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Solving inference questions in GMAT Critical Reasoning
Unlike most Critical Reasoning questions, in which the argument consists of both a premise and a conclusion, in Inference Questions, the argument consists of premises only. There’s no conclusion; the question stem asks you to draw a conclusion based on these premises. We can identify these questions by the use of words such as conclude, conclusion, infer or inference in the question stem. Here are a few examples of inference questions:
1. The statements above, if true, best support which of the following as a conclusion?
2. Which of the following inferences is best supported by the statement made above?
3. Which of the following conclusions can most properly be drawn from the information above?
4. If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?
Another important point worth noting is that the correct answer choice is the one that makes only a small step beyond the premises. The inference is not a giant leap, and should not presuppose any assumptions, but rather be the immediate, closest conclusion that directly results from the premises. Moreover, the same tone (positive, negative, neutral) that comes across in the argument should also be present in the correct answer.
Let’s have a look at an example:
Let’s take a look at the answers.
Answer choice A contradicts the first premise, which states that the government promised that the highway will not pass through existing archaeological heritage sites. Since the highway will not pass through Site Z but through an area of undiscovered sites, it is incorrect to infer that the government has broken its promise.
Answer B presents a new premise regarding an additional concern of the citizens. Since there is nothing in the existing premises to support such a statement, this cannot be a valid conclusion.
Answer choice C provides a likely conclusion to the argument’s premises. We are told that the area around Site Z has many undiscovered sites, and that the highway will pass near Site Z, that is, within the area. It is logical to conclude that these undiscovered sites may be damaged in the process. Answer C seems to be the correct choice. However, we should always check all the answers before picking the best one.
Answer D is based only upon premise A, which states that the government has promised not to endanger Site Z. However, premise B contradicts the conclusion in this answer choice as it reveals other sites may be in danger.
The information in answer E constitutes quite a leap from the information provided in the premises and requires many assumptions to link it to the argument. Having looked at all answer choices, we can safely select C as the best answer available.
Originally posted at Economist GMAT Blog
Unlike most Critical Reasoning questions, in which the argument consists of both a premise and a conclusion, in Inference Questions, the argument consists of premises only. There’s no conclusion; the question stem asks you to draw a conclusion based on these premises. We can identify these questions by the use of words such as conclude, conclusion, infer or inference in the question stem. Here are a few examples of inference questions:
1. The statements above, if true, best support which of the following as a conclusion?
2. Which of the following inferences is best supported by the statement made above?
3. Which of the following conclusions can most properly be drawn from the information above?
4. If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?
Another important point worth noting is that the correct answer choice is the one that makes only a small step beyond the premises. The inference is not a giant leap, and should not presuppose any assumptions, but rather be the immediate, closest conclusion that directly results from the premises. Moreover, the same tone (positive, negative, neutral) that comes across in the argument should also be present in the correct answer.
Let’s have a look at an example:
In a recent press conference, the government promised the citizens of Town Y that the new national highway will not pass through existing archaeological heritage sites neighboring Town Y, including Site Z. However, the new highway will pass within a mile of Site Z, which is situated at the center of an area rich in archaeological sites yet to be completely discovered.
Which of the following inferences is best supported by the statements made above?
A. The government has broken its promise to the citizens of Town Y.
B. The citizens of Town Y are worried that the noise the new highway will generate might discourage tourists from visiting Site Z.
C. Unless the national highway plan is changed, undiscovered archaeological sites will possibly be damaged during the highway’s construction.
D. Now that the government has shown its commitment to preserving archaeological heritage sites, there is no longer a threat to Site Z or to whatever undiscovered archaeological sites there are in its vicinity.
E. It is not that important if the area around Site Z is damaged by the highway since interest in archaeology is decreasing and the site would not receive many visitors anyway.
Which of the following inferences is best supported by the statements made above?
A. The government has broken its promise to the citizens of Town Y.
B. The citizens of Town Y are worried that the noise the new highway will generate might discourage tourists from visiting Site Z.
C. Unless the national highway plan is changed, undiscovered archaeological sites will possibly be damaged during the highway’s construction.
D. Now that the government has shown its commitment to preserving archaeological heritage sites, there is no longer a threat to Site Z or to whatever undiscovered archaeological sites there are in its vicinity.
E. It is not that important if the area around Site Z is damaged by the highway since interest in archaeology is decreasing and the site would not receive many visitors anyway.
Let’s take a look at the answers.
Answer choice A contradicts the first premise, which states that the government promised that the highway will not pass through existing archaeological heritage sites. Since the highway will not pass through Site Z but through an area of undiscovered sites, it is incorrect to infer that the government has broken its promise.
Answer B presents a new premise regarding an additional concern of the citizens. Since there is nothing in the existing premises to support such a statement, this cannot be a valid conclusion.
Answer choice C provides a likely conclusion to the argument’s premises. We are told that the area around Site Z has many undiscovered sites, and that the highway will pass near Site Z, that is, within the area. It is logical to conclude that these undiscovered sites may be damaged in the process. Answer C seems to be the correct choice. However, we should always check all the answers before picking the best one.
Answer D is based only upon premise A, which states that the government has promised not to endanger Site Z. However, premise B contradicts the conclusion in this answer choice as it reveals other sites may be in danger.
The information in answer E constitutes quite a leap from the information provided in the premises and requires many assumptions to link it to the argument. Having looked at all answer choices, we can safely select C as the best answer available.
Originally posted at Economist GMAT Blog
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