Inference Questions Got You Stumped? Here's The Best Way to Handle Them
Inference questions are found on the ACT® and SAT® Reading sections. These question types require the test taker to read a text and be able to draw a conclusion from that text that is logically supported by the information provided but not explicitly stated. As such, success on inference questions requires solid reading comprehension and reasoning skills.
Before we dive into the nitty gritty of inference questions, it is imperative to know the difference between inferences and assumptions; these two question types are easily confused. While both types of questions require the test taker to read between the lines of the text, inferences are based on actual evidence found. Simply put, inferences are logical conclusions gleaned directly from the information provided in the text.
Example of an inference: “My gas tank is empty; I am going to the gas station.”
Based on the information provided, you can infer that I am going to the gas station in order to fill my car’s gas tank; it is a logical conclusion based on the available information.
Inference questions are indirect questions. The answer is not explicitly stated in the text. So, test takers must draw logical conclusions that are supported by the information provided.
Inference Questions: Key Words, Phrases, & Examples
Inference questions are posed using various words and phrases that help the test taker know that they need to make an inference in order to find the right answer.
Some of the best clue words and phrases for an inference question are:
most likely
most logically
suggests
implies
probably
would likely
would probably
would likely
infers/ inferred
Keeping those words and phrases in mind, here are a few examples of how inference questions are worded on the ACT® and SAT®:
Which choice most logically completes the text?
How would the author of Passage 2 most likely respond to the claim made in the final paragraph of Passage 1?
Based on the outcome of the research project, it can be reasonably inferred that:
According to the narrator’s experience (lines 23-34), the narrator most likely:
The teens’ decision to skip their school dance suggests that:
The text most strongly suggests that the experiment is likely to elicit which response?
The authors of both passages would most likely agree with which statement about coral reefs?
Based on the findings, it can be reasonably inferred that:
The statement in lines 3-6 (“I no longer … skydiving.”) most strongly implies that:
Example: “We had a half day of school on Wednesday, so we went to the mall.”
Based on the information provided, it can be reasonably inferred that:
They went to the mall to go shopping.
They frequently hang out at the mall.
The half day of school allowed them time to go to the mall.
They like to go to the mall on Wednesdays.
The answer is C. C is the only answer choice that has evidence to support it and can be logically deduced; all of the other answer choices are assumptions that cannot be verified based on the information included in the text.
Answering an inference question like the one above requires the test taker to read the information provided and then use reason to fill in the missing pieces. It is a matter of connecting the dots between the content and the most logical conclusion.
How to Approach Inference Questions
Be careful of answer choice traps. These trick answer choices are almost always assumptions. Test takers can avoid the traps by practicing identifying answers that try to steer them off track or introduce information that is inconsistent to the information available.
Don’t overanalyze. While inference questions involve looking deeper into the text and reading between the lines, these question types are still evidence-based. If the test taker spends too much time overanalyzing the given information, they’re sure to get inferences and assumptions confused.
Stick to the facts. Be sure that the selected answer has evidence from the text to back it up. Test takers need to backburner their own thoughts, opinions, or preconceived notions about the topic and choose the answer that supports the information stated in the text. Some answers will focus on popular and relevant opinions to deliberately trap those who aren’t being careful.
The correct answer builds on the information provided in the text. There will always be one or more facts stated in the text that the answer expands on. If this connection cannot be made, it’s a good sign that the answer isn’t the correct inference.
Once your students are able to identify inference questions, they’ll be better equipped to avoid those assumption trap answers. At the same time, they will be further honing their reading comprehension and reasoning skills.
Help your students master inference questions by practicing the key differences between inferences and assumptions, as well as inferences and detail questions. They’ll know exactly how to avoid getting stumped when confronted with these question types on the ACT® and SAT®.
Looking for more help on the ACT® and SAT® Reading sections? Check out our recent posts on various question types: main idea, author’s voice and method, tone and attitude, and logical transitions.
For more test-prep strategies and comprehensive practice ACT® & SAT® Reading passages and questions, be sure to schedule a free demo of our 100% white-label test-prep platform. See for yourself how Clear Choice Prep’s software, custom-branded workbooks, and personalized ACT®- and SAT®-aligned tools can help your students take their tests with confidence!