Civil Service Exam (Subprofessional) Analytical Ability — Making InferencesFlash Cards

What is making an inference?

Making an inference is the use of knowledge in reading between the lines, making observations of a passage as well as experiences to identify or figure out what the text wants to convey. It is not based on opinion but on evidence and reasoning from both the text and personal knowledge.

How do good inferences differ from opinions?

Good inferences are backed up by supporting details from both the text and personal knowledge, while opinions are personal viewpoints. Inferences use evidence and reasoning to make educated guesses about what a character will do, how they feel, or other judgments during reading.

Analyze this text and make an inference: 'Sheryl is taking her final examination. As she is answering the test paper, she notices that topics given are all in her review notebook. She keeps answering and finishes the examination on time.'

Inference: Sheryl will probably pass the examination. Evidence: She recognizes all topics from her review notebook (she studied the right materials) and she finished on time (she was well-prepared and confident).

What are the 7 steps for making inferences effectively?

1. Read the text and understand every detail 2. Determine the inference question (look for 'infer', 'imply', 'suggest') 3. List relevant details from the passage 4. Put the details together 5. Look for clues or hints (vocabulary, actions, descriptions) 6. Narrow down the choices by eliminating unrelated options 7. Practice making your own inferences

What key words should you look for in inference questions?

Look for words like 'infer', 'imply', or 'suggest' in questions such as: 'You can infer that...', 'The author seems to imply that...', 'Based on the passage, it could be suggested that...'

Analyze this text: 'When Marie Joy was done with her check-up, a smile was painted on her face and she immediately got her phone and called her husband who was currently at work.' What can you infer?

Inference: The doctor gave Marie Joy good news. Evidence: She smiled after the check-up (positive reaction) and immediately called her husband (wanted to share news quickly), suggesting the results were favorable.

What types of clues should you look for when making inferences?

Look for supporting details, vocabulary choices, character's actions, descriptions, dialogue, and other textual elements that may prove one of the inference choices. These clues help you eliminate wrong answers and identify the correct inference.

Marco arrives at the office without saying a word, not even glancing at employees who greet him good morning. He seems to be thinking deeply and doesn't care about anything or anyone. What inference can you make?

Inference: Marco has a very big problem. Evidence: His unusual behavior (ignoring greetings, not speaking, deep in thought) contrasts with normal workplace interaction, suggesting he's preoccupied with something serious.

What is an assumption in analytical reasoning?

An assumption is unstated information that must be true for a conclusion to hold true. It's the missing or unstated premise that makes the conclusion valid. You need to identify what information is taken for granted but not explicitly stated.

How do assumptions and conclusions relate to each other?

Assumptions are the unstated information needed for the conclusion to be valid, while conclusions are made based on the given assumptions. The conclusion must agree with and be supported by the given assumptions to be logically sound.

Every morning, Aling Tasing goes to her garden and talks to her plants as if they are alive. She gives much attention to them and finds time to look for different plant varieties. What can you infer?

Inference: Aling Tasing is a plant lover. Evidence: She talks to plants daily (personal connection), gives them attention (care and concern), and actively seeks new varieties (passionate interest in plants).

What should you do to validate statements when finding assumptions or conclusions?

Choose an answer that will VALIDATE any given statement. Whether assumption or conclusion is missing, select the option that makes the given statement logically sound and supportable.

What types of arguments should you eliminate when finding assumptions?

Eliminate: 1. Off-topic arguments not connected to the given statement 2. Answers that are opposite to the given statement 3. Answers that are too broad or unrelated 4. Arguments that don't connect the evidence to the conclusion

Statement: 'Rachel is a very frank girl. Everything she says is correct.' What assumption supports this?

Assumption: Frank people give straight facts. This connects Rachel's frankness (being direct and honest) with the correctness of her statements, making the logical link that frank people provide accurate information.

How do you analyze cause-effect relationships in assumptions and conclusions?

Analyze whether the conclusion resulted because of the circumstances given in the assumption. Look for logical connections where the assumption provides the necessary foundation for the conclusion to follow naturally.

What makes inference questions challenging for test takers?

Inference questions are challenging because they require 'reading between the lines' and making educated guesses based on evidence rather than finding directly stated information. They require combining textual clues with personal knowledge and logical reasoning.

A young woman walked hesitantly toward an Italian restaurant, not believing her parents' excuse for meeting there. She was grumpy from lost sleep during exams. She noticed familiar cars and heard 'Surprise!' What inferences can you make?

Inferences: 1. Her parents may play practical jokes (she doesn't believe their excuse) 2. She's likely in high school or college (exam time reference) 3. People she knows are there (familiar cars) 4. It's probably a surprise party for her (meeting + familiar people + 'Surprise!')

Why is constant practice important for mastering inferences?

Constant practice helps develop the reading skills needed for making inferences. Since inference-making involves recognizing patterns, identifying clues, and connecting evidence to conclusions, regular practice builds these analytical skills and improves accuracy.

Statement: 'Teenagers from broken families have higher incidence of teen pregnancies and drug cases. Government should focus on marriage and family counseling.' What's the key assumption?

Assumption: Family disunity results in pre-marital sex and teenagers being involved in drug-related problems. This assumption connects broken families directly to the mentioned problems, justifying the need for family counseling programs.

What's the difference between making inferences and stating the obvious?

Making inferences uses clues and evidence to figure out unstated meaning, while stating the obvious simply repeats what is directly written. Inferences require analytical thinking to draw conclusions from evidence, not just reading comprehension of explicit statements.