Stop Falling for This Common GAMSAT Section 1 Trap

Let’s uncover one of the biggest mistakes that S1 students make in the GAMSAT. It also happens to be one of the easily fixable mistakes. Let’s take a look at modality.

🧠 What Is Modality?

Modality refers to the strength or certainty conveyed by language.

• High modality words: "inherently," "always," "never," "must," "inevitably"

• Low modality words: "may," "sometimes," "often," "typically"

In Section 1, this difference matters. Stronger language requires stronger evidence.

⚠️ Strong Language = High Risk

Let’s say an answer option says:

"The author inherently believes that technology degrades human connection."

The word "inherently" suggests that this belief is essential, unchanging, and absolute. Unless the text explicitly and strongly supports this, it’s likely too extreme to be correct.

Now compare that to:

"The author typically portrays technology as a barrier to connection."

The word "typically" leaves room for nuance or exceptions. It requires less certainty from the text—and is therefore more likely to match the subtle, suggestive nature of many Section 1 passages.

✅ Section 1 Strategy: Modality Check

When answering questions:

• Be skeptical of strong claims—if the word feels too certain, it probably is.

• Match the tone of the passage—if the passage is cautious or nuanced, avoid answers that sound definitive or overconfident.

• Ask: Does the passage offer enough evidence to justify this strong wording?

📌 Final Takeaway

As a general rule of thumb:

The stronger the language in an answer, the stronger the textual evidence required.

This subtle trick can help you eliminate traps and choose answers that better reflect the tone and intent of the passage.

Stay tuned for more content.