West B Reading: Inference and Drawing Conclusions Flashcards

A passage states: 'The factory closed last year, and now the main street has fewer open shops.' What can be inferred from this passage?

Answer: The town's economy has been negatively affected.

The closure of the factory and fewer open shops together imply a negative economic impact on the town.

A character in a story repeatedly checks the clock and taps her foot while waiting. What can the reader infer about her emotional state?

Answer: She is anxious or impatient.

Repeatedly checking the clock and tapping a foot are behavioral cues that signal anxiety or impatience.

A passage says: 'Despite the storm warnings, the fishing boats left the harbor at dawn.' What conclusion can be drawn?

Answer: The fishermen ignored the danger to work.

Leaving despite warnings implies the fishermen chose to proceed with their work despite the known risk.

Which of the following is an inference rather than a stated fact in a passage?

Answer: The character was probably nervous about the test.

An inference goes beyond what is directly stated; 'probably nervous' is a conclusion drawn from clues, not a stated fact.

A passage describes a neighborhood where 'children no longer play outside and residents keep their blinds shut.' What can be inferred?

Answer: The neighborhood is experiencing some form of fear or unease.

Both behaviors — staying inside and keeping blinds shut — suggest fear, distrust, or a sense of danger in the neighborhood.

To draw a valid conclusion from a passage, a reader should:

Answer: Use evidence from the text combined with logical reasoning.

Valid conclusions are grounded in textual evidence and logical reasoning rather than assumptions or personal bias.