BSEP Inference and Drawing Conclusions 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A doctor's note says a patient should 'avoid strenuous activity for two weeks.' The patient wants to know if they can jog. What can be inferred?
- Jogging is fine because it is not a sport.
- Jogging is likely considered strenuous and should be avoided. (Correct answer)
- The patient can jog short distances only.
- The doctor meant the patient should avoid lifting weights only.
Correct answer: Jogging is likely considered strenuous and should be avoided.
Jogging raises heart rate and exerts the body significantly, making it fall under the category of strenuous activity.
Question 2: A reading passage describes a town where all wells ran dry after three consecutive summers with little rainfall. What can you infer?
- The town drilled too many wells intentionally.
- Prolonged drought reduced the groundwater supply. (Correct answer)
- The wells were poorly constructed.
- The town used too much water in winter.
Correct answer: Prolonged drought reduced the groundwater supply.
Three consecutive dry summers would significantly reduce groundwater recharge, leading to wells running dry.
Question 3: A letter states: 'Thank you for your application. After careful review, we have decided to move forward with other candidates.' What should the reader infer?
- The reader got the job.
- The reader was rejected for the position. (Correct answer)
- The employer wants more information.
- The reader should reapply immediately.
Correct answer: The reader was rejected for the position.
Moving forward with 'other candidates' is standard phrasing used to politely communicate rejection.
Question 4: A passage reads: 'Rosa hadn't eaten since breakfast, and by 3 p.m. her hands were shaking and she couldn't concentrate.' What can you infer?
- Rosa has a serious illness.
- Rosa is likely experiencing the effects of low blood sugar from not eating. (Correct answer)
- Rosa drank too much coffee in the morning.
- Rosa is nervous about an upcoming event.
Correct answer: Rosa is likely experiencing the effects of low blood sugar from not eating.
Shakiness and difficulty concentrating after a long period without food are classic signs of low blood sugar.
Question 5: An advertisement says: 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend BrightSmile toothpaste.' What is the most accurate inference a reader should draw?
- BrightSmile is scientifically proven to be the best toothpaste.
- A majority of dentists surveyed recommend BrightSmile. (Correct answer)
- The tenth dentist has bad teeth.
- All toothpastes are equally effective.
Correct answer: A majority of dentists surveyed recommend BrightSmile.
The statistic only tells you the majority of dentists surveyed preferred it; it does not prove it is scientifically superior to all others.
Question 6: A passage says plants in the sunny window grew twice as tall as identical plants placed in a darker corner of the room. What can you infer?
- The plants in the corner were watered less.
- Sunlight played a significant role in the plants' growth rate. (Correct answer)
- The plants near the window received better soil.
- The temperature in the room caused the difference.
Correct answer: Sunlight played a significant role in the plants' growth rate.
When two identical plants differ only in sunlight exposure and one grows significantly more, sunlight is the most logical explanatory factor.
Question 7: A text states: 'The new law requires all drivers to use hands-free devices when talking on the phone while driving.' A driver is caught holding their phone to their ear while driving. What can you infer?
- The driver is following the law if they are at a red light.
- The driver is violating the new law. (Correct answer)
- The law only applies to commercial drivers.
- The driver needs a special permit to use a handheld phone.
Correct answer: The driver is violating the new law.
The law requires hands-free devices for all drivers, so holding the phone to the ear is a clear violation.
BSEP Inference and Drawing Conclusions 4
A doctor's note says a patient should 'avoid strenuous activity for two weeks.' The patient wants to know if they can jog.
What can be inferred?