Learn how to draw logical conclusions from textual evidence. Practice with 10 solved questions.
🎯 What You'll Learn
• What an inference is and how to make one
• How to find information that isn't directly stated
• The difference between a valid and invalid inference
• How to approach inference questions on the SAT
🔍 What Is an Inference?
An inference is a logical conclusion that is not explicitly stated in the text but can be drawn from the clues provided. Think like a detective: the text gives you the clues, and you connect them to reach a conclusion.
💡 Tip
A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage and must not contradict the overall meaning of the text.
⚡ 4-Step Inference Strategy
STEP 1
Understand the Passage
Get the main idea and important details.
STEP 2
Find the Clues
Mark what the author implies but doesn't say directly.
STEP 3
Connect the Dots
Combine the clues. Use A + B = C logic.
STEP 4
Find Evidence
Can you support your conclusion with text evidence?
🧪 Practice Questions
Read each question carefully, think of your answer, then click "Show Answer".
Question 1
Passage: Maria looked at the empty stage and sighed. "Three weeks of rehearsal, and now this," she muttered under her breath. The director had just announced that the lead actor had lost his voice. The understudy had already left town for the weekend.
How does Maria most likely feel about this situation?
A) She is angry at the understudy
B) She is frustrated because the performance may be cancelled
C) She thinks the director is incompetent
D) She is happy that she won't have to perform
✓ Answer: B
Maria sighs and mentions "three weeks of rehearsal" being wasted. The lead actor lost his voice and the understudy is gone, implying the performance may be cancelled.
Question 2
Passage: The small island community had always been self-sufficient. They grew their own crops, caught fish from the surrounding sea, and traded among themselves. However, when the ferry service was suspended due to a storm, the islanders seemed unconcerned. "We've got everything we need right here," one resident remarked.
What can be inferred from this passage?
A) The islanders are worried about the ferry service
B) The islanders are angry at the ferry company
C) The islanders do not depend heavily on the mainland
D) The islanders are planning to move to the mainland
✓ Answer: C
The islanders are described as self-sufficient and unconcerned when the ferry stops. This indicates they don't rely heavily on the mainland.
Question 3
Passage: As the CEO walked into the conference room, the chatter immediately stopped. Several employees quickly straightened their posture and avoided eye contact. The CEO's expression was unreadable as he took his seat at the head of the table.
What can be inferred from this passage?
A) The employees are intimidated by the CEO
B) The CEO is planning to fire someone
C) The employees are happy to see the CEO
D) The meeting is about a new project
✓ Answer: A
Employees stop talking, straighten their posture, and avoid eye contact — behaviors that show fear or intimidation.
Question 4
Passage: Dr. Chen had been working on the cancer research for over a decade. When she finally saw the results of her latest trial, she sat in silence for a full minute. Then, with trembling hands, she reached for the phone to call her team.
What can be inferred about the results of the trial?
A) The results were exactly what she expected
B) The results were significant or surprising
C) The results were disappointing
D) The results were inconclusive
✓ Answer: B
She sat in silence for a minute and her hands were trembling — these emotional reactions suggest the results were significant or surprising.
Question 5
Passage: After the earthquake, volunteers gathered at the community center. Some brought blankets and food, others offered their medical skills, and a few simply helped organize the donations. No one was asked to come—they just arrived.
What can be inferred about the volunteers?
A) They were paid for their work
B) They were trained professionals
C) They were asked to come by the mayor
D) They came voluntarily to help their community
✓ Answer: D
"No one was asked to come—they just arrived" directly supports that they came voluntarily.
Question 6
Passage: For years, the old library had been a quiet place. But on Saturday mornings, it transformed into something else entirely—a space filled with the sound of children's laughter and the gentle rustle of pages turning. Parents sat nearby, smiling as their children explored the shelves.
What can be inferred about the Saturday morning program at the library?
A) It is a children's reading or activity program
B) The library is usually closed on Saturdays
C) Parents are not allowed in the library
D) The library is being renovated
✓ Answer: A
Children's laughter, pages turning, parents smiling — this indicates a children's program. The contrast with "quiet place" suggests it's a special event.
Question 7
Passage: Professor Williams had a reputation for being a strict grader. On the first day of class, he announced that only a handful of students would receive A's. "I don't give grades," he said. "You earn them." By the end of the semester, most students had put in extra hours at the library.
What can be inferred about the students' behavior?
A) They complained about the professor
B) They formed a study group together
C) They worked harder to earn better grades
D) They decided to drop the class
✓ Answer: C
The professor's reputation and announcement motivated students to work harder, as shown by the extra hours at the library.
Question 8
Passage: The ancient building had stood for over 500 years. Its walls showed signs of weathering, and some of its stones had begun to crumble. Yet every year, tourists from around the world gathered to admire its beauty. Local guides would tell stories of the kings and queens who once walked its halls.
What can be inferred about the building?
A) It is not safe for visitors
B) It is a historic site of significant interest
C) It has been completely restored
D) It is located in a remote area
✓ Answer: B
The building is 500+ years old, attracts tourists worldwide, and has historical stories associated with it — clearly a historic site.
Question 9
Passage: Ryan had been saving for two years to buy the car. He'd worked overtime shifts and skipped vacations. When he finally drove it off the lot, he couldn't stop smiling. For the first few weeks, he washed it every Sunday and parked it far from other cars in the lot.
What can be inferred about Ryan's feelings toward his new car?
A) He is proud of it and takes great care of it
B) He regrets buying it
C) He plans to sell it soon
D) He is indifferent about it
✓ Answer: A
He saved for two years, couldn't stop smiling, washes it weekly, and parks it far from other cars — all signs of pride and care.
Question 10
Passage: The restaurant was nearly empty at 2 PM. Only one table was occupied, by an elderly couple sipping tea. The waitress leaned against the counter, scrolling through her phone. When the door opened, she looked up hopefully, but it was just the delivery person.
What can be inferred about the restaurant's business during the afternoon?
A) The restaurant is always busy
B) The restaurant has very few customers in the afternoon
C) The restaurant only serves tea
D) The restaurant is closing down
✓ Answer: B
"Nearly empty," only one table occupied, waitress scrolling through her phone, and she looks up hopefully when the door opens — all suggest few customers.
🎉 WELL DONE!
You've completed all 10 inference questions. You're now ready to move on to the next topic.