How do you eliminate the trap option in RC inference questions?

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The core test: an inference must be necessarily true given only what the passage states — not likely, not suggested by the tone, but logically required. The 60% trap you're hitting: the trap option is usually one small inferential step beyond the text. It feels right because the passage strongly implies it, but the passage never actually commits to it. The moment you find yourself thinking 'the author would probably agree with this,' you're in trap territory. Practical filter when you're down to two options: 1. Point to the exact sentence(s) in the passage that make the option true. If you can't do this precisely, it's likely not the answer. 2. Ask: 'Could this option be false even if the entire passage is true?' If yes, it's not an inference — it's an assumption or extension. Pattern to watch for: the trap often takes the passage's conclusion and extends it slightly in scope (from 'this type of company' to 'all companies') or in degree (from 'tends to' to 'always'). The correct inference usually sounds a little underwhelming — almost obviously true — which is exactly the point. Useful drill: after reading any RC passage, write down three things the passage 'definitely says' vs three things it 'suggests but doesn't say.' Training this separation over 2–3 weeks sharpens inference accuracy significantly.