Study Strategies
## Gearing Up Before You Read
Before diving into a passage, take a few seconds to preview it—glance at the
first and last lines, headings, and structure. As you read, mentally map the argument: Where does the author
present their main idea? Where are examples or counterpoints?
- **Preview structure:** Look for clues about the passage’s organization.
- **Map key points:** Note paragraph functions or argument shifts.
- **Use mapping for fast review:** It’s easier to find answers if you know where information is located.
## Beyond the
Test
Mapping skills make complex reading more manageable, both on the MCAT and in academic or professional
life.
Examples
- Noting that paragraph 2 introduces a counterargument to the main thesis.
- Remembering where a specific study is discussed for quick reference during questions.