Reading Comprehension Ch 8

Dual passages definition

Dual passages, also known as Comparative Reading, consist of two passages (Passage A and Passage B) by different authors on the same or related topics, often with differing viewpoints. One dual passage set appears in every RC section, with five to eight questions, and the total length matches a single passage.

Key points for approaching dual passages

1. Apply single passage strategies (VIEWSTAMP: viewpoints, tone, argumentation, main point, structure).

2. Many prefer dual passages for balanced perspectives and simpler arguments due to shorter length.

3. Identify points of agreement (at least one or two areas of common ground) and conflict (differences in viewpoints or arguments).

Relationships between dual passages

Passage A and B are always related, with possible relationships including: general agreement, direct opposition, or complex dynamics (e.g., one outlines principles, the other applies them). No single template captures all dynamics; focus on main points, purposes, and comparing/contrasting similarities and differences.

Similarities between dual and single passages

1. Same general reading strategy.

2. Same subject matter difficulty and disciplines (humanities, social sciences, sciences, law).

3. Similar length and question count.

4. Comparable question difficulty.

5. Similar question types, with dual passages emphasizing global and relationship questions.

6. Same reading challenges and traps.

7. Questions answered based on passage information only.

8. Same diagramming methods.

Differences between dual and single passages

1. Dual passages have two related passages; single has one.

2. Dual has two authors; single has one. 3. Dual questions focus on passage relationships; single has more local questions.

4. Dual passage themes/main points shift between passages; single has consistent purpose.

5. Dual success relies on comparing/contrasting; single on structure/organization.

6. Dual passages have less complex arguments due to fewer words.

Passage diagramming for dual passages

Use the same markings and notations as single passages, but track two authors’ viewpoints, main points, etc., separately. For struggling students, create two columns on scratch paper: one for similarities (points of agreement) and one for differences (points of disagreement).

Typical placement and question count for dual passages

Dual passages typically appear third, not first, in the section and usually have 6 or 7 questions (vs. 5 or 8).

Special dual passage strategy

1. After reading Passage A, pause to organize thoughts on its content (main point, viewpoint).

2. Answer Passage A-only questions.

3. Read Passage B, understanding it alone and its relation to Passage A (similarities/differences).

4. Answer Passage B-only questions.

5. Answer relationship questions. This reduces confusion and improves accuracy.

Unique Comparative Reading question types

Two unique types: Point at Issue (identify disagreement between authors) and Point of Agreement (identify common ground). These focus on the compare-and-contrast nature of dual passages.

Point at Issue questions

A type of Must Be True question asking for a belief where authors disagree, based solely on passage information. Choose an answer where authors’ views are clearly stated and opposed. Examples: “The authors would be most likely to disagree over whether” “The authors are committed to disagreeing over whether” “The author of Passage B would take issue with which claim by Passage A?”

Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions

Common traps:

1. Ethical vs. factual mismatch (ethical issues can’t have factual answers; factual disputes can’t have ethical answers).

2. Dual agreement or disagreement (both authors agree or disagree).

3. One author’s view unknown (correct answer needs clear opposition from both).

Ethical vs. factual situations in Point at Issue

For ethical issues (e.g., moral topics like doctors disclosing terminal illness), factual answers (e.g., “Every medical school includes ethics training”) are incorrect. For factual disputes (e.g., World War I start date), ethical/interpretive answers (e.g., “Should nations go to war?”) are incorrect. Most disputes focus on interpretation, not facts.

Agree/Disagree Test

For Point at Issue questions, the correct answer must have one author saying “I agree” and the other “I disagree.” If both agree, both disagree, or one’s view is unknown, the answer is incorrect. Use to confirm a selected answer or choose between 2-3 contenders, not all choices (too time-consuming).

Point of Agreement questions

Ask for a statement both authors agree on (or both agree is incorrect). Opposite of Point at Issue. Examples: “The authors would be most likely to agree with which statement?” “Borges and the author of Passage B would agree with which statement?” “Each author would agree that if judges conduct independent research, that research...”

Agree/Agree Test

For Point of Agreement questions, the correct answer must be a statement both authors agree with (“Yes, I agree”). If both don’t agree or one’s view is unknown, the answer is incorrect. Use to confirm or choose between 2-3 contenders, not all choices.

Explicit vs. implicit beliefs

Point at Issue and Point of Agreement questions often test implied beliefs, not explicit statements, to challenge understanding. Example: “The only way to score well on the LSAT is through intensive study” implies explicit belief (intensive study required) and implicit beliefs (non-study methods insufficient).