Inference and Logical Conclusions — SAT Reading & Writing Explained
Inference questions ask what the passage implies or what can be logically concluded — information that is not stated outright but clearly follows from what is said.
The Core Idea
Inferences must be firmly grounded in the text. A valid inference is something that, given what the passage says, must or very likely be true. It is not a guess or an assumption — it follows logically from the evidence.
Key Vocabulary
A conclusion drawn from evidence that is not explicitly stated
A conclusion that is a necessary consequence of the information given
Something the author hints at without stating directly
A conclusion that is supported by the text and doesn't go beyond it
Inference Vs Assumption
An inference follows from evidence in the text. An assumption goes beyond the text and adds information from outside. SAT reward inferences, not assumptions.
Steps For Inference Questions
1. Identify what fact or claim in the passage supports the inference
2. Ask: Does this conclusion necessarily follow, or am I adding my own ideas?
3. Eliminate choices that require outside knowledge
4. Choose the answer that is most tightly connected to specific language in the passage
Common Errors to Avoid
Choosing answers that seem reasonable but are not supported by the text
Confusing what the author says with what the author implies
Over-inferring — drawing a conclusion the evidence doesn't fully support
How This Connects to Other Topics
Related to Author Assumptions and Implicit Meaning; these three form the core of deeper comprehension
Practice: Inference and Logical Conclusions
5 SAT-style questions. Select your answer and get an instant explanation.
Maya had been training for the marathon for six months. She woke up at 5 AM every morning to run, tracked her nutrition carefully, and gave up her weekly movie nights with friends to get enough sleep. On the day of the race, she crossed the finish line in tears, saying it was the hardest thing she had ever done.
What can be logically inferred about Maya from the passage?
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