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.