Reading Comprehension Questions
Reading Comprehension questions show up in sets of 2-3, in a panel on the right-hand side of the computer screen. The accompanying passage is shown in a panel on the left-hand side of the screen. There may be 3-5 passages in total on the test, of various lengths, and across multiple domains, such as geology, anthropology, sociology, and, of course, business.
WHAT IS TESTED ON RC?
Every GMAT verbal question tests diction, syntax, and logic. Unlike SC and CR questions, RC questions scale up to test these topics with a great weight on logic, as well as the ability to change focus. Thus, they can be the most difficult of the 3 questions types on the verbal section. At the 600-level of study, you'll do well just to acquaint yourself with jargon from multiple disciplines, and to read the question first, before going too deeply into the passage text. If you are still working to break into the 600 level, focus on an efficient reading program, so that you can know more quickly where in the passage to find specific details.
RC TIME CONSTRAINTS
Naturally the RC questions require the most time. There are effective strategies to shorten the time required, but unfortunately these are strategies, not tricks. There is no substitute for a good vocabulary, effective reading skills, and an appreciation for logical structure. If you find yourself short on time, you'll need to pay special attention to this section, to avoid dramatic negative effects on your performance elsewhere.
SKIPPING QUESTIONS
Since the adaptive test algorithm is adjusting itself to your performance, it will not allow you to literally skip questions, or to go back and revise your answers to previous questions. You may ask yourself, What should I do when I can't answer one of the questions? As a final resort, choose a random answer, just to move the algorithm forward and avoid tanking the entire test. In fact, you can assume that the test already has a good estimate of your final score, so that any one particular question is not that important. Skipping it - by choosing a random answer - won't make a big difference to your score, provided you return to your baseline performance on the next questions.