How do people do so well on the math sections?

TutorMonster
Sun, 27 Mar 2011 08:27:31 +0000

Here’s another thought…

When taking the math sections, at each question, start with a holistic approach to the question. This has two benefits. One, it’s a big time saver when you spot what those clever devils at the ETS are actually testing, and two, it gives you a double-check on your answer.

With each math question, once you read it, ask yourself these two questions:

1) What are they asking me for?

This is a great way to sift through the extra verbiage and fluff the ETS puts in almost every question. It forces your mind to find the actual QUESTION being asked, and helps avoid the common pitfalls of the complicatedly worded question. Before you solve, before you scantron, ask yourself this question.

2) What rule are they testing here?

By asking this, many times we spot the quick, logical, mathematical solution to the problem without going through unnecessary operations and figuring. Many times if you spot the real “rule” the ETS is checking, you’ll find the questions are transparent and easily solved. For example, if they give you multiple squares, and tell you that the diagonal of one of them is 9 rad 2, you know right away “they’re testing special right triangles.” Get the idea?

Best of luck.