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| Reading Comprehension: Inferences |
| SATpreparation.net |
| Many "critical reading" questions have a key word in the question stem to identify the type of question. Inference questions can be identified by several key words: implies, suggests, concludes, infers, derives, excerpts. If you are able to identify these, you can easily choose the answer. Example: After a paragraph about the derivation of American cowboy terms from Spanish terms, e.g., lasso, lariat, stampede, a question asks what can be concluded about the contribution of Mexican cowboys: (A) Mexican cattle (B) the Spanish language (C) methods of handling cattle (D) money to buy ranches (E) jobs for Americans Solution: The key word “conclude” indicates an inference question. Consider the possible answer choices: (A) Mexican cattle does not follow from information about cowboy terms. (B) the Spanish language is an over-generalization. (C) methods of handling cattle is a warranted inference. (D) money to buy ranches does not follow from information about terms. (E) jobs for Americans does not follow from information about terms. SAT TIP: When you answer inference questions, be sure the answers are warranted by information in the selection! Practice with these examples: An easy passage for scores from 200 to 400 A moderate passage for scores from 400 to 600 A difficult passage for scores from 600 to 800 Click here to return to Web Book Access |
| Reading fluency is the most important key to success on the SAT, but there are also strategies to help you choose the correct answer. |
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| SAT TIP: Read the question stems carefully to identify the key words. |
| Questions? Write the SATtutor@SATpreparation.net |
| Verbal Strategies |