Inference

The phrase "it can be inferred from the passage that" signals an inference question, requiring you to reach a conclusion that the text supports but does not state outright. Stems beginning "according to the passage" or "the author states directly" point to explicitly stated factual information, and "the word X means" is a vocabulary-in-context question, so those are incorrect.

The word 'implies' signals an inference question, which requires you to identify an idea that is not directly stated but is logically supported by the text. Option A is incorrect because factual information questions ask about details that are explicitly stated in the passage.

Inference questions require readers to identify ideas that are suggested but not explicitly spelled out in the text. A diagram for this topic isn't available yet — the worked example below walks the same reasoning step by step.

• !Option A is incorrect because finding directly stated facts is the task of factual information questions, not inference questions.
• !Option A is incorrect because factual information questions ask about details that are explicitly stated in the passage.
• !Stems beginning "according to the passage" or "the author states directly" point to explicitly stated factual information, and "the word X means" is a vocabulary-in-context question, so those are incorrect.

Answer each from memory — you'll see instantly whether you're right and why.

Run a focused 10-question mini-mock on Inference and see it stick.