Inference from Passages Flashcards
7 cards from real LSAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Inference from Passages flashcards as text
A passage states that researchers found no statistically significant link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children across 23 studies. What is the most defensible inference?
Answer: The evidence strongly challenges the popular belief that sugar causes hyperactivity
The consistent null findings across 23 studies provide strong evidence against the sugar-hyperactivity link, though not absolute proof.
A passage states: 'Every contract requires offer, acceptance, and consideration. This agreement lacks consideration.' What can be concluded?
Answer: This agreement is not a valid contract
Since a required element is missing, the agreement fails to meet the definition of a contract stated in the passage.
A passage describes how a novelist's early works were experimental but her later works followed conventional narrative structures. A critic calls her later work a 'retreat.' What can be inferred about the critic's view?
Answer: The critic prefers experimental over conventional literary styles
Calling the shift a 'retreat' implies the critic values the experimental approach and views the move toward convention negatively.
A passage notes that a species of bird found only on an isolated island has no fear response to humans. What can most reasonably be inferred?
Answer: The birds evolved without human predators and thus never developed fear of humans
Evolutionary theory supports that fearlessness toward humans on an isolated island likely reflects absence of human predation pressure.
A passage explains that a company's profits rose 20% after it reduced its workforce by 15%. Which inference is most supportable?
Answer: The workforce reduction likely contributed to lower operating costs and higher profits
The temporal link between reduced headcount and profit growth most directly suggests cost savings contributed to the profit increase.
A passage describes a trial where the defendant's alibi was corroborated by two witnesses, but both witnesses were close friends of the defendant. What inference is most appropriate?
Answer: The witnesses' relationship to the defendant may affect the credibility of their testimony
A potential conflict of interest exists, which is relevant to assessing credibility, but does not automatically make the testimony false.
A passage states that a nation's GDP grew 5% last year but that median household income declined 2%. What can be inferred?
Answer: Economic growth was not evenly distributed across income levels
Growth in aggregate GDP while median income falls indicates gains concentrated among higher earners rather than broad distribution.