ALCPT Reading for Implied Meaning 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage: 'Maria arrived at the office an hour early, arranged her notes three times, and kept glancing at the clock.' What does this passage imply about Maria?
- She is bored with her job.
- She is nervous about something. (Correct answer)
- She forgot an important document.
- She is waiting for a friend.
Correct answer: She is nervous about something.
Arriving early, rearranging notes repeatedly, and clock-watching all suggest anxiety or nervousness.
Question 2: Read the passage: 'The restaurant was empty at noon, the tables uncleared, and the lights half-dimmed.' What can be inferred about the restaurant?
- It is closed or having serious problems. (Correct answer)
- It is preparing for a large evening event.
- The staff is on a lunch break.
- It recently changed its menu.
Correct answer: It is closed or having serious problems.
Empty tables, uncleared dishes, and dim lights at peak lunch hour imply the restaurant is either closed or in serious trouble.
Question 3: Read the notice: 'Employees who complete the safety course by Friday will be considered for the weekend shift bonus.' What is implied for employees who do not complete the course by Friday?
- They will be fired.
- They will not be eligible for the bonus. (Correct answer)
- They must retake the entire training program.
- They will work extra hours without pay.
Correct answer: They will not be eligible for the bonus.
The notice states completion by Friday is required 'to be considered,' implying those who miss the deadline are ineligible.
Question 4: Read the passage: 'After reading the email, Tom set his phone face-down on the desk and stared out the window for several minutes.' What does this imply?
- Tom received good news and was celebrating quietly.
- Tom was distracted by the view outside.
- Tom received upsetting or troubling news. (Correct answer)
- Tom was waiting for a phone call.
Correct answer: Tom received upsetting or troubling news.
Setting the phone face-down and staring blankly are behaviors associated with processing bad or shocking news.
Question 5: Read the passage: 'The professor handed back the exams without comment and canceled the review session scheduled for Thursday.' What does this passage imply?
- The class performed very well on the exam.
- The professor is pleased with student progress.
- The exam results were likely poor. (Correct answer)
- Students no longer need additional review.
Correct answer: The exam results were likely poor.
Handing back exams silently and canceling a review session suggests the professor is disappointed with poor results.
Question 6: Read the sentence: 'Despite the glowing reviews, the theater was half-empty on opening night.' What is implied by this statement?
- Critics disliked the performance.
- Positive reviews alone did not attract a large audience. (Correct answer)
- The theater has poor seating capacity.
- The show was moved to a different venue.
Correct answer: Positive reviews alone did not attract a large audience.
The word 'despite' signals a contrast, implying that even good reviews failed to draw a full crowd.
Question 7: Read the passage: 'The shelter's donation bins were overflowing, and volunteers had to turn away additional contributions.' What does this imply about the community?
- The shelter is too small for its purpose.
- Community members donated generously in response to a need. (Correct answer)
- Volunteers were unwilling to accept more work.
- The shelter raised prices for its services.
Correct answer: Community members donated generously in response to a need.
Overflowing bins and turned-away donations imply the community responded with exceptional generosity.
Read the passage: 'Maria arrived at the office an hour early, arranged her notes three times, and kept glancing at the clock.' What does this passage imply about Maria?