Praxis Core Reading Day 11: Inference Questions | How to Find the Right Answer
Preparing for the Praxis Core Reading test? Inference questions are one of the most common question types you will see on the exam.
Many students make the same mistake: they choose an answer based on what they already know or what they personally believe.
But on the Praxis Core Reading test, the correct answer must be supported by the passage.
In this lesson, you will learn what an inference is, how to identify inference questions, how to use evidence, and how to eliminate wrong answer choices.
What Is an Inference?
An inference is a conclusion that you make based on evidence from the passage.
The author may not state the answer directly. Instead, you must combine the clues in the text and determine what the passage suggests.
Simple Formula:
Evidence from the Passage + Your Reasoning = Inference
Example of an Inference
Passage:
Maria looked outside and saw dark clouds covering the sky. She quickly picked up her umbrella before leaving the house.
Question: What can the reader infer?
Answer: It was probably going to rain.
The passage never directly says, “It is going to rain.” However, the dark clouds and the umbrella provide evidence.
How to Identify an Inference Question
Inference questions often use phrases such as:
- What can be inferred from the passage?
- What does the passage suggest?
- Which conclusion is best supported?
- What can the reader conclude?
- It can reasonably be assumed that...
- The passage implies that...
Whenever you see these phrases, look for an answer that is supported by clues in the passage.
Inference Is Not a Guess
This is one of the most important things to remember.
An inference is not a random guess. It is also not your personal opinion.
The correct answer must be connected to information in the passage.
Remember:
If you cannot point to evidence in the passage, your answer is probably not the best inference.
Three Steps to Answer Inference Questions
Step 1: Read the Question Carefully
First, identify what the question is asking you to infer.
Do not choose an answer before understanding the question.
Step 2: Find the Evidence
Return to the passage and look for words, facts, examples, or details that support a possible conclusion.
Step 3: Choose the Best Supported Answer
Compare the answer choices. Select the answer that is most strongly supported by the passage.
Common Mistakes Students Make
1. Choosing a Personal Opinion
Students sometimes choose an answer because they personally agree with it.
However, the Praxis Reading test asks what the passage supports—not what you believe.
2. Choosing an Extreme Answer
Be careful with words such as:
- Always
- Never
- Everyone
- No one
- Completely
Extreme answers are often incorrect unless the passage clearly supports them.
3. Choosing an Answer That Is Too Broad
Some answer choices may sound reasonable but go beyond the information in the passage.
Choose the answer that stays within the evidence provided by the author.
Practice Question 1
Passage: The town library noticed that fewer teenagers were visiting. The librarian began offering free evening workshops on technology and college preparation. Within a few months, teenage attendance increased significantly.
Question: What can be inferred from the passage?
A. Teenagers do not like libraries.
B. The workshops helped attract more teenagers to the library.
C. The library was going to close.
D. Teenagers only enjoy technology.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The passage shows that attendance increased after the library introduced the workshops. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that the workshops helped attract teenagers.
Practice Question 2
Passage: James checked the weather forecast before leaving home. He put on a warm jacket and carried an umbrella.
Question: What can the reader infer?
A. James was going to the beach.
B. The weather might be cold and rainy.
C. James did not like the weather.
D. James was going swimming.
Correct Answer: B
Quick Praxis Strategy
Use the EVIDENCE Test:
Before selecting an answer, ask yourself:
“Which words or ideas in the passage support this answer?”
If you can find clear evidence, the answer is probably a strong choice.
Final Takeaway
Inference questions test your ability to read between the lines.
The answer may not be directly stated, but the passage will provide clues.
Always remember:
Don't choose what you think.
Choose what the passage supports.
Practice identifying evidence, connecting ideas, and eliminating unsupported answer choices. With regular practice, inference questions can become one of your easiest question types on the Praxis Core Reading test.
Praxis Core Reading Day 11 Quick Review
- An inference is a conclusion based on evidence.
- Inference is not the same as guessing.
- Always use information from the passage.
- Avoid unsupported personal opinions.
- Be careful with extreme answer choices.
- Choose the answer best supported by the text.
Next Lesson: Praxis Core Reading Day 12 — Main Idea and Supporting Details
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