Inferences | Quick guide

What is implied?

Examples:

• "The passage suggests which of the following statements about ___?
• "The author of the passage implies that ___ was effective because..."

Strategies

• Use process of elimination to get rid of inferences that can’t be supported: eventually you'll find one that is!
• Don’t get thrown by the word “inference.” On many inference questions, you’ll find all the support you need for the answer in one part of the passage. The correct option might not do much more than restate an idea that is fairly explicit in the passage—the "inference" is often barely under the surface. The answer is always the choice that has the most support in the passage; it won’t be a choice that requires you to use your imagination.

Common wrong choice types:

• Out of scope: Sometimes a choice will bring up a topic that is only partially related to the topics in the passage. These choices can be quite attractive because they sound like they’re an extension of the point the author is making. However, they go beyond what can reasonably be inferred from the statements in the passage itself.
• Too strong or extreme: Some incorrect choices will reflect a basic idea expressed in the passage, but take it further than can be supported by the text. Be wary of “extreme” words like always, all, every or never.

Your turn!