Inference : A Common Challenge in TOEIC R/C Part 7

 

 

Inference questions are commonly found in the TOEIC Reading Comprehension (R/C) section. These questions require the reader to make conclusions based on the information presented in the passage. In this blog post, we will discuss what inference questions are and how to approach them, and provide an example passage with a practice question and answer.

 

What are Inference Questions?

 

Inference questions ask the reader to draw a conclusion based on the information presented in the passage. The answer is not directly stated in the text, but can be inferred based on the context and details provided. These questions require the reader to read between the lines and use their critical thinking skills to make a logical deduction.

 

Approaching Inference Questions

 

To approach inference questions, it is important to read the passage carefully and pay attention to details. Look for clues in the text, such as descriptive language or cause-and-effect relationships. Think about the big picture and what the author is trying to convey. It can also be helpful to eliminate answer choices that are clearly incorrect, which can narrow down the options and increase the likelihood of selecting the correct answer.

 

Example Passage and Practice Question

 

Passage   

 

Mary had always been passionate about cuisine, but it was not until she enrolled in culinary  academy that she realized it could be her career. After graduating, she worked as a line chef at several caffs before landing a job as a head cook at a prestigious  eatery in New York City. Despite the long hours and high stress, Mary loved her job and was proud of what she had fulfilled.   

 

Practice Question   

 

What can be inferred about Mary's  passions towards her job as a cook?   

A.She's unhappy with her job.  

B. She regrets her decision to come a cook.  

C. She enjoys her job and finds it fulfilling.  

D. She's considering leaving her job.   

 

 

 

 

Answer   

C. She enjoys her job and finds it fulfilling.   

Explanation   

The passage states that Mary "loved her job "and was" proud of what she had  fulfilled." This indicates that she's happy with her career choice and finds it fulfilling. Answer choices A, B, and D are all incorrect because there's no  substantiation in the passage to support them.