|
Inference questions ask you to go beyond the passage. The answer won’t
be stated directly in the text, just implied. To answer this question
type you must be able to get inside the author’s mind and understand
how he or she would react to a given situation. Inference questions
are especially difficult because they combine both macro and micro
elements of the passage.
How to identify inference questions: Hint, imply, suggest,
...these are words that signal inference.
With which of the following would the author most likely agree?
Based on the details in the passage, which position would the author find most
objectionable?
What does the author imply about military history?
How to tackle them: These
are tricky! Because the GMAT is a computer adaptive test, lower scorers
won’t be presented with many (or any) of these questions. Think
about which answer is best supported by the facts of the passage
alone. On inference questions,
outside knowledge can confuse your understanding of the intention
or implication of the passage.
 |
| |
Vulcan Mind Meld and Reading
Comprehension
In the science-fiction series Star Trek, the Vulcan
mind meld was a trick in which a Vulcan said "your
mind to my mind," pressed his hand to the subject, and transferred the subject's
thoughts.
Inference questions are often the most challenging reading comprehension
questions because they ask you to make logical conclusions based on
the author's way of thinking. Do your best to be like a Vulcan: be
open to the author's point of view and work on learning how to "meld" with
it.
|
|
 |
|
