Inference / Must Be true

Question 1

HOW TO APPROACH EVERY CR PASSAGE

Answer 1

For each sentence;

1. Read words carefully & take note of modifiers, indicators, language.
2. Summarize the main gist
   “What is the simple story here?”
3. Determine scope. Ask:
   “What are they saying vs not saying?”
4. Opinion vs fact
   “Is this an Opinion or fact?”
5. Determine the purpose. Ask:
   “Why is the author telling me this?” (eg. to illustrate an example, to provide background context)
6. Make the inferencial connection with previous sentences: Ask:
   “How does this info connect to the previous sentence?” “What inference can I draw from combining the previous sentences with this?”
7. Determine the logical flow; Ask:
   “Does this support the previous sentence or does the previous sentence support this?”
8. Determine the main point/main conclusion and note the scope of what it actually says.
   “What is the main point/conclusion here & what is the scope of elements in this?”

For Each passage

9. Identify presence/absence or an argument
   “Is there a conclusion?”
10. If no conclusion , identify the heart of the passage
    `
    A set of facts → inference/must be true/find the conclusion
    Paradox → resolve the paradox
    `
11. If yes conclusion, Map the logical link in a flow chart: [Premise → assumption → logical gap → Conclusion]
    * Identify the premise that directly supports the conclusion & its scope
    * Determine the Core Assumption:
    `
    “What new elements are there”
    “How did the author make this jump from premise to conclusion”
    “What must I assume to me true for me to believe this conclusion”
    `
    * If the assumption is not so clear, use the Falsification condition. Ask:
    “Under What circumstances , given the [Facts] in the argument, will the [conclusion] not hold”
    * Identify the logical gap
    “Am i fully convinced by this argument i.e is the argument weak or strong?” “What extra evidence is missing here that i need to be fully convinced?”

For each question stem:

13. Carefully read and identify the question stem.
    “What is this question stem asking of me?”
14. After reading the question stem, take a moment to mentally recap details you just gathered and define what you are looking for
15. Rephrase the question into a yes/No format will enable you to eliminate and choose the right answer with precision.
16. Always read each of the five answer choices completely. Ask yourself…
    `
    “What is this option simply saying”
    “Does it answer …rephrased question..?”
    `
17. Eliminate any answer choice that doesn’t answer your question

Question 2

What “Clue” makes you suspect inference?

Answer 2

The Passage is a set of facts (without a conclusion)
There’s no paradox

This does not mean that a passage with a conclusion cannot still be an inference question.

Question 3

An inference is possibly / likely true

True or false

Answer 3

False

An inference “Must be true” or is “certain to occur”, given the facts set forth.

It Demands “necessity” not “Possibility”

It must be fully supported by the passage

Question 4

An Inference answer choice that is true in the real world is always correct.

True or false

Answer 4

False

Any answer choice that is plausible but is not fully supported by the passage is INCORRECT

Question 5

Question stems of Inference questions

Answer 5

If the statement above is true, which of the following can be properly inferred/concluded?

if the information above is correct, which of the following must also be true?

IF the statements above are true, which of the following can be properly drawn?

Question 6

Inference is part of which family information model?

Answer 6

First family information model

Where the stimulus is taken as FACTS and no additional information can be brought in.

The answer choices are determined from the stimulus

(Arrow down from stimulus to answer choices)

Question 7

In Inference, an answer choice that adds additional outside info can be correct

True or False?

Answer 7

True, only if …
the answer choice is strongly supported by the passage and must be true given the facts

Any inference answer choice that brings in outside info not supported by the passage is INCORRECT

Question 8

Broad scope indicators vs Narrow scope indicators

Answer 8

In Must Be True questions you are like the detective Sherlock Holmes, looking for clues in the stimulus and then matching those clues to the answer choices.

Words like “some,” “could,” and “many” encompass many different possibilities and are BROAD SCOPE indicators.

Words like “must” and “none” indicate a NARROW SCOPE indicators.

Question 9

Some

Broad/Narrow scope?

Answer 9

Broad scope

Question 10

Could

Broad/Narrow cope?

Answer 10

Broad scope

Question 11

Many

Broad/narrow scope?

Answer 11

Broad scope

Question 12

Must

Broad/Narrow scope?

Answer 12

Narrow scope

Question 13

None

Broad/Narrow scope?

Answer 13

Narrow scope

Question 14

Common Inference question traps

Answer 14

Test takers will change the modifiers in answer choices to test your attention to detail.

strategy - read carefully and note all modifiers.

