Evidence & Inference — What Does the Text Support?

These questions ask what can be reasonably concluded from the passage — NOT your opinion.

Evidence questions: "Which finding, if true, would most directly support the author's claim?"

The answer must directly strengthen or weaken a specific claim in the passage.

Inference questions: "Based on the text, it can most reasonably be inferred that..."

The answer must follow logically from what's stated. If it requires outside knowledge, it's wrong.

Strategy:

1. Identify the specific claim being referenced

2. Eliminate answers that contradict the passage

3. Eliminate answers that require assumptions beyond the text

4. The right answer is usually the most conservative interpretation

Rule: If you have to say "well maybe..." the answer is wrong. The right answer is always directly supported.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Inference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inference