OAR OAR Reading Comprehension: Inferences Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states that after the new policy was implemented, employee turnover dropped by 40% and satisfaction surveys showed marked improvement. What can you infer about the new policy?
- It was poorly received by management
- It had a positive effect on the workplace environment (Correct answer)
- It caused confusion among employees
- It was implemented too late to matter
Correct answer: It had a positive effect on the workplace environment
A drop in turnover and improved satisfaction surveys both indicate the policy positively affected the workplace.
Question 2: The author describes how ancient Roman roads were built with multiple layers of gravel, sand, and stone, then notes that some of these roads are still usable today. What inference can be drawn?
- Roman roads were only built in dry climates
- The construction methods were remarkably durable (Correct answer)
- Modern roads are built using the same techniques
- Romans valued speed over quality in construction
Correct answer: The construction methods were remarkably durable
The fact that roads built centuries ago remain usable directly implies the construction methods were exceptionally durable.
Question 3: A researcher writes: 'While Group A received the standard treatment, Group B received the experimental drug. After eight weeks, Group B showed a 60% reduction in symptoms compared to Group A's 15% reduction.' What can you infer?
- The standard treatment is completely ineffective
- The experimental drug appears more effective than the standard treatment (Correct answer)
- Group B had milder symptoms to begin with
- The study lasted too long to be reliable
Correct answer: The experimental drug appears more effective than the standard treatment
The significantly greater symptom reduction in Group B compared to Group A suggests the experimental drug is more effective.
Question 4: A passage mentions that the coastal town's fishing industry has declined steadily over the past decade, and many young residents have relocated to urban areas for employment. What can you infer about the town's economy?
- The town has successfully diversified its economy
- The town is likely experiencing economic hardship and population loss (Correct answer)
- Tourism has replaced fishing as the main industry
- The government has invested heavily in the town
Correct answer: The town is likely experiencing economic hardship and population loss
A declining primary industry combined with youth emigration strongly suggests economic hardship and shrinking population.
Question 5: An editorial states: 'Despite receiving the largest budget allocation in the department's history, test scores remained unchanged for the third consecutive year.' What is the author most likely implying?
- The budget should be increased even further
- Increased funding alone has not improved educational outcomes (Correct answer)
- Test scores are an unreliable measure of success
- The department managed its budget efficiently
Correct answer: Increased funding alone has not improved educational outcomes
By juxtaposing record funding with stagnant results, the author implies that more money alone is not solving the problem.
Question 6: A passage describes how a bird species nests exclusively in old-growth forests with trees over 200 years old, then states that logging has reduced old-growth forest coverage by 70% in the region. What can you infer about the bird species?
- It has likely adapted to nesting in younger forests
- Its population in the region is likely declining significantly (Correct answer)
- It will migrate to a different continent
- Logging has had no impact on its nesting habits
Correct answer: Its population in the region is likely declining significantly
Since the species depends on old-growth forests and 70% of that habitat has been lost, its population has likely declined substantially.
OAR OAR Reading Comprehension: Inferences Questions and Answers 2
A passage states that after the new policy was implemented, employee turnover dropped by 40% and satisfaction surveys showed marked improvement.
What can you infer about the new policy?