This is what I got from a web site
Inference
Inferences are evidence-based guesses. They are the conclusions a reader draws about the unsaid based on what is actually said. Inferences drawn while reading are much like inferences drawn in everyday life. If your best friend comes in from a blind date and looks utterly miserable, you would probably infer the date was not a success. Drawing inferences while you read requires exactly the same willingness to look at the evidence and come to a conclusion that has not been expressed in words. Only in reading, the evidence for your inference consists solely of words rather than actual events, expressions, or gestures.
Reading Tips:
1. Make sure your inferences rely mainly on the authors words rather than your own feelings or experience. Your goal is to read the authors mind, not invent your own message.
2. Check to see if your inference is contradicted by any statements in the paragraph. If it is, it is not an appropriate or useful inference.
3. If the passage is a tough one, check to see if you can actually identify the statements that led you to your conclusion. This kind of close reading is a good comprehension check. It will also help you remember the material.
My own advice:
Practice everyday for 30min , reading science articles (Scientific America , Discover etc.) Summarize each paragraph and just get the main idea of each paragraph. The main idea is usually the paragraph first sentence.
That will get you somewhere when it comes to the real DAT. At least you know where things are located.
Questions contain hints as to where to find answer in the passage. Don;t search randomly through the passage for the correct answer!!! Search scientifically for keywords , ideas .
Inference:
Interference are kind of challenging, but just when you read ask yourself, whats the authors mood, expression look for adjectives, verbs that describe something .
Hope that helps!
These are web sites that you can use as a guide to test yourself whether you can locate the main idea in a paragraph.
http://www.epcc.edu/Student/Tutoria...eadingother/reading/Quizzes/mainideasquiz.htm
http://www.daltonstate.edu/faculty/mnielsen/implied_main_idea_2key.htm
http://sps.k12.ar.us/massengale/main_idea.htm