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Inference: must be true: the SAT reading & writing trap

Short answer: If the text doesn't force it, don't pick it. "Could be true" is a trap.

The trap, in one question

Every finalist had won a regional contest. Lena was a finalist. Which choice must be true?

Tempting answer: Lena won the final.  (could be, not must be)

Correct answer: Lena won a regional contest.

How to spot it in 3 seconds

If the text doesn't force it, don't pick it. "Could be true" is a trap.

FAQ

What is the inference: must be true trap on the SAT?

Example: Every finalist had won a regional contest. Lena was a finalist. Which choice must be true? The tempting answer is Lena won the final. (could be, not must be); the correct answer is Lena won a regional contest..

How do you avoid the inference: must be true trap?

If the text doesn't force it, don't pick it. "Could be true" is a trap.

More Reading & Writing traps

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