Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension: Making Inferences 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage describes a scientist who publishes findings that contradict her own earlier research, stating: 'The data compelled a different conclusion than I initially expected.' What does this most likely suggest about her?
- She is inconsistent in her methodology
- She prioritizes evidence over her prior beliefs (Correct answer)
- She made serious errors in her earlier research
- She is trying to attract media attention
Correct answer: She prioritizes evidence over her prior beliefs
Openly revising a conclusion when data demands it reflects a commitment to evidence-based reasoning over personal investment in prior conclusions.
Question 2: A passage reads: 'The town's library had been closed for renovation for two years. When it finally reopened, the line stretched around the block an hour before the doors opened.' What does this scene imply about the community?
- The town lacks other entertainment options
- The community has a strong appreciation for the library (Correct answer)
- People were curious about the renovations
- Library visits had been declining before the closure
Correct answer: The community has a strong appreciation for the library
A line stretching around the block an hour before opening implies genuine enthusiasm and value placed on the library by the community.
Question 3: A text states: 'The new policy required all employees to submit daily reports. Within a month, productivity metrics dropped 15%, and three senior managers resigned.' What can be inferred about the policy's impact?
- Senior managers disagreed with reporting formats
- The policy created burdens that outweighed its benefits (Correct answer)
- Employees were generally satisfied with the change
- Productivity dropped for unrelated seasonal reasons
Correct answer: The policy created burdens that outweighed its benefits
The simultaneous drop in productivity and resignation of experienced managers directly following the policy suggests it created more problems than it solved.
Question 4: A passage describes: 'The actor, once celebrated for his dramatic roles, began taking only comedies after his wife's death.' What does this behavioral shift most likely suggest?
- He believed comedies were more profitable
- He needed emotional distance from intense dramatic work (Correct answer)
- His dramatic roles had received poor reviews
- His new agent specialized in comedy projects
Correct answer: He needed emotional distance from intense dramatic work
Shifting away from emotionally demanding dramatic roles following a personal loss suggests a need to avoid content that might deepen his grief.
Question 5: A passage notes: 'Though the shelter had beds for 200, it never housed more than 80 on any given night, even during winter storms.' What can be inferred from this information?
- The shelter was poorly advertised in the community
- There were barriers preventing people who needed shelter from using it (Correct answer)
- Homelessness in the area was lower than estimated
- The shelter was reserved for specific populations
Correct answer: There were barriers preventing people who needed shelter from using it
A shelter operating far below capacity even in dangerous weather implies that practical barriers — such as rules, location, or safety concerns — prevent those in need from accessing it.
Question 6: A text describes a historical figure: 'He refused all honors and titles offered by the government, though he continued his work without compensation for another thirty years.' What does this suggest about his motivations?
- He was indifferent to the quality of his work
- He was driven by intrinsic commitment rather than external recognition (Correct answer)
- He was angry at the government for past slights
- He believed titles would attract too much public attention
Correct answer: He was driven by intrinsic commitment rather than external recognition
Declining honors while continuing unpaid work for decades demonstrates that personal dedication to the work itself, not external reward, drove him.
Question 7: A passage reads: 'After the merger, the new leadership kept the acquired company's brand name but replaced its entire executive team within six months.' What does this most likely suggest about leadership's priorities?
- They valued the brand's market recognition but not its management culture (Correct answer)
- They intended to eventually dissolve the acquired company
- They were legally required to retain the brand name
- They found the executive team unqualified for their roles
Correct answer: They valued the brand's market recognition but not its management culture
Preserving the brand while removing all executives implies the acquirers valued the external brand equity but wanted to impose their own management approach.
Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension: Making Inferences 3
A passage describes a scientist who publishes findings that contradict her own earlier research, stating: 'The data compelled a different conclusion than I initially expected.' What does this most likely suggest about her?