Making Inferences - SSAT Upper Level: Reading

Multiple consistent clues. A stronger inference relies on several aligned textual hints, as they provide more robust support than a single ambiguous detail.

Inference. This term describes a logical conclusion drawn from implicit evidence within the text, essential for understanding unstated ideas in reading comprehension.

He is cautious and wants to avoid mistakes. Multiple reviews before sending imply thoroughness, suggesting a desire to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.

The coach is trying to be calm and supportive. Adjusting tone to be softer and deliberate after defeat implies an effort to maintain composure and offer encouragement.

She remains hurt and does not trust the apology. Maintaining distance post-apology implies lingering resentment, suggesting the apology failed to restore trust.

A bleak or ominous mood. Imagery of flickering lights and scattered trash evokes desolation, implying a foreboding or negative atmosphere.

To persuade by using evidence and credibility. Referencing multiple authoritative sources implies an intent to build a credible argument and convince the reader through evidence.

She is modest or uncomfortable with praise. Shrugging off praise and redirecting implies deflection, suggesting humility or unease with receiving compliments.

The committee has reservations or lacks consensus. Praise followed by repeated delays implies hesitation, suggesting doubts or internal disagreements within the group.

He is uncomfortable or unwilling to engage. Minimal responses and averted gaze imply disengagement, suggesting discomfort or reluctance in the interaction.

She is anxious or impatient about time. Frequent clock glances suggest restlessness or concern with timing, implying underlying anxiety or impatience.

The student is motivated and proactive. Submitting early and seeking extra work implies initiative and drive, as these actions exceed basic requirements.

The narrator is unsure or tentative. Hedges such as 'perhaps' and 'it seems' imply a lack of confidence, supporting an inference of the narrator's hesitancy.

“May”. Modal verbs like 'may' suggest possibility, which can be supported by weaker evidence than the certainty implied by 'must.'

“Always” (and other absolutes). Absolutes like 'always' typically make claims too definitive for the limited evidence provided in a passage.

Extreme wording (absolute claims). Incorrect inference options often overstate implications with absolutes, exceeding what the text reasonably supports.

Ask whether the text supports it. Testing inferences against textual evidence confirms their validity, prioritizing passage support over general plausibility.

Locate the specific lines that provide evidence. Identifying relevant textual evidence first ensures the chosen inference is directly supported by the passage's content.

Actions with outcomes. Character motives are implied through behaviors and their results, providing evidence of underlying intentions not directly stated.

Word choice and connotation. Tone inferences are best supported by analyzing the author's language and implied meanings, which reveal attitude toward the subject.

Inference adds an implied conclusion; summary restates stated ideas. Inferences derive unstated implications from the text, while summaries condense and rephrase the explicitly stated content.

Inference uses present evidence; prediction extends beyond the text. Inferences interpret current textual clues, whereas predictions project future outcomes not directly implied by the passage.

Probable given the text (best-supported), not merely possible. SSAT inferences require the option to be the most likely based on textual evidence, distinguishing it from mere possibilities or certainties.