GMAT Verbal: Reading Comprehension Inference 3

Question 1

A passage describes a CEO who "declined to comment on the merger rumors." What can reasonably be inferred?

Accepted Answer

The passage does not establish the merger's status

Answer

Declining to comment provides no information confirming or denying the merger.

Question 2

The author notes that "unlike its competitors, the firm reinvests most profits into research." What is implied?

Accepted Answer

Competitors reinvest less into research

Answer

"Unlike its competitors" implies competitors reinvest comparatively less into research.

Question 3

A passage states: "The findings hold only under controlled laboratory conditions." What inference is best?

Accepted Answer

Real-world applicability is uncertain

Answer

Holding only in the lab implies uncertain applicability outside it.

Question 4

An author writes that a tradition "persists despite official discouragement." What does this imply?

Accepted Answer

The tradition has strong popular support

Answer

Persisting against official discouragement implies enduring popular support.

Question 5

The passage says: "Profits rose, though largely due to a one-time asset sale." What can be inferred about ongoing profitability?

Accepted Answer

Core operations may not be the source of the rise

Answer

A one-time asset sale driving profits implies core operations may not explain the rise.

GMAT Practice Test