Passage organization, author attitude, inference, and common wrong-answer patterns.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the main idea of a passage?
Show answer
The central claim or most important point the author makes in the passage.- What is the primary purpose of a passage?
Show answer
The author's reason for writing it, such as to inform, persuade, criticize, or explain.- Name five common passage structures in GMAT Reading.
Show answer
Compare/contrast, problem/solution, cause/effect, chronological, and position with counterargument.- How do you distinguish a detail from a main point?
Show answer
Main points answer why the author wrote the passage; details support them but are not central to the passage's purpose.- What do transition words like 'however' and 'because' indicate?
Show answer
The logical relationship between ideas, such as contrast, addition, cause, consequence, or emphasis.- What is the typical function of an opening sentence?
Show answer
It introduces the main topic or sets up the passage's central issue.- What is the typical function of a concluding sentence?
Show answer
It restates or reinforces the main idea, or draws a consequence from the evidence presented.- What is the scope of a passage?
Show answer
The boundaries of what the passage covers, including what it discusses and what it does not address.- How do you identify the function of a middle paragraph?
Show answer
It typically supports, develops, or provides evidence for the main idea established earlier.- Where does the author usually place the strongest evidence for the main point?
Show answer
Throughout the passage, but most concentrated in paragraphs between the opening and conclusion.- What language indicates a positive tone in a passage?
Show answer
Words expressing approval, admiration, enthusiasm, or support of the subject.- How do you recognize a neutral tone?
Show answer
The author avoids judgment words and presents information factually without clear approval or disapproval.- What language indicates a skeptical or doubtful tone?
Show answer
Words like 'questionable,' 'arguably,' 'purportedly,' 'allegedly,' or 'may suggest.'- What language indicates an author is confident in a claim?
Show answer
Strong assertions like 'clearly,' 'undeniably,' 'obviously,' 'definitively,' or 'certainly.'- How do you recognize a critical or disapproving tone?
Show answer
Words expressing fault or weakness; notice which views the author supports or criticizes.
FlashKeepers