Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension: Making Inferences Questions and Answers

Question 1

A character in a story, upon receiving a letter, suddenly grows pale, drops the letter, and rushes out of the room without a word.
Based on these actions, which of the following is the most logical inference about the letter's contents?

Accepted Answer

The letter delivered distressing or shocking news.

Answer

The letter contained trivial, everyday news.

Answer

The letter announced an upcoming celebration.

Answer

The letter was an advertisement for a new product.

Question 2

Read the following short passage: 'The old sailor squinted at the horizon, his hand shielding his eyes. The wind whipped his grey hair, and he tasted salt on his lips. He noted the dark, heavy clouds gathering in the west and began securing the loose items on the deck.' What can be inferred from the sailor's actions?

Accepted Answer

He is expecting a storm to arrive soon.

Answer

He is preparing to go for a swim.

Answer

He is waiting for another ship to arrive.

Answer

He is getting the boat ready to sell.

Question 3

A company memo states: 'Effective immediately, all employees are required to log their work hours using the new 'TimeGuard' software. Manual timesheets will no longer be accepted. This change is being implemented to improve accuracy and streamline the payroll process.' Which of the following can be inferred from this memo?

Accepted Answer

The old system of manual timesheets was potentially inaccurate or inefficient.

Answer

The company is planning to reduce its workforce.

Answer

Employees were unanimously in favor of a new time-tracking system.

Answer

The company recently experienced a major data breach.

Question 4

An inference in reading comprehension is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A logical conclusion based on evidence in the text combined with prior knowledge.

Answer

A summary of the main points explicitly stated in the text.

Answer

A personal opinion about the topic of the passage.

Answer

The author's direct statement of their purpose for writing.

Question 5

After finishing a marathon, a runner is seen walking with a limp and grimacing with each step. A reporter asks her how the race went, and she replies through a tight smile, 'It was a breeze.' What can the reader most likely infer about the runner's statement?

Accepted Answer

She is being sarcastic and found the race very difficult.

Answer

She is genuinely happy and experienced no pain.

Answer

She did not understand the reporter's question.

Answer

She believes she could have run the race much faster.

Question 6

A passage describes an ecosystem that was once lush and diverse. It then details the recent construction of a large factory upstream on the river that flows through the area. The passage concludes by noting a significant decline in the fish population and the discoloration of the water. Which of the following is the most reasonable inference to draw?

Accepted Answer

The factory's operations are negatively impacting the river's health.

Answer

The local fishermen have been too successful.

Answer

A prolonged drought is the cause of the changes.

Answer

The native fish have migrated to a different river.

A character in a story, upon receiving a letter, suddenly grows pale, drops the letter, and rushes out of the room without a word.Based on these actions, which of the following is the most logical inference about the letter's contents?

A character in a story, upon receiving a letter, suddenly grows pale, drops the letter, and rushes out of the room without a word.
Based on these actions, which of the following is the most logical inference about the letter's contents?