Master DI section strategy: question ordering, elimination tactics, smart guessing under time pressure, and the pacing framework.
Key Framework
Time budget: 2:15 average per question
Spend less on easy TA and GI; bank time for hard MSR and TPA.
Elimination > random guessing
Eliminate even one wrong choice before guessing. Never leave a blank.
MSR: skim tabs first, always
Know what's in each tab before reading the questions. Map before you answer.
TPA: set up algebra before looking at options
Solve for Column 2 algebraically, then find it in the table.
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Application Strategy
Step-by-Step Approach
①
Identify the question type and the specific metric being asked about.
②
Locate the relevant data in the chart, table, or tab.
③
Apply the key formula or logic rule from the framework above.
④
Verify that your answer satisfies the question as stated.
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Visual Reference Diagram
Visual Framework for Lesson 20
📊
Time budget: 2:15 average per question
📈
Elimination > random guessing
🔍
MSR: skim tabs first, always
📋
TPA: set up algebra before looking at options
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Quick Reference Rules
▸
Time budget: 2:15 average per question: Spend less on easy TA and GI; bank time for hard MSR and TPA.
▸
Elimination > random guessing: Eliminate even one wrong choice before guessing. Never leave a blank.
▸
MSR: skim tabs first, always: Know what's in each tab before reading the questions. Map before you answer.
▸
TPA: set up algebra before looking at options: Solve for Column 2 algebraically, then find it in the table.
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10 Traps for Lesson 20
⚠ Confusing the key formula for this topic
Review the core rule: Time budget: 2:15 average per question
⚠ Reading the wrong data series
Always verify axis labels and legends before extracting values.
⚠ Ignoring units or scale
Check units on every axis before computing ratios or changes.
⚠ Treating estimates as exact
GI data requires interpolation — use approximate values and pick the closest answer.
⚠ Forgetting the denominator
Elimination > random guessing — always identify what you're dividing by.
⚠ Applying simple average when weighted is needed
If group sizes differ, compute weighted average, not simple mean.
⚠ "All" statements need every row verified
One counterexample makes a universal statement False.
⚠ Scope: data sample ≠ full population
Conclusions are limited to the data range provided, not broader populations.
⚠ Confusing absolute and relative measures
Absolute change ($) and relative change (%) answer different questions.
⚠ Not using the complement when helpful
P(at least one) = 1 − P(none). In set logic, use complement for "not" conditions.
✦
10 Practice Questions
Q1 of 10
TPA~600
With 10 minutes remaining and 4 questions left (1 TA, 1 GI, 1 MSR, 1 TPA), what is the best strategy?
Explanation:Spend 2.5 min each. 10 min / 4 questions = 2.5 min each. This is feasible. Never skip — unanswered questions hurt your score. Prioritize based on your own strength if time runs very short.
Q2 of 10
TA~650
In a Table Analysis question, after sorting, the answer is not immediately clear. The fastest fallback strategy is:
Explanation:Check the 2-3 candidate rows. After sorting, only a few rows are typically near the threshold. Focus your checking on those rows, not the entire table.
Q3 of 10
GI~600
You have eliminated 3 of 5 answer choices in a GI question but are still unsure. You should:
Explanation:Eliminate further, then pick. Any additional elimination improves odds. If you're still stuck after maximum effort, choose the answer that best matches your estimation from the chart.
Q4 of 10
MSR~650
A student averages 3 minutes per MSR prompt (3 sub-questions) but only 1 minute per TA question. If there are 5 MSR prompts (15 sub-questions) and 5 TA questions in a section, total time needed is:
Explanation:20 minutes. Wait — 5 MSR prompts × 3 min = 15 min. 5 TA questions × 1 min = 5 min. Total = 20 min. (A) 20 min is correct.
Q5 of 10
TPA~650
The best way to eliminate options in a Two-Part Analysis question is:
Explanation:Set up the constraint algebraically first. Write the equation or condition. Then for each possible Column 1 value, solve for what Column 2 must be. Check if that value is in the table. This is systematic and avoids testing all 25 combinations.
Q6 of 10
MSR~700
On a difficult MSR question where you're unsure after reading all tabs, which is the safest approach?
Explanation:Focus on the most relevant tab and verify the key data point. "Cannot Determine" is only correct when data is genuinely absent. Re-reading all tabs wastes time. Locate the specific tab and specific line that answers the question.
Q7 of 10
TPA~700
You notice you've spent 35 minutes with 8 questions remaining (10 minutes left). Which adjustment is most effective?
Explanation:Spend 75 seconds average per question. 10 min / 8 questions = 75 seconds each. This requires moving faster but still gives each question a real attempt. Leaving blanks or guessing all is worse than an attempt under time pressure.
Q8 of 10
GI~700
Which DI question type is best to guess on if truly time-constrained?
Explanation:Two-Part Analysis. TPA requires BOTH selections to be correct for any credit. Random guessing on TPA has very low probability of getting both right. If you must guess under time pressure, TA and GI (simpler format) offer better guessing odds.
Q9 of 10
TA~700
A TA statement reads "More than 60% of the companies have revenue above $100M." The table has 10 companies. To confirm or deny, you need to find companies with revenue above $100M. The number to verify the statement is:
Explanation:At least 7. "More than 60%" means >60% of 10 = >6 companies. The smallest integer greater than 6 is 7. So you need at least 7 companies with revenue > $100M to confirm "more than 60%."
Q10 of 10
GI~600
The most effective use of 2 minutes before the DI section begins (during instructions) is:
Explanation:Review your strategies for each question type. Having your TA, GI, MSR, TPA, and DS strategies mentally primed before the section starts helps you execute immediately without hesitation on the first question.
Lesson Summary
Time budget: 2:15 average per question
Spend less on easy TA and GI; bank time for hard MSR and TPA.
Elimination > random guessing
Eliminate even one wrong choice before guessing. Never leave a blank.
MSR: skim tabs first, always
Know what's in each tab before reading the questions. Map before you answer.
TPA: set up algebra before looking at options
Solve for Column 2 algebraically, then find it in the table.