How to Solve Inference Questions on the Digital SAT

Are you preparing for the Digital SAT (DSAT) and wondering how to tackle those tricky inference questions? Don't worry – your TTA Pro Mr. O got you covered! In this blog post, we'll break down the steps to solve inference questions effectively and boost your DSAT score.

Is there a tutorial for inferences and logical conclusions?

Of course, check out these videos if you don’t want to read:

- Digital SAT Test 1 [Module 1] Blue Book App Q14 | SAT Reading Tips & Shortcuts 📚🔍

- Live Session with Inferences and Logical Conclusion Questions:

 What are Inference Questions on the Digital SAT?

On the Reading and Writing section of your Digital SAT, you'll come across questions that provide an unfinished passage introducing information about an unfamiliar topic. Your job is to select the choice that most logically completes the text based on the given information. These are known as inference questions.

Here's an example of what an inference question might look like (from Test 1, Blue Book test):

A Step-by-Step Approach to Solving DSAT Inference Questions

Inference questions test your ability to connect information and ideas to create arguments. To solve them effectively, follow these steps:

 Step 1: Read the Text Carefully

Obviously, the first step is to read the text carefully. The passage is usually composed of 2-3 sentences, which we can think of as "values." Just like in math, where you wouldn't try to solve a problem like 3456x23 in your head, we should approach inference questions systematically and keep track of these values.

 Step 2: Summarize Each Sentence

Write down a quick summary of each sentence. This helps you keep track of the important information, just like how in math, 1 + 1 = x. In the example question, the values could be summarized as:

- Value 1: Leafy spurge is invasive

- Value 2: It is controlled with herbicides

- Value 3: Those herbicides kill harmless plants

- Value 4: Recent medicine can exclusively target leafy spurge

 Step 3: Determine the Missing Value

Based on the information provided, try to determine what the missing value (the blank in the question) could be. In our example, we can conclude that the new targeted approach kills leafy spurge without harming the surrounding plants since it's exclusively targeted. Therefore, the answer is D.

 Step 4: Eliminate Incorrect Answer Choices

Go through the answer choices and eliminate those that don't fit the logic of the passage. In the example:

- A is wrong because we're not making leafy spurge "more susceptible" to current herbicides but developing a new one

- B and C are not supported by the information provided

 Top Tips for Tackling DSAT Inference Questions

- Stay specific and don't stray beyond what can be inferred

- Pay attention to transition words that show how ideas are related

- Use punctuation marks like colons, semicolons, and dashes as clues to the type of information being signaled

By following this systematic approach, keeping track of the key "values" in the passage, and keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-equipped to tackle inference questions on the Digital SAT. Remember, practice makes perfect - so keep honing your skills and you'll ace the DSAT in no time!

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Check out more resources:

A tutorial on Digital SAT Purpose Questions (thetestadvantage.com)

Digital SAT Vocabulary Strategies: Words in Context | Domain 2 Tips (thetestadvantage.com)

Digital SAT Past Papers | Authentic Practice Tests (thetestadvantage.com)