After you've exhausted all of these resources, you may benefit from consulting the Logic Games Bible and Workbook, as well as the Advanced Logic Games Course.

Let me know if this answers your question.

Thanks!

[David44357]

Thanks!

I took a few more practice tests, including the fourth and final one for which PowerScore offers analytics. I seem to be holding steady at 164, though I'm still running out of time in the analytical reasoning section.

Do you have time to take a look at my latest practice test and suggest any additional drills, reading or tips before the test?

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hey David,

I just took a look at your practice test, and indeed - while you seem to have improved considerably in both Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, your Logic Games score is still lagging. It's difficult to tell from your score report alone what seems to be the problem. Here's why: You have 100% accuracy on the first (Basic Linear) game, but that doesn't mean your approach was optimally efficient. Inversely, your accuracy on both the second and the third games (both Grouping) was considerably lower, but that could be because you were rushing and didn't spend enough time with the setup. Thankfully, the test is explained on the Student Center. Carefully compare your setups to ours, paying attention to the following:

• 1. Did you diagram your rules the way we did?
  2. Did we notice any numerical distributions that you didn't?
  3. Did we make any inferences that you failed to do?
  4. Did we approach any of these games with Templates? In fact, at least three of the games on your last test were limited solution set games, where templating the solutions ahead of time would have given you a powerful advantage. Did you do that?
  5. Did you spend too much time on a single question? You absolutely need to pace yourself, especially on the LG section.

Speaking of inferences, I suspect that your failure to complete the section is, at least in part, due to rushing at the set-up stage: you don't make the requisite inferences, and as a result spend too long answering the questions. Keep in mind that inferences typically result from: (1) combination of two or more rules; (2) limiting structural factors within the game (e.g. Numerical Distributions); (3) other inferences (aka “the domino effect”).

And here's a good article on when to consider a Templates-based approach:

How to Recognize Limited Solution Set Games

In preparation for Saturday, you may want to do some of the Logic Games drills and problem sets under Lessons 9 and 11, if you haven't already done so. You may also want to check out the virtual modules that came with your course, particularly on Grouping and Pattern Games (Lessons 5, 6, 7, and 8). Other than that, I wouldn't do much else. In fact, you may want to read the blog article I just wrote for those of you taking the February test.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes