Inferences
The Predict-Then-Match Method · 9 Rules
SAT R&W
Information & Ideas
71 problems · ≈ 1–2 per module
CORD —
C Concept
O Operation · Method
R Recognition
D Drill
What this chapter tests: a passage ending in a blank, and you pick the choice that most logically completes the text.
The blank is always a CONCLUSION — the sentence right before it has a signal word that tells you what conclusion to find.
Know These 4 Terms
Signal word
Linking phrase right before the blank. therefore · so · suggests that · concluded that · thus · indicates
Negative signal
Signal that FLIPS polarity. Blank holds the idea being refuted, not a forward conclusion. "casts doubt on the idea that…" · "challenges the claim that…"
Hedge word
Soft word that signals careful, conditional claims. Correct answers use them ~1.8× as often as wrong choices. may · might · could · likely · probably · tend
Inference
Conclusion that follows from stated evidence — never a leap. If you need to assume, you've gone too far.
Foundation Rules · 1–3 · Predict-Then-Match
Rule 1
Find the SIGNAL WORD
Jump straight to the sentence with the blank. The phrase right before it is your signal word (therefore, suggests that, concluded that, etc.). ~70% of stems end with one of 4 signals: therefore / so / suggests / concluded.
RecognitionMisses contrast/negation signals and predicts the wrong conclusion.
Rule 2
PREDICT before peeking
Compress the evidence into a one-sentence prediction in your own words, BEFORE looking at choices. This prevents trap answers from anchoring your brain.
RecognitionReads the choices first and lets a trap answer anchor the prediction.
Rule 3
MATCH the smallest claim
Pick the choice that's guaranteed by the text — the smallest, most-supported conclusion. Bigger claim = more chances to be wrong.
RecognitionPicks the broadest sweeping claim instead of the smallest guaranteed conclusion.
Quick Card · Page 1
Signal word · Predict in your own words · Match the smallest supported claim
Inferences · Rules 4–9
Specialized Rules · 5 traps + signal handling
SAT R&W
Information & Ideas
Rules Catalog
💡 How to use this with explanations. When you review a wrong answer, the explanation will say violates Rule N.
Look up that rule below to see the pattern and the example. Foundation Rules 1–3 are on Page 1.
Correct answers use hedge words at ~1.8× the rate of wrong ones (Rule 5). If you're stuck between two finalists, prefer the one with softer language (may/might/could/likely).
Extreme words (always/never/best/only) almost never win — that's Rule 6 (Extreme) dressed differently.
Rule 4
Negative signal flips polarity
Drill 2
When signal is "casts doubt on the idea that…" or "challenges the claim that…", the blank holds the idea being refuted, not a forward conclusion. Same method, just flipped.
"casts doubt on the idea that X" → blank ≈ X (the refuted idea), NOT not-X
RecognitionMisses a negative signal and chooses the idea being rejected.
Between two close choices, prefer the one with may/might/could/likely/probably. Correct answers in the bank use these ~2× as often as wrong ones (~37% vs ~20%).
"may make people more comfortable" beats "definitely makes people comfortable"
RecognitionOverstates certainty when the text supports only a hedged conclusion.
Rule 6
Opposite trap
(includes Extreme)
Drill 27
Choice flips the text's direction (less → more) OR uses absolute words (always/never/best/only/completely). Both are forms of stepping outside the evidence.
Text: "watermilfoil reduces methane" → trap: "watermilfoil releases MORE methane"
RecognitionPicks a choice that flips direction or uses absolute words like always or never.
Choice goes too far beyond the evidence. Text studies one plant → choice claims ALL plants. Always check: is this the smallest claim the text supports?
Text: "one species reduces methane" → trap: "ALL aquatic plants reduce methane"
RecognitionPicks a choice that generalizes one case to all cases beyond evidence.
Rule 8
Out-of-Scope trap
(most common · 43%)
Drill 13
Choice talks about something the text never mentioned. Sounds reasonable, but it's not on the page.
Text: methane study → trap: "shallow lakes contain more algae" (no algae comparison in text)
RecognitionPicks a reasonable-sounding choice about something the passage never mentioned.
Choice is true in real life but the text doesn't say it. Common-sense knowledge doesn't count — only what the passage proves.
Choice: "methane contributes to climate change" — true, but not in the text
RecognitionPicks a real-world true fact that the passage itself does not state.
Rules Catalog · Page 2
Signal → Predict → Match smallest claim · Hedge wins ties
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