Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension: Making Inferences 4

Question 1

A passage describes a village where 'the oldest residents still remembered when the river ran clear. Fishing sustained three generations. Now the children had never seen a live fish pulled from those waters.' What inference is most supported?

Accepted Answer

Environmental degradation has destroyed the river's ecosystem

Answer

The progression from a clear river sustaining generations of fishing to children who have never seen a fish caught there implies severe environmental damage to the ecosystem.

Question 2

A text states: 'The defense attorney asked no questions during cross-examination and presented no witnesses.' In a criminal trial context, what does this most likely imply?

Accepted Answer

The defense believed cross-examination would harm their client more than help

Answer

Experienced defense attorneys skip cross-examination when they believe questioning prosecution witnesses would reinforce or emphasize damaging testimony.

Question 3

A passage notes that a popular restaurant 'removed its signature dish from the menu after ten years, citing supply chain challenges.' Three months later, 'the dish reappeared under a slightly different name at a higher price point.' What can be inferred?

Accepted Answer

The removal may have been a strategy to reset customer price expectations

Answer

Removing a popular dish and reintroducing it at a higher price suggests the supply chain explanation may have been used to justify a pricing reset.

Question 4

A story describes: 'She had been in the country for only six months but spoke the language almost fluently. She corrected her own grammar mid-sentence and apologized when she mispronounced words.' What does this reveal about her character?

Accepted Answer

She is self-critical and holds herself to a high standard

Answer

Self-correcting grammar mid-sentence and apologizing for mispronunciations reveals a perfectionistic, self-demanding nature rather than simply prior training.

Question 5

A passage reads: 'The CEO attended every product launch personally for fifteen years. This year, she sent a video message instead.' What does this change most likely suggest?

Accepted Answer

Something significant may have changed in her health, role, or priorities

Answer

A fifteen-year unbroken pattern of personal attendance ending abruptly suggests a meaningful personal or professional change rather than simple preference.

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension: Making Inferences 4