DSAT Tips for Success 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the Digital SAT, what should you do with the 'Mark for Review' flag during a module?
- Use it on every question to ensure you review all answers
- Flag uncertain answers so you can revisit them if time remains (Correct answer)
- Flagged questions are automatically graded as incorrect
- Flags carry over between modules so you can review later
Correct answer: Flag uncertain answers so you can revisit them if time remains
The Mark for Review flag is a tool to track questions you are unsure about, allowing efficient use of remaining time within the same module.
Question 2: Which approach is BEST for tackling a difficult multi-step algebra problem on the Digital SAT Math section?
- Guess immediately to save time for easier questions
- Break the problem into smaller steps, solve each part, then combine results (Correct answer)
- Use only mental math to avoid calculator dependency
- Write out every possible algebraic manipulation before choosing an approach
Correct answer: Break the problem into smaller steps, solve each part, then combine results
Breaking complex problems into manageable steps reduces errors and makes it easier to track your work and verify your answer.
Question 3: A student reads a passage on the Digital SAT and is asked for the main idea. What is the BEST strategy?
- Choose the answer that matches the first sentence of the passage
- Identify the central claim supported throughout the entire passage, not just one detail (Correct answer)
- Select the most specific detail mentioned in the passage
- Pick the longest answer choice since it likely has more information
Correct answer: Identify the central claim supported throughout the entire passage, not just one detail
Main idea questions require identifying the overarching point supported across the full passage, not isolated details or the opening sentence alone.
Question 4: How does the Digital SAT scoring differ from the paper SAT regarding wrong answers?
- Wrong answers are penalized with a quarter-point deduction
- There is no penalty for wrong answers; only correct answers add to your score (Correct answer)
- Wrong answers in harder modules are penalized more heavily
- Unanswered questions add half a point to your score
Correct answer: There is no penalty for wrong answers; only correct answers add to your score
The Digital SAT uses rights-only scoring, meaning wrong answers have no negative effect, so guessing is always the right move when unsure.
Question 5: Which technique is MOST effective for eliminating wrong answer choices on Reading and Writing questions?
- Remove the two shortest answers since they are rarely correct
- Cross out choices that contradict the passage or introduce outside information (Correct answer)
- Eliminate choices that use words from the passage since they are distractors
- Always remove the first and last answer choices first
Correct answer: Cross out choices that contradict the passage or introduce outside information
Answers that contradict the passage or bring in information not supported by the text are reliably wrong on evidence-based Reading and Writing questions.
Question 6: A student has completed all questions with 8 minutes remaining in a math module. What should she do?
- Submit the module immediately to start the next one early
- Review flagged questions and check calculations on questions she found difficult (Correct answer)
- Re-read every question from the beginning in order
- Change her first instinct answers since they are likely wrong
Correct answer: Review flagged questions and check calculations on questions she found difficult
Using remaining time to revisit flagged questions and verify difficult calculations is the highest-value use of extra time at the end of a module.
Question 7: What is the BEST way to prepare for the Digital SAT's evidence-based writing questions that ask about transitions?
- Memorize a list of all transition words in English
- Practice identifying the logical relationship between sentences (contrast, cause-effect, addition) and matching the appropriate transition (Correct answer)
- Always choose 'however' since it is the most common correct answer
- Avoid transition questions and focus on grammar instead
Correct answer: Practice identifying the logical relationship between sentences (contrast, cause-effect, addition) and matching the appropriate transition
Transition questions test whether you understand the logical relationship between ideas, so recognizing contrast, addition, and cause-effect relationships is the core skill needed.
DSAT Tips for Success 3
On the Digital SAT, what should you do with the 'Mark for Review' flag during a module?