What is one effective way to practice for the CARS section?

Reading diverse materials, such as essays and articles, and summarizing their key points is an effective way to practice for the CARS section because it helps develop critical reading and comprehension skills. The CARS section requires test-takers to analyze different types of texts, understand complex arguments, and identify the main ideas and supporting details. By engaging with a variety of subjects, students learn to interpret and critique different writing styles, which enhances their ability to navigate the types of passages they'll encounter on the exam. Summarizing key points also fosters synthesis skills, as it encourages the reader to distill information and grasp overarching themes, which are crucial for answering related questions accurately.

In contrast, focusing solely on science textbooks limits exposure to the wide range of content and writing styles that the CARS section covers. Practicing with only multiple-choice questions from past exams may lead to familiarity with question formats, but it does not enhance the critical thinking or comprehension skills needed for the passage-based reading. Similarly, engaging only with fiction may not offer the analytical rigor required, as it can skew perception toward narrative elements rather than argumentation or exposition often found in non-fiction texts. Reading a broad spectrum of material can prepare a student more effectively for the challenges of the CARS section.