GRE RC: Structure-Based Questions

The video lesson and the theory that follows give you a quick recap of our Mind Map Approach for RC, help you understand how to use it for structure-based GRE reading comprehension questions, and then apply it to GRE-style questions with representative answer choices so you gain first-hand experience. Take your time, pause the video to apply the approach yourself, study each explanation carefully, and by the end, grasp how to apply the Mind Map Approach to structure-based reading comprehension and carry the learning forward into your GRE practice exercises, GRE sectional practice, and GRE full-length practice tests.

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Recap of the Mind Map Approach for RC

In the last lesson, we learnt the Mind Map Approach for solving all GRE reading comprehension questions. This lesson builds directly on that learning. A part of our GRE prep course online, the Mind Map Approach has helped tens of thousands of students worldwide since 2008, and with proper understanding and practice, it helps you approach GRE reading comprehension in a methodical way that supports both accuracy and pace.

Summary: Mind-Map Approach (MMA) for attempting all GRE RC

Before we delve deeper, here is a quick recap of the Mind Map Approach –

Start by skimming the first byte of the passage, meaning one logical piece you can process in one look, without focusing on details. Ask yourself what this byte does and keep your takeaway short. Skim the next byte, ask the same question, and keep its takeaway short as well. Then link the takeaways from the two bytes, and repeat this process for each new byte to build a clear mind map. Finally, read the question and eliminate wrong answer choices using a grid.

Using the Mind Map Approach for Solving Structure Based GRE RC Questions

The 3 broad categories of GRE RC questions

GRE reading comprehension questions broadly fall into three categories: structure-based, fact-based, and inference-based. The Mind Map Approach helps you in solving all three. In this lesson, we focus on applying the Mind Map Approach to structure-based reading comprehension questions. This Mind Map Approach works especially well here because structure-based questions deal with the structure of the complete passage or a specific part of it. The mind-map you build makes the structure of the paragraph and its components clear and you generally do not need to go back to the passage, since the mind-map itself stays sufficient for answering this question type.

GRE-Style Structure-Based RC Practice Question

Below is a snapshot of the GRE style structure based Reading Comprehension question discussed in the video, along with the Mind Map approach used to solve it and the Mind Map created for the passage.

GRE RC question

Correct Answer: A

For a detailed explanation of this question, please refer to the video presented earlier on this page.

Following is a step-wise written explanation, using our Mind Map Approach…

Step 1 and 2: First Byte

Byte: “Can we consider Carl Sagan a remarkable scientist? One’s immediate reaction may be to dismiss this question as superfluous.”
- What it did: It raised a question regarding the standing of Carl Sagan as a scientist.

Step 3 and 4: Subsequent Bytes

Second Byte: “A gifted astronomer… key role in understanding the atmosphere of Venus… search for extraterrestrial life… widely recognized… advocate for science education.”
- What it did: It developed a case for YES by listing his scientific contributions and achievements.
Third Byte: “However… incongruent with his standing among scientists… unwilling to group him alongside say, Ghez or Drake… liaison between the sciences, rather than specializing.”
- What it did: It developed a case for NO by presenting the perspective of other scientists who viewed him more as a communicator than a specialist.

Step 5: Read the Question

Question: Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

Step 6: Eliminate

A. A description is questioned, and factors in favor of and against its validity are discussed.
(Keep: This matches the “Question -> Yes -> No” flow).

B. An opinion is questioned, undermined, and ultimately dismissed.
(Eliminate: The passage does not dismiss the opinion; it presents a balanced view).

C. An assertion is made, questioned, and then justified.
(Eliminate: The passage ends on a skeptical note rather than a justification).

D. A question is asked, and definitive proof is provided in favor of a certain answer.
(Eliminate: No definitive proof or final answer is provided).

E. A doubt is raised; an answer is then proposed and found to be deficient.
(Eliminate: The passage explores two sides rather than labeling one as deficient).

Correct Answer: A