Master the skill of comparing specific points made by each author. This includes analyzing how they use evidence, what assumptions they make, and how they would likely respond to each other's specific arguments.
What is the difference between comparing the passages' main ideas and comparing their specific claims?
Comparing main ideas is about the overall relationship (e.g., they agree/disagree). Comparing specific claims focuses on smaller, individual points or pieces of evidence within their arguments, which may or may not align with their overall stance.
What is an author's "underlying assumption"?
An underlying assumption is an unstated belief that the author must hold to make their argument. It's a foundational idea that the argument takes for granted.
How do you identify an author's underlying assumption?
Look for a logical gap between the evidence presented and the conclusion drawn. The assumption is the missing piece of logic that connects them.
How should you approach a question that asks, "How would the author of Passage 2 most likely respond to the claim in Passage 1 that..."?
First, identify the specific claim from Passage 1. Then, find the part of Passage 2 that addresses the same sub-topic. Use the opinion, tone, and evidence from Passage 2 to infer the author's reaction.
What does it mean for two authors to use the same piece of evidence to support different conclusions?
This occurs when authors interpret the same fact or data point differently. For example, a statistic showing a 10% unemployment rate could be interpreted as 'high' by one author and 'improving' by another.
How do you identify a specific point of agreement between two authors who largely disagree?
Scan both passages for the same keyword or concept. Even if their overall conclusions differ, they might agree on a foundational fact, a definition, or the importance of the issue.
How do you identify a specific point of disagreement between two authors who largely agree?
Look for qualifying words ('however,' 'but,' 'although') or areas where one author discusses a limitation or exception to the other's broader point. They may agree on the goal but disagree on the method.
What is the function of a question asking what both authors "fail to consider"?
This type of question requires you to identify a limitation or a gap in the arguments of both passages. You must find a relevant idea or factor that is absent from both discussions.
A question asks what both passages "emphasize." What should you look for?
Look for a theme, concept, or piece of evidence that is central to the argument in both texts. It's a point of shared focus, even if their conclusions about it differ.
How would you characterize the evidence used by each author (e.g., statistical, anecdotal, historical)?
Analyze the types of support used. One author may rely on data and research (statistical), while another uses personal stories (anecdotal) or references past events (historical). This difference in evidence is a key point of comparison.
What is 'anecdotal evidence' and what is its role?
Anecdotal evidence is based on personal stories or isolated examples rather than systematic research. It can make an argument more relatable and emotionally compelling but is generally considered less rigorous than scientific data.
What is 'empirical evidence'?
Empirical evidence is information acquired through observation and experimentation. In test passages, this often refers to scientific studies, data, statistics, and research findings.
If Passage 1 is theoretical and Passage 2 is practical, what does that mean?
Passage 1 likely discusses abstract ideas, concepts, and models. Passage 2 likely discusses the real-world application, implementation, or tangible results of those ideas.
How do you compare the 'scope' of two passages?
Determine how broad or narrow each author's focus is. One might discuss a topic globally and over centuries (broad scope), while the other focuses on a single case study in one year (narrow scope).
Why might a question ask about a specific word or phrase used by one author?
Such questions test your ability to understand how word choice reveals an author's tone, opinion, or specific intent in that part of the argument. You must analyze the word in context.
