How should you handle questions referencing dates or numbers?

• A. Locate the exact numbers or dates in the passage to verify
• B. Estimate the numbers based on context
• C. Ignore numerical details unless the question explicitly involves them
• D. Cross-check the numbers against an external source

Answer: (D)

When a question mentions dates or numbers, you want the figure to be exact rather than guessed. Numbers can be misprinted, outdated, or presented in a way that can trip you up if you rely on memory or rough estimates. Cross-checking against a reliable external source helps confirm the precise date or figure and ensures your answer matches the real data. This habit reduces the risk of selecting an option based on a small misread or a numerical mismatch between the question and the passage.

Locating numbers in the passage is useful, but it isn’t enough on its own if there’s any doubt about accuracy. Estimating from context can lead you astray, and ignoring numerical details until the question explicitly asks about them misses the opportunity to verify correctness. External verification keeps you grounded in exact figures, which is essential for questions where precision matters.