Sunday Solution: Official Digital SAT Reading & Writing Inference Question
Learn how to apply the Elements of an Experiment strategy to a real SAT question. Includes step-by-step walk through and helpful answer explanations.
More good news for self-preppers and their parents! In this Sunday Solution, we’re unpacking another Inference Question, one of the most challenging question types on the digital SAT Reading and Writing test. These items require you to draw logically valid conclusions based on the information provided in a passage.
The example we're examining today is an official question published by the College Board. It’s attached as a PDF, below.
The passage focuses on a scientific experiment. When you encounter passages describing experiments, one of the most effective strategies is to analyze the text using the "Elements of an Experiment" framework. This approach helps you break down the information systematically, making it easier to draw valid inferences.
While other strategies like "Premises" analysis or "Causal Chains" can be useful for different types of Inference Questions, the experimental nature of this passage makes the "Elements of an Experiment" strategy particularly powerful here.
It's worth noting that, while some students find this question challenging, others identify the correct answer without too much difficulty. However, don't let the apparent ease or difficulty of the question deter you from studying the solution and answer explanations carefully. The value here isn't just in getting the right answer—it's in understanding how to apply effective strategies systematically.
By seeing these strategic approaches in action on less demanding questions, you're building a foundation that will serve you well when tackling more complex problems. This practice in strategic thinking is invaluable, as it trains you to approach even the most challenging questions with confidence and a clear methodology.
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Official Inference Question
Now let's dissect this problem and explore why the Elements of an Experiment strategy works so well for eliminating incorrect answers and leading us to the correct one. By the end of this post, you'll have a valuable tool in your SAT preparation toolkit!
View the question by clicking below:
