Process of Elimination

The math:

• Random guess from 4 choices: $\frac{1}{4} = 25\%$
• After eliminating 2 choices: $\frac{1}{2} = 50\%$

You've DOUBLED your odds just by eliminating!

What to do:

1. Re-read the question carefully — did you miss a clue?
2. Look for subtle differences between B and C
3. Check if one is "too extreme" (SAT prefers moderate answers)
4. If you're still stuck, GUESS — 50% is great odds
5. Mark the question and return if time permits

Key principle: Even eliminating ONE wrong answer improves your odds from 25% to 33%. Eliminating TWO gives you 50%.

Answer: You have a 50% chance of getting it right. Make your best guess, mark it, and move on.

Five types of wrong answers to eliminate:

1. Too Extreme Contains words like "always," "never," "proves," "all," "none," "completely." SAT correct answers usually use softer language: "suggests," "may," "often," "some."

2. Too Narrow (Overly Specific) Focuses on one detail when the question asks about the whole passage. "The passage is mainly about the author's childhood bicycle" when the passage covers the author's entire life.

3. Too Broad (Overly General) Goes beyond the scope of the passage. "The passage argues all governments should reform" when it only discusses one country.

4. Distortion (Almost Right) Contains elements from the passage but changes, reverses, or misrepresents them. Passage says "A causes B." Answer says "B causes A." Close but WRONG.

5. Outside Knowledge Uses information that may be TRUE but is NOT in the passage. On the SAT, only passage-based answers are correct.

Strategy: Before choosing the "right" answer, eliminate wrong ones. You can often eliminate 2-3 choices quickly using these patterns.

Answer: Look for extreme language, scope issues, distortions, and outside knowledge.

Backsolving: Plug each answer choice into the equation.

(A) $x = 3$: $3(3) + 7 = 9 + 7 = 16 \neq 22$ ❌ (B) $x = 5$: $3(5) + 7 = 15 + 7 = 22$ ✅ This is it! (No need to check C and D)

Time spent: About 15 seconds (faster than solving algebraically for some students)

Backsolving strategy:

1. Start with choice (B) or (C) — the middle values
2. If the result is too small, go higher (C or D)
3. If the result is too large, go lower (A or B)
4. This is especially useful for complex equations

When backsolving is best:

• When you're not sure how to set up the algebra
• When the answer choices are simple numbers
• When the equation is complex but easy to evaluate
• When you want to CHECK your algebraic solution

Answer: (B) $x = 5$

When two transition answers seem correct:

Step 1: Re-read the SURROUNDING sentences carefully

• Read the sentence BEFORE the transition
• Read the sentence AFTER the transition
• What is the EXACT relationship? (Addition? Contrast? Cause?)

Step 2: Check for subtle differences

• "However" vs. "Moreover" → completely opposite relationships
• "Therefore" vs. "Nevertheless" → one shows cause, the other shows contrast
• "For example" vs. "In addition" → one illustrates, the other adds

Step 3: Read both options in context Replace the transition with each option and read the full paragraph. Which one creates better logical flow?

Step 4: Trust the LOGIC, not the sound Sometimes an answer "sounds right" but creates the wrong logical relationship. Focus on MEANING.

Example: "The company cut costs. _____, it hired 200 new employees."

• "Therefore" would mean cutting costs CAUSED hiring → possible but unusual
• "Nevertheless" means DESPITE cutting costs, they hired → more logical in context

Answer: Focus on the exact logical relationship. Read both in context. Choose the one that creates the correct meaning, not just the one that sounds pleasant.

The Systematic POE Framework:

Step 1: Read and Understand (15-20 sec)

• Read the question stem carefully
• Identify exactly what's being asked
• Note any key qualifiers ("best," "most likely," "primary")

Step 2: First Pass Elimination (15-20 sec) Go through each choice quickly:

• ❌ Obviously wrong? Cross it out
• ✅ Possibly correct? Keep it
• ? Unsure? Keep it for now Goal: Eliminate at least 1-2 choices

Step 3: Second Pass Comparison (20-30 sec) For remaining choices:

• Compare them AGAINST EACH OTHER (not in isolation)
• Which one more precisely answers the SPECIFIC question asked?
• Check for the common traps: too extreme, too narrow, distortion

Step 4: Final Decision (10 sec)

• If you're still torn: go with your first instinct (research shows it's usually right)
• If it's truly 50/50: pick one and move on — don't agonize
• Mark the question to revisit if time permits

Mindset tips:

• You don't need to find the "right" answer — find the LEAST wrong answer
• Every elimination improves your odds significantly
• It's OK to not be 100% certain — educated guesses score points

Expected outcomes:

• Eliminate 1 → 33% chance (up from 25%)
• Eliminate 2 → 50% chance
• Eliminate 3 → 100% chance!

Answer: Read → eliminate obvious wrong answers → compare remaining → choose the best and move on.