TOEFL ITP Reading - Intermediate Level

Mastering Inference Questions

What are Inference Questions?

Inference questions ask you to understand information that is suggested but not directly stated in the passage.

Common Question Formats:

• "It can be inferred from the passage that..."


• "The author implies that..."


• "The passage suggests that..."


• "Which of the following can be concluded from the passage?"


• "The author probably believes that..."

Types of Inferences

1. Logical Conclusions

Draw reasonable conclusions from stated facts.

Example:

Text: "The ancient library contained thousands of scrolls, but a fire in 48 BCE destroyed much of the collection."

Inference: Many ancient texts were lost forever.

2. Cause and Effect

Understand unstated relationships between events.

Example:

Text: "After the invention of the printing press, literacy rates began to rise across Europe."

Inference: The printing press made books more accessible to ordinary people.

3. Author's Attitude

Determine the author's opinion or stance.

Example:

Text: "While some scientists remain skeptical, mounting evidence suggests that the theory may have merit."

Inference: The author believes the theory is becoming more credible.

4. Purpose and Function

Understand why the author includes specific information.

Example:

Text: "Consider, for instance, the case of ancient Rome, where similar policies led to economic decline."

Inference: The author uses Rome as a warning example.

Strategies for Inference Questions

1. Find the Relevant Information

• Locate the paragraph or section that relates to the question


• Read carefully, noting key facts and statements


• Look for connecting words that show relationships

2. Combine Multiple Clues

• Inference often requires combining several pieces of information


• Look for patterns across different parts of the passage


• Connect stated facts to reach logical conclusions

3. Avoid Common Traps

• Don't go too far: Stick close to what the passage supports


• Don't use outside knowledge: Base inferences only on passage content


• Don't choose extreme statements: Inferences should be moderate and logical


• Don't select directly stated facts: Inferences are suggested, not stated

4. Elimination Strategy

• Eliminate choices that contradict the passage


• Eliminate choices not supported by the passage


• Eliminate choices that are too extreme or absolute


• Choose the best remaining option

Signal Words for Inferences

Words that Suggest Conclusions:

• therefore, thus, consequently, as a result


• this suggests, this indicates, this implies


• it follows that, one can conclude

Words that Show Author's Attitude:

• unfortunately, fortunately, surprisingly


• clearly, obviously, undoubtedly


• arguably, possibly, potentially

Words that Show Contrast or Comparison:

• however, nevertheless, on the other hand


• similarly, likewise, in the same way


• unlike, in contrast, whereas

Practice Technique

The "Why" Question:

After reading a sentence or paragraph, ask yourself "Why?" to practice inferencing:

• Why did the author mention this?


• Why did this event happen?


• Why is this information important?

The "So What" Question:

Ask "So what does this mean?" to identify implications:

• What are the consequences of this information?


• What does this tell us about the topic?


• What conclusion can we draw?