Inference Questions
Inference questions can be phrased as:■ “The passage suggests.. .”
■ “The passage implies”.. .”
■ “Which of the following can be inferred from the passage.. .”
■ “Which of the following can be concluded from the passage.. .”Consider each of the choices separately and select all that apply.
The passage suggests which of the following about photosynthesis?
A It can sometimes occur in the absence of light.
B Tolleter’s findings call into doubt its role in coral bleaching.
C It is not the only cellular mechanism implicated in coral bleaching.How to Tackle an Inference Question
Inference questions are very similar to detail questions. As is the case with detail
questions, with inference questions you should focus on identifying concrete
textual evidence to justify your answer. The primary difference is the following:
To answer an inference question, you must draw a conclusion based on information
in the passage. With inference questions, the actual answer will never be explicitly
stated in the passage. Instead, it will be implied by what the author says. To answer
these questions, look for which choices can be directly inferred from the given
information in the passage.
Let’s review the previous choices with this advice in mind. The passage suggests
which of the following about photosynthesis?■ Choice A. The passage questions the role of photosynthesis in coral bleaching
by providing evidence that coral bleaching occurs even when the algae are
heat-stressed in the dark. Since being heat-stressed in the dark is used as
evidence against the role of photosynthesis in coral bleaching, it can be
inferred that photosynthesis does not occur in the absence of light. Choice A
states the opposite of what can be inferred and is thus incorrect. → Incorrect
■ Choice B. The passage states that “the heat’s effect on the algae must occur
by disrupting cellular processes other than photosynthesis.” The author
discusses the effect of heat on algae in the absence of light to show that
bleaching occurs even when the photosynthesis machinery is turned off. →
Correct
■ Choice C. In the last sentence, the author states that Tolleter’s findings
suggest that additional mechanisms must be implicated as causes for coral
bleaching. The term “additional” implies “in addition to photosynthesis.” →
Correct132 PART 2 ■ GRE ANALYTICAL WRITING AND VERBAL REASONING02-GRE-Test-2018_107-172.indd 132 13/05/17 11:06 am