ALCPT Reading for Implied Meaning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage: 'The sergeant reviewed the new recruits' records without comment, then dismissed them.' What does this passage imply about the sergeant's reaction?
- He was pleased with the records
- He was indifferent to the recruits
- He was dissatisfied or unimpressed (Correct answer)
- He had not read the records carefully
Correct answer: He was dissatisfied or unimpressed
The phrase 'without comment' implies the sergeant chose not to say anything positive, suggesting dissatisfaction or a lack of enthusiasm.
When a superior reviews records 'without comment,' it typically implies the results were not noteworthy in a positive way. The implied meaning is that the sergeant was unimpressed or dissatisfied, even though this is never stated directly.
Question 2: The memo stated: 'Personnel are reminded that base access badges must be worn at all times.' What is implied by using the word 'reminded'?
- This is a new regulation being introduced
- Personnel have forgotten or ignored this rule before (Correct answer)
- Only certain personnel need to wear badges
- The regulation will be changed soon
Correct answer: Personnel have forgotten or ignored this rule before
'Reminded' implies the rule already exists and that people have previously failed to follow it, necessitating a reminder.
The word 'reminded' implies the rule is not new — it has been communicated before. Its use suggests that compliance has been an issue, meaning personnel have forgotten or ignored the rule, prompting this reminder.
Question 3: The officer's report read: 'The exercise was completed within the allotted time, though conditions were less than ideal.' What is the author implying?
- The exercise was a complete failure
- Success was achieved despite difficult circumstances (Correct answer)
- The conditions were perfect for training
- The exercise took longer than expected
Correct answer: Success was achieved despite difficult circumstances
The phrase 'less than ideal' acknowledges challenges, while 'completed within the allotted time' confirms success. The author implies the team succeeded despite obstacles.
The author implies that while conditions were unfavorable ('less than ideal'), the unit still succeeded by completing the exercise on time. This is a subtle way of crediting the team for overcoming adversity.
Question 4: A letter begins: 'We have received your application and will be in touch.' What does this imply about the outcome of the application?
- The application was accepted
- The application was rejected
- A decision has not yet been made (Correct answer)
- The application was incomplete
Correct answer: A decision has not yet been made
The phrase 'will be in touch' implies a decision is pending. It does not confirm acceptance or rejection — only that a response will follow.
The letter neither accepts nor rejects. It simply acknowledges receipt and promises future contact. The implied meaning is that the application is under review and no decision has been reached yet.
Question 5: The training schedule noted: 'Friday's session has been moved to accommodate scheduling conflicts.' What is implied about Friday's original session?
- It was cancelled permanently
- It conflicted with another obligation (Correct answer)
- It was considered unimportant
- It was relocated to a different facility
Correct answer: It conflicted with another obligation
'Moved to accommodate scheduling conflicts' implies the original time slot was inconvenient because it clashed with other commitments.
To 'accommodate scheduling conflicts' means the original time of the session created a clash with other obligations. The implied meaning is that the session was rescheduled because its original time was in direct conflict with another activity.
Question 6: An announcement read: 'Students who have not yet submitted their language assessments are encouraged to do so at their earliest convenience.' What is implied?
- The deadline for assessments has passed
- Submitting the assessment is entirely optional
- The deadline is approaching and submission is expected soon (Correct answer)
- All students have already submitted their assessments
Correct answer: The deadline is approaching and submission is expected soon
The phrase 'at your earliest convenience' in an official notice implies urgency — it is a polite way of saying the submission is overdue or needed soon.
In formal communication, 'at your earliest convenience' is a polite but firm way of saying something should be done soon. The implication is that submission is expected and that delay is not desirable, though a hard deadline is not explicitly stated.
ALCPT Reading for Implied Meaning 2
Read the passage: 'The sergeant reviewed the new recruits' records without comment, then dismissed them.' What does this passage imply about the sergeant's reaction?