DS questions give everyone something to think about, that is for sure, and even the strongest math students need to practice reading skills to increase their accuracy. First off, make sure you do not assume anything that is not stated in the problem itself. For instance, do not assume that "number" means "integer," even though many questions deal with integers. It can help to jot down one or two pieces of vital information so that you do not forget anything before you answer the question. In terms of the statements, I like to look for an easy entry point, sometimes in Statement (1), sometimes in Statement (2). That is, I skim both choices to assess what may appear to be an easier way to engage with the question. Do not get hung up on going in order all the time. I would rather eliminate (B) and (D), for example, than get stuck on some difficult-to-process Statement (1). By taking in both statements at once, I also reduce the likelihood of getting tunnel vision; sometimes it is apparent that the information in each statement complements the other, and that both will be needed to answer the question. As long as you are careful not to allow the information from one statement to blend into the other before you have considered each alone, I find no harm in adopting such an approach.
Finally, know your content. Some questions can be solved through logic, while others are more technical in nature. To increase the probability of feeling confident while answering a string of DS questions, you need to study the appropriate content and practice a lot of questions. I recommend official questions, since those from outside sources vary in quality. If you track your timing and accuracy across many questions, then patterns will start to emerge (e.g., you may be guessing (E) too frequently just because you do not know how to work a problem). At that point, you can either identify your weaknesses yourself or with a study buddy, or you can enlist the help of a qualified tutor.
Best of luck to you in your studies.
Andrew
