OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Making Inferences from Text Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following paragraph:

'The old lighthouse stood on the cliff's edge, its paint peeling from decades of salty air and harsh winds. The light in the lantern room, once a powerful beam guiding ships, had been dark for years. Below, the waves crashed relentlessly against the rocks. Despite its dilapidated state, a small, well-tended garden of resilient flowers bloomed near its base.'

Based on this description, what can be inferred about the lighthouse's recent history?

Accepted Answer

It has been abandoned officially, but someone still cares for the grounds.

Answer

It is still an active and important navigational aid for sailors.

Answer

It has been recently restored and reopened to the public.

Answer

It is scheduled for demolition by the local authorities.

Question 2

Scenario: A news report states that a local factory, which has been the town's largest employer for over 50 years, is implementing new automated systems. The report mentions that the new technology will significantly increase production efficiency.

Which of the following is the most likely inference to be made from this report?

Accepted Answer

Some factory workers may be at risk of losing their jobs.

Answer

The factory will hire many new employees to manage the automated systems.

Answer

There will be no change in the number of people employed at the factory.

Answer

The factory's products will decrease in quality.

Question 3

Read the dialogue below:

Mei: 'Are you sure you want to wear that to the interview? The company is known for its very formal and traditional environment.'
Liam: 'It's fine. I want them to see my personality. This is who I am.'

What can be inferred about Liam's clothing?

Accepted Answer

It is likely casual and unconventional for a formal interview.

Answer

It is a brand-new, expensive suit.

Answer

It is the standard, recommended attire for an interview.

Answer

It is a uniform required by his previous job.

Question 4

An article about wildlife conservation notes, 'The population of monarch butterflies has seen a sharp decline in recent years. This trend coincides with the increased use of herbicides on milkweed, the monarch caterpillar's only food source.'

What is the most logical inference from this statement?

Accepted Answer

The use of herbicides is likely a contributing factor to the decline in the monarch population.

Answer

Monarch butterflies have found a new and better food source.

Answer

Monarch butterfly populations are naturally cyclical and will recover on their own.

Answer

Milkweed plants have become more resilient to herbicides.

Question 5

After seeing the 'Help Wanted' sign, Anya walked into the quiet bookstore. The man behind the counter, surrounded by towering stacks of books, peered at her over his glasses. He didn't smile but asked, 'Are you afraid of heights or paper cuts?' Anya, noticing a thick layer of dust on a nearby shelf, replied, 'Neither. And I'm also good with a duster.' The man's lips curled into a slight smile.

Based on the passage, what can you infer about why the man smiled?

Accepted Answer

He appreciated that Anya was observant and understood the unstated needs of the job.

Answer

He found Anya's comment rude and was being sarcastic.

Answer

He was amused because he had just finished dusting the entire store.

Answer

He was happy because he disliked dusting and wanted to hire someone immediately.

Question 6

Read the following sentence:

'Despite the team's advanced analytics and state-of-the-art training facilities, they failed to win a single championship, a fact that veteran sports journalists often pointed to as a cautionary tale.'

Which of the following can be inferred from this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Advanced statistics and facilities do not guarantee success.

Answer

The team's players were not talented.

Answer

The sports journalists did not like the team's coach.

Answer

The team had the lowest budget in the league.