West B Reading: Inference and Drawing Conclusions Flashcards

A passage notes that a student 'consistently scored below average and rarely completed homework.' What inference is most supported?

Answer: The student is disengaged or struggling academically.

Low scores combined with incomplete homework most directly suggest academic disengagement or difficulty.

When a text implies something without stating it directly, this is called:

Answer: Inferencing

Inferencing means reading between the lines to understand what a text implies but does not directly state.

A passage says a town's water supply 'has tested above safe limits for three consecutive years.' What can be inferred?

Answer: There is a persistent contamination problem.

Three consecutive years of above-limit test results imply an ongoing, unresolved contamination issue.

Which context clue best supports the inference that a character is wealthy?

Answer: She arrived in a chauffeured car and wore a diamond necklace.

A chauffeured car and diamond necklace are context clues strongly associated with wealth.

A reader draws a conclusion that goes far beyond what the text actually suggests. This is an example of:

Answer: An overgeneralization

Overgeneralization means extending a conclusion beyond what the available evidence justifiably supports.

A passage ends: 'She handed back the unsigned contract and left without a word.' What conclusion is best supported?

Answer: She rejected the agreement.

Returning an unsigned contract and leaving silently most strongly implies rejection of the agreement.