Logical Inference From Text Flashcards

Researchers found that forests in Region A lost 40% of their tree cover between 2000 and 2020, while neighboring Region B, which enacted strict logging bans in 2001, retained nearly all of its original forest. What can most logically be inferred?

Answer: Logging restrictions likely contributed to Region B's forest retention

The contrast between Region A's losses and Region B's retention—with logging bans as the key difference—supports inferring that the policy protected the forest.

A clinical trial showed that patients who took a new medication reported 60% fewer headaches than the placebo group, though the medication caused mild nausea in 30% of participants. Which inference is most reasonable?

Answer: The medication's effectiveness must be weighed against its side effects

The drug is effective but has a notable side effect, so a rational conclusion is that the trade-off between benefit and risk must be considered.

Historical records show that ancient cities located along major rivers grew significantly larger than inland cities. Merchants, farmers, and craftspeople all clustered near waterways. What can be inferred about the role of rivers in ancient civilization?

Answer: Rivers served as vital arteries for trade and sustenance

The convergence of merchants, farmers, and craftspeople near rivers points to rivers as essential for commerce and resources, not merely aesthetics or military use.

Since the city installed 500 new trees in the downtown corridor, summer temperatures there dropped by an average of 3°F. A neighboring district with no new plantings showed no temperature change. What inference is best supported?

Answer: Urban tree coverage can reduce local heat levels

The controlled comparison—one district with trees versus one without, and only the first showing cooling—supports inferring that the trees caused the temperature drop.

A survey found that employees working from home at least three days per week reported higher job satisfaction, but managers rated those same employees' collaboration skills lower than in-office peers. What can logically be inferred?

Answer: Remote work involves trade-offs between personal satisfaction and collaborative performance

The data show a gain in one area (satisfaction) and a loss in another (collaboration), which logically implies a trade-off rather than a clear winner.

A highway bypass was built around a small town to reduce Main Street congestion. Two years later, Main Street shops reported a 40% decline in revenue. What can most likely be inferred?

Answer: Diverting traffic away from downtown reduced foot traffic and sales

Rerouting vehicles away from Main Street logically reduces the number of passing customers, which directly explains the revenue drop.

A nutrition study found that participants consuming five or more servings of vegetables daily had lower rates of heart disease than those eating fewer than two servings, even after controlling for exercise and smoking. What is the most reasonable inference?

Answer: Higher vegetable consumption is associated with reduced heart disease risk

After controlling for other variables, the correlation between vegetable intake and lower heart disease risk points to an association between the two.