Verbal: Reading Comprehension Inference Flashcards

A passage states: "The author acknowledges exceptions but maintains the general rule." What can be inferred about the author's stance?

Answer: The author believes the rule mostly holds despite exceptions

Acknowledging exceptions while maintaining the rule implies it holds in general.

The text says a species "thrives in disturbed habitats that harm most native plants." What is implied?

Answer: The species tolerates conditions others cannot

Thriving where most natives are harmed implies unusual tolerance of disturbance.

An author notes that "reports of the decline were based on outdated figures." What does this imply?

Answer: The reported decline may be inaccurate

Basing reports on outdated figures implies the reported decline may be inaccurate.

A passage states: "Only after regulation changed did emissions begin to fall." What inference is best supported?

Answer: The regulation likely contributed to the decline

Emissions falling only after the change suggests the regulation contributed.

The author writes that critics "overlook the program's hidden administrative costs." What is implied about the critics' view?

Answer: Their assessment may understate total costs

Overlooking hidden costs implies critics may understate the total cost.

A passage notes a treatment "works for patients in early stages but not advanced ones." What can be inferred?

Answer: Timing of treatment affects its effectiveness

Differing results by stage imply effectiveness depends on timing.

The text says: "Sales figures, adjusted for inflation, actually declined." What is implied about the unadjusted figures?

Answer: They likely appeared to rise or hold steady

If adjusting for inflation reveals a decline, the raw figures likely looked better.