Critical Reading and Inference Questions Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Critical Reading and Inference Questions flashcards as text
A passage states: 'The committee approved the proposal only after the board's reservations were formally withdrawn.' What can be inferred?
Answer: The board originally had objections to the proposal
'Reservations were withdrawn' implies the board previously held objections.
An author writes that a theory 'enjoyed brief popularity before being eclipsed by more rigorous models.' The word 'eclipsed' most nearly means:
Answer: Overshadowed and replaced
'Eclipsed by more rigorous models' indicates the theory was overshadowed and superseded.
A reading passage describes a policy as 'ostensibly neutral but functionally discriminatory.' This suggests the author believes the policy:
Answer: Appears fair but produces unequal effects
'Ostensibly neutral but functionally discriminatory' contrasts appearance with real unequal effect.
If a passage notes that 'critics dismissed the work, yet it now appears on every required-reading list,' the author most likely intends to highlight:
Answer: A reversal in the work's reputation over time
The contrast between past dismissal and present required status shows a reversal in reputation.
A sentence reads: 'Far from being a setback, the delay gave researchers time to refine their methods.' The author's attitude toward the delay is:
Answer: Positive, viewing it as beneficial
'Far from being a setback' reframes the delay as advantageous.
In a passage, an economist argues that consumer confidence 'tends to lag behind, rather than predict, actual recovery.' This implies confidence is best understood as:
Answer: A trailing indicator that follows recovery
'Lag behind rather than predict' means confidence trails recovery rather than forecasting it.
A passage concludes: 'Whatever its flaws, the census remains the most comprehensive demographic record available.' The author's main point is that the census is:
Answer: Valuable despite its imperfections
'Whatever its flaws... remains the most comprehensive' concedes weakness while affirming value.