Inference 3

[determining the probable cause/ effect of a relationship.]

After looking through the window, the man grabbed his umbrella before he headed out.

• The man expected the weather to be pleasant.

• It was raining outside.

• The man was late for work.

[measuring the accuracy of a statement]

Bats are nocturnal creatures. They are most active at night, and are rarely seen in day-light.

• Bats sometimes hunt during the day.

• Bats have excellent night vision.

• Bats sleep during the day.

[determining the likelihood of an event in the past.]

Recent dietary guidelines have established that people need to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Former guidelines had suggested only four to six servings per day. However, concerns about people's health led experts to increase this amount.

• People were probably not eating enough fruits and vegetables in the past.

• The former guidelines were more accurate than the current guidelines.

• People enjoy eating fruits and vegetables.

[measuring the accuracy of a statement]

The first computer had to be housed in an enormous room. It has only been relatively recently that computers have become portable enough to carry around from place to place. Newer tablet or laptop models make computers even more convenient to transport.

• Older computers were smaller than newer computer.

• Portable computers function better than desktop computers.

• Tablet computers are smaller than previous models of computers.

[determining the probable cause/ effect of a relationship.

Clothing has undergone quite an evolution over time. Early garments were crude coverings made of animal skin or plants, which were made by hand using a time-consuming process. Nowadays, a large percentage of clothing is sewn by machine and uses synthetic materials.

• In the past, people worked together to make clothing.

• The use of plants for clothing led to man-made fabrics.

• Clothing is made more quickly today than in the distant past.

[determining the probable cause/effect of a relationship]

As oil becomes more scarce, the cost of fuel made from oil increases. This additional expense is passed on from the oil refinery to the fuel distributor to the fuel consumer at the end of the line. The result is a decrease in the consumption of this type of fuel, if not a decrease in the use of energy overall.

• Consumers probably use other types of fuel in place of oil.

• Consumers are angry that they have to pay more for fuel.

• Fuel distributors have begun to pressure oil refinery to lower prices.

[predicting future event]

Many native tribes of people have been severely affected by the rapid march of modern development into their traditional locales. Some have been able, with government support, to slow down the destruction of their traditional ways of life while others, lacking the power or resources to do so, face an uncertain future.

• Modern society will soon destroy all native tribal structures.

• Some native tribes may be forced to give up their traditions.

• Government support may be slow in coming to native tribes.

Strategies to answer inference questions:

• Look for any indications in the questions that tell you where the answer is located. (i.e., According to paragraph 2)

• Look for information in the passage that contradicts an answer choice and eliminate that answer choice.

• Remember that for some answers, you may need to analyze several details from the passage to reach a conclusion.

• Look for key words-such as dates, names, and locations- to help you skim for information and to eliminate wrong answers.

• Do not choose an answer based only on the fact that it appears to be true. The corect answer will not be stated directly and must inferred