How to Study

Few broad, general statements are true without exception. So always
be on your guard when you see the words “all,” “always,” “no,”
“never,” “everyone,” “best,” “worst,” “none,” “nobody,” or other
absolutes. As long as you can think of a singleexample that proves
such a statement false, then it’s false. But be wary: there are state-
ments containing such absolutes that aretrue; they are just rare.
“All U.S. presidents (and/or vice presidents) have been men” is,
unfortunately, all too true.

Likewise, words like “sometimes,” “often,” “frequently,” “generally,”
“usually,” “much,” “may,” “probably,” “might,” and “ordinarily” make
more modest claims and thus usually indicate “true” statements.

Strategy tip:It’s easier for a teacher to add something that makes
a statement false than the other way around. So when you read it,
look for anything that will make the whole statement false. If you
can’t find it, assume it is true.

Mastering Multiple-Choice Math

If you can avoid a calculation, it will save you time. For example,
figure out the answer to the following problem without actually
doing the math:

281  243 

(A) 53,762

(B) 113,428

(C) 67,283

(D) 489,593

198 How to Study