Inference questions are the difficult category of questions among all types of questions such as main purpose, detail, and other questions on a reading comprehension.
How to crack Inference Questions?
The answers to inference questions are something not directly mentioned in the passage, but to be interpreted between the lines. But, the biggest rookie mistake that readers make is to bring in their own assumptions and own knowledge not mentioned in the passage.
- Inference is not an opinion. It is something that has to be true (deductively) if what is mentioned in the passage is true.
- It is not directly stated in the passage. You have to infer from the lines described in the passage.
- Keywords in questions:
“The author implies”, “The passage suggests”, “the author indicates that” and “It can be inferred that”.
Popular Wrong Answer Options
- Out of Scope Answer Option: These answer choices go beyond the scope of the passage and lists things that may be related to the subject of the passage but are not discussed in the passage.
- Partial Scope: This answer choice will list some things that are relevant and mentioned in the passage. However, the scope of this answer choice will not cover the entire passage or author’s intent for that matter and will be limited to one or more, but not all, paragraphs.
- Inconsistent: Test makers will sometimes create an answer choice that will embody the purpose of the passage but will add a modifier to that purpose that makes the entire answer choice inconsistent with the passage
- Opposite: This answer choice states the main purpose but in reverse order.
- Half-correct: This answer choice is something that light readers would pick and that is correct. The other half will be wrong according to the passage.
The best way to approach reading comprehension is to: read actively, make notes, pre-think, ask “so what” questions in your mind, and evaluate how the passage is moving.
Read the passage below and answer the following question.
Example Passage and an Inference Question: 6th-7th Grade
Pilates is a form of physical fitness exercise that became popular in the 1920s. Joseph Pilates, a physical trainer, introduced this form of exercise. He chiefly designed this workout to ensure people did not overwork their muscles and hurt themselves while exercising.
Pilates is a very good form of exercise. People tend to think it is not very effective because it does not include heavy lifting or exertion, which may lead to strain on the muscles, but that is not the case.
While doing Pilates, a person must give the workout complete focus and attention and must carefully perform specific movements. Pilates exercises are done in such a way that every muscle in the body is stretched in a balanced manner. The breathing pattern also differs from exercise to exercise, which requires not only concentration but also control over the body.
The workout sessions include a variety of exercises that one must repeat five to ten times. It is also possible to alter and design the workouts according to the needs of the individual. Dancers and athletes prefer this style of exercise.
What can be inferred from the passage?
A. Pilates does not help build flexibility because it does not include stretching.
B. Pilates is unhealthy because every single muscle in the body is stretched.
C. Pilates is not restricted to any particular age group because anyone can do it.
D. Pilates is an effective routine because people do it indoors without equipment.
Hope this is helpful, thank you.
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The sentence “ It is also possible to alter and design the workouts according to the needs of the individual.” infers that the exercise can be done by any age group as it can be customized to the individual’s needs. Answer: Third Option
