MCAT Verbal

Mastering reading comprehension and critical analysis for the MCAT Verbal section.

Advanced Topics

Navigating Complex Text Structures

Understanding Passage Organization

MCAT passages vary from narrative to analytical, with complex structures like compare/contrast, cause/effect, and chronological order.

Strategies for Mapping Structure

  • Identify headings and transitions: These guide you through the author’s logic.
  • Outline the passage: Break it into sections and note the function of each.
  • Watch for digressions: Authors often include side notes or examples to clarify points.

Real-World Application

Doctors, lawyers, and scientists often encounter dense, structured documents—knowing how to map them is a key professional skill.

Examples

  • Noticing a passage shifts from presenting a problem to discussing solutions.

  • Identifying when an author alternates between two viewpoints using signal words.

In a Nutshell

Recognize and adapt to the passage’s structure to unlock its meaning.