Question 15

Correct answer types of Inference/Must-be-true questions

Answer 15

1. Answers that are conclusions based on the entirety of statements in the passage

2.Answers that are fully supported by small portions of the passage (paraphrased answers or inference from combining 2 or more statements in passage)

3.Answers supported by numerical info throughout the passage

4.answers supported by maths info in small portions of the passage

Question 16

5 Incorrect answer types (Traps) of inference/must-be-true questions

Answer 16

1. Could be true / likely to be true answers
2. Exaggerated answers
3. Answers that present information in the stimulus
   in a distorted way
   
   • Reversed answers eg (if/then..)
   • opposite answers
   • the shell game
4. Answers that bring new info that is not supported by the passage
5. Answers that are true in real world but not
   supported by the passage.

Question 17

Some environmentalists question the prudence of exploiting features of the environment, arguing that there are no economic benefits to be gained from forests, mountains, or wetlands that no longer exist. Many environmentalists claim that because nature has intrinsic value it would be wrong to destroy such features of the environment, even if the economic costs of doing so were outweighed by the economic costs of not doing so.

Which one of the following choices are obviously incorrect

(A) It is economically imprudent to exploit features of the environment.

(B) Some environmentalists appeal to a noneconomic justification in questioning the defensibility of exploiting features of the environment.

(C) Most environmentalists appeal to economic reasons in questioning the defensibility of exploiting features of the environment.

(D) Many environmentalists provide only a noneconomic justification in questioning the defensibility of exploiting features of the environment.

(E) Even if there is no economic reason for protecting the environment, there is a sound noneconomic justification for doing so.

Answer 17

Choices (A) & (E) are obviously incorrect

Because;
the author repeats the opinions of others and never makes an assertion of his or her own.
(A) and (E) make factual assertions
Opinions ≠ Assertions/Facts

When a stimulus contains only the opinions of others, then in a Must Be True question you can eliminate any answer choice that makes a flat assertion without reference to those opinions.

“opinions” in a passage do not let us know the “actual facts” of the situation.

Question 18

Passage : Many boys play ball

Ans choice: Some boys play ball …True or False?

Answer 18

True

If “many” boys play ball, it must be true that at least “some” boys play ball.

Question 19

Inference vs Assumption

Answer 19

1. An assumption is an unstated fact that swerves as a bridge between the premise and conclusion, While an Inference is an unstated conclusion derived mainly from the premise
2. An Assumption occurs before the argument/conclusion, while the argument is being formed. While, an Inference occurs after the argument is complete
3. An assumption must be true in order for the argument to be valid, While an Inference must be true based on the information presented in the argument.

Question 20

Rethinking to Predict the answer is a good strategy

True / False

Answer 20

False

Don’t waste your time rethinking to predict.

Instead, before jumping to the answer choices, Prethink to understand connections/assumptions - try to synthesize and intimately understand the facts as well as how they connect to each other. Also know the main point and think of the authors purpose (what is he trying to make me understand?)

Question 21

Inference question require you to look for a main conclusion

True or False

Answer 21

False

You are looking for a choice that says something that must be true given the facts stated in the passage.

Question 22

True / Exaggerated?

Some of A
= All of A

Answer 22

Exaggerated

Some ≠ All

Question 23

True or False?

Not Guaranteed ≠ Unlikely

Answer 23

True

Not guaranteed - Probability < 95%
Unlikely - Probability < 50%

Question 24

True or False?

Guaranteed = Likely

Answer 24

False

Likely - Probability > 50%
Guaranteed - Probability > 95%

Question 25

# True or False? Sufficient = Necessary

Answer 25

**False** Sufficient = enough Necessary = required but not enough

Question 26

# True / False? has never been ≠ will never be

Answer 26

**True** The past does not necessarily predict the future Pay close attention, changes in tense can make an answer to be exaggerated

Question 27

"Except" inference questions strategy

Answer 27

Q_ the following are inferences except... correct answer - could be true / Must be false Incorrect answers - must be true

Question 28

Which of the following must not be true? The correct answer to the question above will be...

Answer 28

correct answer - Must not be true Incorrect answer- could be true / may be true / must be true

Question 29

List Broad scope indicators

Answer 29

Some Not all May Not always/ Rarely Many Probably/ Likely/ Can/ Could Several Few

Question 30

List Narrow scope indicators

Answer 30

None All Must Always Only Will/ Would Most Never Every Sole Exclusively Does not (showing absolute negation)

Question 31

# How do you approach this question prompt Which of the following is **most supported** by the passage?

Answer 31

1. the correct answer **must be true** (supported by facts in the passage whether it introduces new information or not) 2. The correct answer may capture the **main point** or be an **inference** or even a **Conclusion** 3. if i am stuck between 2 options that are supported by passage facts, i will look for **clues in the question stem** to decide which is the best answer (conclusion or inference)

Question 32

How do you approach "new infromation not stated in the passage" in an inference answer choice?

Answer 32

1. I will read and understand the answer choice. What is this option saying? 2. What is the logical implication of what this option is saying? What is it implying? 3. Is this supported/implyed by the passage? If it is supported - ✅ if it is not supported - ❌ ## Footnote Dont elimininate just because there is new informatin, always pause and confirm if this new info is dirrectly supported b the passage.

