How to get rid of a bad CR habit?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
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<p>I’m normally really good at English- scored a 5 on the AP Literature exam and consistently get the highest marks in class.</p>

<p>However, I do have a difficult time reaching that 700+ (I come close with 690) on critical reading. I want to get at least a 750+!</p>

<p>I find that my trouble resides most in the fact that I tend to over-analyze, pouring over all the answer choices and trying to justify it in the most absurd way possible, to the point where I convince myself that it’s the right answer, even if it’s not. </p>

<p>It’s definitely hurting me, because the process to finding the right answer could be right in front of me and very simple, but I use the whole context of the passage and reread it over and over again just to justify. </p>

<p>Any tips how to stop doing this? Because I know the CR questions are pretty straightforward, but I just trick myself into thinking that there’s all this complexity behind the thought process, but there’s not.
Thanks!</p>

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<p>I find that my trouble resides most in the fact that I tend to over-analyze, pouring [I think you mean “poring.”] over all the answer choices and trying to justify it in the most absurd way possible, to the point where I convince myself that it’s the right answer, even if it’s not.</p>

<p>If I could see one of your AP style analysis essays, I could probably identify the problem.</p>

<p>Aside from that, I think you’ve answered your own question. You asked…</p>

<p>Any tips how to stop doing this?</p>

<p>It’s not my intention to sound like a smart ***, but the answer is to just stop doing it.</p>

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<p>look for the answer supported DIRECTLY by the text. even when it says to infer, it’s usually pretty straightforward</p>

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<p>@jkjeremy
This was one of the essays I wrote last year for the practice SAT- was one of my first essays so it’s not that polished, but all my AP Lit essays were written by hand so…
Prompt: Does having too many choices hurt us?</p>

<p>Response:
Having a variety of choices enables free thinking to experiment and promotes freedom. Using one simple solution for a multitude of problems poses challenges because every situation is different. In the cases of 1984, the creation of the Constitution, and Mao Zedong’s rule over China, options led to greater prosperity and stability. </p>

<p>In the novel 1984 by George Orwell, Winston lives in a society that is extremely controlling with the rule of communism. Propaganda posters intimated every individual to adopt the government’s views and the police frequently arrested those accused of disobedient behavior. The drone of life with no human interaction or female relationships case Winston to rebel against the government because he wanted more to life. Instead of getting love and happiness, Winston was tortured by the government and never rebelled again. Therefore, the lack of alternatives and options forced Winston to obey the government, even if he and many others disagreed with it.</p>

<p>In contrast of Winston’s obstinate government, the U.S. government benefited from having many options to choose from. When creating the Constitution, the framers decided democracy over the European absolute monarchy and this decision established a strong political system. Many people were able to voice their inputs, and the Anti federalists pushed for a Bill of Rights. The plethora of choices allows experimentation and improvement, rather than a stagnant government. The democracy ideal gave all citizens the right to vote and participate in government, preventing rebellions or conflicts from unsatisfied individuals. Thus, the creation of the Constitution illustrates the positive results of having choices.</p>

<p>Unlike the U.S. democratic government, the Chinese government in the 20th century was communist and ruled by Mao Zedong. To revive the Chinese economy, Mao underwent the Five Year Plan which was a complete failure. Famine was rampant and many farmers suffered from Mao’s implementation. Since Mao’s word was absolute, no one could oppose or criticize his proposals. The cultural revolution signified another regression of the Chinese government, as the crackdown at Tienanmen Square generated much hatred toward the government. People vied for change and an alternative to mao’s government, proving that inherently, people want more choices.</p>

<p>Choices give individuals the freedom to decide on their own what will best represent their interests. More options can open up scopes and usher in improvement, while the lack of choices can suppress change.</p>

<p>I know you didn’t mean to be rude, but I just need help lol. I know that my question may seem contradictory and pointless, but I do struggle with it, so I do appreciate any constructive criticism or even tips to just improve my CR score overall. Not “Just stop doing it.”</p>

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<p>Yeah I totally know to your overanalyzing and trying to justify every answer choice. And you’re right it isn’t a matter of just “stop doing it”. The most important thing to do is choose the answer that is explicitly backed up by the passage. Play devil’s advocate and eliminate answer choices that aren’t stated directly so in the passage. However, there are questions that ask you to make inferences about the author or narrator from the passage, but if you’re good at analysis I think you’ll do fine with those.</p>

<p>Check out this link if you haven’t already. I found it really helpful:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/750399-how-attack-sat-critical-reading-section-effectively.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/750399-how-attack-sat-critical-reading-section-effectively.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>If you are bored, push your finger alongside with the text. It’ll help keep you focused and it has helped me loads!!</p>