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 character's strong, negative physical and emotional reaction (growing pale, dropping the letter, rushing out) strongly suggests the news was upsetting or shocking. The other options are inconsistent with this observed behavior.

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

The sailor's observations (dark, heavy clouds) and subsequent actions (securing loose items on deck) are classic preparations for approaching bad weather. These details logically point to the inference that he anticipates a storm.

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 memo explicitly states the new system is to 'improve accuracy and streamline the payroll process.' This implies that the previous system (manual timesheets) had issues with either accuracy, efficiency, or both. The other options are not supported by the information given.

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

Making an inference involves 'reading between the lines.' It is not something directly stated but is a logical deduction the reader makes based on the clues and details provided in the passage, filtered through their own experience and knowledge.

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

There is a clear contradiction between the runner's physical actions (limping, grimacing) and her verbal statement ('It was a breeze'). This discrepancy strongly suggests she is using verbal irony or sarcasm to understate the immense difficulty and pain she is experiencing.

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test

Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension: Making Inferences Questions and Answers