The Kaplan Method for CARS Passages

SCAN for structure

• Look for the big picture
• Assess the relative difficulty
• Decide to read now or later

READ strategically

• Read for organization—Relation keywords
• Read for perspective—Author keywords
• Read for reasoning—Logic keywords

LABEL each component

• Briefly Outline the function of each paragraph
• Tag author opinions and alternative voices
• Note where to find evidence and refutations

REFLECT ON YOUR OUTLINE

• Ask: informative or persuasive?
• Choose a purpose verb
• Record the author’s Goal