MCAT Verbal

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

Active Reading SkillsIdentifying Main Ideas and DetailsUnderstanding Author’s Tone and Purpose
Analyzing Arguments and Logical ReasoningDrawing Inferences and ImplicationsNavigating Complex Text Structures
Reading Scientific and Humanities PassagesInterpreting Graphs and Data in PassagesApplying Verbal Reasoning to Everyday Life
Timing and Pacing TechniquesElimination and Guessing StrategiesPre-Reading and Passage Mapping
Active Reading Skill...Identifying Main Ide...Understanding Author...Analyzing Arguments ...Drawing Inferences a...Navigating Complex T...Reading Scientific a...Interpreting Graphs ...Applying Verbal Reas...Timing and Pacing Te...Elimination and Gues...Pre-Reading and Pass...
Study Strategies

Pre-Reading and Passage Mapping

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.