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
RW1Semicolon = two full sentencesRW2Colon needs a full sentence before itRW3Comma spliceRW4Dashes come in matching pairs
← Words in context · Command of evidence →
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