Preparing for Section 1 of the GAMSAT can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Section 1 tests your ability to interpret a range of texts (fiction, non-fiction, poems, diagrams, even cartoons) and you're expected to answer multiple-choice questions focusing on themes, characters, plot, and the author's perspective. In this article, I'll explain how you can approach this section and improve your performance significantly.
Understanding the Purpose of Section 1
Before diving into study techniques, it's essential to understand the philosophy behind Section 1. Why is it part of the GAMSAT? What does reading a poem or analysing a piece of fiction have to do with being a successful doctor?
Medical schools increasingly emphasise the importance of communication skills. Effective communication is not just about speaking but also about listening and interpreting. Section 1 primarily tests your ability to interpret and understand information, which is vital for doctor-patient interactions. As a doctor, you will often need to comprehend a patient's emotions and intentions; that's the emotional intelligence being tested here.
Key Principle: Interpret Without Bias
A common mistake students make is allowing preconceived notions or biases to influence their answers. GAMSAT Section 1 does not expect you to have expertise in philosophy, psychology, or poetry. Everything you need to answer the questions is provided in the text.
When you encounter a difficult text (perhaps a dense extract on philosophy or a complex poem), it's important not to feel overwhelmed. ACER knows that you don't have prior knowledge of these topics. They do expect you to distil the information presented in the text without drawing on external knowledge or letting personal biases interfere.
For example, if you're a strong proponent of capitalism and come across a text criticising capitalism, put aside your opinions and focus solely on what the text is communicating. S1 punishes the alternative.
The Importance of an Evidence-Based Approach
One of the most important study habits for Section 1 is using evidence from the text to support your answers. When practising, always trace back your answers to a specific line, phrase, or piece of evidence from the text. This habit will help you avoid answering questions based on gut feelings or instinct, which often leads to errors.
When answering a question, ask yourself: "Where in the text is this supported?" For example, if the question asks whether a character is frightened, you should be able to point to a line that shows this through actions or dialogue.
As with medical diagnoses, where decisions are based on evidence like test results or symptoms, your answers in Section 1 must be grounded in the evidence presented in the text.
When Studying: Prioritise Quality Over Quantity
When preparing for Section 1, it's easy to focus on doing as many questions as possible. However, a quality-based approach is far more effective than simply churning through questions.
Instead of rushing through 40 questions in 45 minutes, try doing 20 questions in the same amount of time but go into depth with each one. After completing the questions, review your answers thoroughly.
Write out explanations for why you answered a question correctly or incorrectly, and note the patterns in your mistakes.
To help with this process, use tools like the Section 1 Question Tracker. This tracker allows you to log your performance, including the types of texts and mistakes you make. Over time, this data will help you identify weak areas (e.g., poems or cartoons) so you can focus your practice accordingly. Check out the tracker here.
How to Study for Section 1
If you have a few months to prepare, you have enough time to implement a solid study strategy. Start by using the Section 1 Question Tracker to log your practice questions. This tracker will help you monitor your progress and pinpoint areas that need improvement.
Focus on targeted practice based on your weaknesses. For instance, if you struggle with interpreting poems, spend more time practising questions based on poems instead of non-fiction texts.
Best Resources for Section 1 Preparation
Without a doubt, the best practice materials come directly from ACER. These questions are designed by the same people who write the GAMSAT exam, making them the most relevant.
For additional practice, consider using Des O'Neil Papers, which are widely available online. Another excellent resource is ReadTheory, a free website that adjusts the difficulty of its reading comprehension questions based on your performance. ReadTheory can help you gradually improve your ability to understand and interpret different text types.
Conclusion
Improving your Section 1 score is entirely possible with the right approach. "You can't get better at S1" is a whole bunch of nonsense. Focus on understanding the purpose of the section, interpreting texts objectively, and basing your answers on evidence. Prioritise quality practice over quantity, and use tools like the Section 1 Question Tracker to monitor your progress. With dedication and the right strategy, your Section 1 score can significantly improve.
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