Question 33

# Is the answer choce True of False? **Passage**: Some people claim apples are vegetables and not fruits *Which of the following must be true?* **Ans choice**: apples are vegetables

Answer 33

**False** ***Opinions*** are not same as ***facts*** *When a stimulus contains only the opinions of others, then in a Must Be True question you can eliminate any answer choice that makes a flat assertion without reference to those opinions*

Question 34

Anytime i am having difficulty clearly eliminating option choices, it means....

Answer 34

1. i do not fully undersand the passage 2. i did not fully link the logic of the passage , make inferential connections or get the authors main point 3. I missed words/indicators/modifiers that made me misinterprete the passage. 4. I have missed context clues or nuances in either the option choice/the question stem/ passage

Question 35

When stuck between 2 answer choices in inference questions...

Answer 35

apply the following steps: 1. **Revisit Passage & Restate the Conclusion or Key Inference** Identify the explicit evidence in the passage and what can logically follow from it without adding assumptions. 2. **Scope** : Ask: “Does this answer stay within the boundaries of what the passage discusses?” Eliminate broader claims. If an answer goes beyond what is directly supported by the passage, it’s likely wrong. 3. **Language** Favor milder claims to strong language unless it is supported. Look for weasel words (e.g., "may," "could," "possibly") in weaker options and compare them with stronger, definitive claims in others like "will", "would" or "must" "does not". Ensure the strength of the claim matches the evidence. 4. **Fact test** Test Each Option Against the Evidence: For each option, ask: “Does this logically follow from the passage’s evidence?” "Is it supported by the passage?" If an answer requires new assumptions or overgeneralization, eliminate it. 5. **Negation test** : If you are deliberating between the last 2 options, consider what will happen if each of the choices were not true. Would the evidence no longer make sense? The **answer that conflicts the most** with the passage **when negated** is most likely to be **the correct answer**.

Question 36

# When you see this statement in a question stem "Most strongly supported" ## Footnote Think....

Answer 36

1. The correct answer choice **may not be directly supported** by a statement in the passage, **but instead indirectly supported** by an implied inference of ≥ 1-2 statements combined. 2. 2 choices may appear very close or both be supported, so i need to look for cues and nuances in question stem as well (main point/inference) ## Footnote Ensure you always think of the implication of each statement in the passage and how they connect to each other while reading......why is this here? how does this statement connect to the previous ones? what does this mean? -----PRethink and visualize.

Question 37

The first and most important step for **must be true** questions

Answer 37

Understand the logical implication of each statement and how they connect Draw inferences aftter each statement - PRethink & Visualize Drew the logical flow chart in your head with implied assumptions/mathematical implications

Question 38

# Best tip for acing hard Must be true CR questions To maintain high accuracy for 705+ CR questions, you have to....

Answer 38

**Prethink & Visualize!!** *if you do not have a stong clear understanding of the passage , hidden assumptions, main point, direction of the passage as well as unstated inferences (between 2 or more statements ), acuracy will be 50/50 in hard questions.* **ALWAYS make supported inferences from combining 2 or more statements in the passage!** this means- if you see a conditional statement, also think about the contrapositive as an inference. if you see a rule, think about what the condition of not following the rule means given what the passage says etc! ## Footnote after each sentence in the passage...aways ask youself 1. What is the main point/gist of this and why is this info here 2. What can i infer from this - scope, language , context clues. 3. how is this connected to the previous statement and passage as a whole- Logical link/flow chart 4. What inference/hidded assumptions can be made (maths or not maths) in combination with prev facts. 5. What is the main point of the whole passage 6. Why is the author telling me this..what direction is this passage leading towards?

Question 39

# Now using the tips in the last deck, what can you infer here? Members of the VideoKing Frequent Viewers club can now receive a special discount coupon. Members of the club who have rented more than ten videos in the past month can receive the discount coupon only at the VideoKing location from which the member last rented a movie. Members of the Frequent Viewers club who have not rented more than ten videos in the past month can receive the coupon only at the Main Street location. Pat, who has not rented more than ten videos in the past month, can receive the special discount coupon at the Walnut Lane location of VideoKing.

Answer 39

members with > 10 --> only collect in last site ... so if cannot only collect in last site, not a member with > 10 Members ≤ 10 ---> only main street ......so if i cannot only collect from main street, not a member ≤10 ........so only 2 types of members, > 10 & ≤ 10. Pat < 10 -----> collect at wallnut lane. if pat can collect at wallnut lane, then he cannot collect only at last sire or main street , meaning he is not a member with >10 or ≤ 10 -...meaning pat is not a member ## Footnote this is the level of inferential prethinking and analsis you have to be doing for all passages. Taking your time to do this will make you more precise in eliminating options and improve yur acurracy! **This is a must** DO NOT BE AFRIAD TO TAKE YOUR TIME AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE PASSAGE