Multi-Source Reasoning questions begin with two or three sources of information, each labeled with a
tab, which appear on the left side of a split computer screen. One or more of the sources will contain a
written passage. The other sources may be tables, graphs, diagrams, or other types of visual information.
Only one source of information will be displayed at a time. To view a different source, select its tab from
those that appear above the source which is currently displayed.
The sources of information are accompanied by questions that will ask you to synthesize, compare,
interpret, or apply the information presented. As each question associated with the sources appears in
turn on the right side of the screen, the initial source will appear again on the left side. You can click on
the tabs to view any of the sources as many times as needed. However, you will see only one question at
a time and cannot go back to earlier questions.
There are two question formats for Multi-Source Reasoning:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Multiple-dichotomous choice questions
For multiple-choice questions, select the best of the five answer choices given. Read each question and
series of answer choices carefully. Make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking and
what the answer choices are.
Multiple-dichotomous choice questions provide three phrases, statements, numerical values, or algebraic
expressions that require an indication as to whether each meets a certain condition. For example, you
may be asked whether
- each statement is true, according to the sources
- each statement or numerical value is consistent with the sources
- each statement or algebraic expression would solve a problem described in the sources
- the value of each algebraic expression can be determined on the basis of the sources
In answering both kinds of Multi-Source Reasoning questions, be aware of the information from each
source provided and try to determine the process that works best for you. One strategy is to examine
the sources carefully and thoroughly, another is to skim the sources the first time through, or to read the
first question before examining the sources. Read each question carefully and make sure you understand
exactly what the question is asking. If necessary, go back to the sources to review relevant information.
You will have 30 minutes to complete the Integrated Reasoning section, or an average of 2 minutes and
30 seconds to answer each multiple-choice or multiple-dichotomous choice question. Keep in mind that
you will need time to examine the source materials that accompany the questions-and that this time
must be factored into the per-question average.