Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) is easily the biggest time-trap in the Data Insights section. Reading 3 separate tabs of text and charts to answer 3 connected sub-questions can easily swallow 5 to 7 minutes of your 45-minute section.
Test-takers generally split into two main camps on how to handle MSR:
1. The "Lock In & Solve" Approach- Logic: Since MSR gives you 3 questions off a single data set, the upfront reading investment pays off across multiple answers. Getting the context down once helps you sweep through all 3 sub-questions.
- Risk: If you misinterpret a key detail in the tabs early on, you risk missing all 3 questions and burning a massive chunk of your time clock.
2. The "Strategic Bail / Time Saver" Approach- Logic: Strategic guessing on a heavy MSR set preserves 5+ minutes. That extra time guarantees high accuracy on 4–5 individual Graph, Table, or Two-Part Analysis questions that take much less time to process.
- Risk: Intentionally sacrificing a cluster of questions can cap your DI percentile if you don't perform flawlessly on the rest of the section.
How do you handle MSR during your DI practice sets and official mocks? Do you tackle it head-on or use it as a strategic time-saver?