BSEP Inference and Drawing Conclusions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A food label reads: 'Contains: wheat, milk, eggs. May contain traces of peanuts.' A person with a severe peanut allergy wants to buy it. What should they infer?
- The product is completely safe because peanuts are not a main ingredient.
- There is a possible risk of peanut exposure from this product. (Correct answer)
- The label warning is only required by law and has no real meaning.
- They can eat a small amount to test their reaction.
Correct answer: There is a possible risk of peanut exposure from this product.
The 'may contain traces' warning means there is a risk of cross-contamination, which is dangerous for someone with a severe allergy.
Question 2: A passage reads: 'Every morning, before the sun rose, Janet laced up her shoes and headed out the door.' What can you infer about Janet?
- Janet works the night shift.
- Janet exercises early in the morning regularly. (Correct answer)
- Janet is afraid of the dark.
- Janet has no choice but to wake up early.
Correct answer: Janet exercises early in the morning regularly.
Lacing up shoes and heading out before sunrise every morning suggests Janet has a consistent early-morning exercise routine.
Question 3: A chart shows that in a neighborhood, car break-ins increased by 60% in the months after a streetlight was removed. What is the most reasonable conclusion?
- The streetlight caused the break-ins.
- Poor lighting may have contributed to increased criminal activity. (Correct answer)
- The neighborhood has no police presence.
- Car break-ins are unrelated to lighting conditions.
Correct answer: Poor lighting may have contributed to increased criminal activity.
The timing of the increase after the light removal suggests a connection between reduced lighting and increased crime, though it is not definitive proof of causation.
Question 4: A passage says: 'The pitcher threw the ball, and the crowd went completely silent before erupting in cheers.' What can you infer happened?
- The batter struck out.
- The pitcher threw a bad pitch.
- Something exciting and favorable to the crowd's team occurred. (Correct answer)
- The crowd was confused by the play.
Correct answer: Something exciting and favorable to the crowd's team occurred.
A brief silence followed by erupting cheers typically indicates a positive, exciting play for the home crowd.
Question 5: A sign at a pool states: 'Swim at your own risk. No lifeguard on duty.' What is the correct inference for swimmers?
- Swimming is completely safe because it is a public pool.
- Swimmers are responsible for their own safety since there is no lifeguard. (Correct answer)
- Lifeguards are on break and will return shortly.
- The sign only applies to children.
Correct answer: Swimmers are responsible for their own safety since there is no lifeguard.
The sign clearly states there is no lifeguard, meaning swimmers cannot rely on rescue assistance and must ensure their own safety.
Question 6: A story describes a character who checks the weather app three times before leaving home and grabs an umbrella 'just in case.' What can you infer about this character?
- The character is obsessed with weather as a hobby.
- The character tends to be cautious and prepared. (Correct answer)
- The character does not trust technology.
- The character is going on a camping trip.
Correct answer: The character tends to be cautious and prepared.
Repeatedly checking the weather and taking an umbrella as a precaution are signs of a cautious and prepared personality.
Question 7: A passage states: 'The factory that had employed half the town closed its doors last year. Since then, many local businesses have shut down too.' What conclusion is best supported?
- Local businesses caused the factory to close.
- The factory closure likely hurt the local economy, reducing spending. (Correct answer)
- The town will recover completely within a year.
- The businesses closed for unrelated reasons.
Correct answer: The factory closure likely hurt the local economy, reducing spending.
When a major employer closes, workers lose income and spend less, which typically causes a ripple effect on local businesses.
BSEP Inference and Drawing Conclusions 3
A food label reads: 'Contains: wheat, milk, eggs.
May contain traces of peanuts.' A person with a severe peanut allergy wants to buy it.
What should they infer?