RLA Inference and Drawing Conclusions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read: "The council voted 4–3 to approve the new housing development. The three dissenting members cited concerns about traffic and green space." What can be inferred about the community's reaction to the development?
- The entire community strongly supported the development
- There is likely some division of opinion about the development among residents (Correct answer)
- Residents are primarily concerned about the cost of the project
- The development will definitely cause major traffic problems
Correct answer: There is likely some division of opinion about the development among residents
A close 4–3 vote with stated concerns about traffic and green space suggests the issue is contested, which likely reflects broader community division.
Question 2: A student reads: "By the 1920s, more Americans owned cars than ever before, and suburbs began to grow rapidly." What conclusion is best supported by this evidence?
- Cars made it possible for people to live farther from their workplaces in cities (Correct answer)
- People in the 1920s preferred rural life over city living
- The government encouraged people to move away from cities
- Car ownership caused a decline in public transportation use
Correct answer: Cars made it possible for people to live farther from their workplaces in cities
Car ownership directly enabled commuting from greater distances, which logically explains the simultaneous suburban expansion described in the passage.
Question 3: Which question best helps a reader make an inference while reading?
- What is the author's name and publication date?
- What does this evidence suggest the author believes or expects the reader to understand? (Correct answer)
- How many paragraphs does this text contain?
- What vocabulary words are defined in the glossary?
Correct answer: What does this evidence suggest the author believes or expects the reader to understand?
Asking what evidence suggests about underlying beliefs or implied meanings is the core cognitive move of inference-making.
Question 4: Read the following: "The fundraiser raised $500 less than its goal. The organizers thanked all participants and announced plans for next year's event." What can be inferred?
- The organizers are disappointed and plan to cancel future events
- Despite falling short, the organizers view the event as worth continuing (Correct answer)
- The organizers expect to raise double the amount next year
- The event's goal was set too high to be realistic
Correct answer: Despite falling short, the organizers view the event as worth continuing
Thanking participants and announcing a future event despite missing the goal signals that organizers see the effort as a positive, ongoing endeavor.
Question 5: Read: "The old factory had been closed for decades. Weeds pushed through the cracked pavement, and the windows were boarded shut." What can be inferred?
- The factory was recently renovated but is not yet open
- The factory has been abandoned and fallen into disrepair (Correct answer)
- The factory is preparing for new ownership
- The factory was closed due to an environmental hazard
Correct answer: The factory has been abandoned and fallen into disrepair
The combination of decades of closure, weeds, cracked pavement, and boarded windows collectively paint a picture of long-term neglect and abandonment.
Question 6: What is the key difference between an inference and an assumption?
- An inference is always wrong, while an assumption is always right
- An inference is grounded in textual evidence, while an assumption may lack supporting evidence (Correct answer)
- An assumption is made by the author, while an inference is made by the editor
- There is no meaningful difference between the two terms
Correct answer: An inference is grounded in textual evidence, while an assumption may lack supporting evidence
A valid inference is supported by specific evidence in the text, whereas an assumption is a belief held without necessarily checking it against evidence.
Question 7: Read: "Despite finishing last in the race, Elena crossed the finish line with her arms raised and a wide smile." What can you infer about Elena?
- Elena did not realize she had finished in last place
- Elena finds personal satisfaction in completing the race regardless of her ranking (Correct answer)
- Elena is being sarcastic about her performance
- Elena expected to win and is surprised by the outcome
Correct answer: Elena finds personal satisfaction in completing the race regardless of her ranking
Celebrating despite a last-place finish suggests Elena measures success by personal achievement—completing the race—rather than by competitive standing.
RLA Inference and Drawing Conclusions 2
Read: "The council voted 4–3 to approve the new housing development.
The three dissenting members cited concerns about traffic and green space." What can be inferred about the community's reaction to the development?