How to Answer TOEFL iBT® Reading Inference Questions

TOEFL iBT® Reading Inference tests the candidate's ability to understand the hidden meaning and the implied information in the passage. Mastering these questions, with effective test-taking strategies and practice, will help you toward improving your reading score on the TOEFL iBT®.

What are TOEFL Reading Inference Questions?

The TOEFL Reading Inference Questions want you to make inferences with information indirectly stated in the passage. These inference questions will normally start with either 'It can be inferred that' or 'Which of the following best describes.' In a way, these questions measure your understanding of deeper meaning and interlinking of the text information by asking you to interpret and analyze information other than what has directly been written.

Examples of Inference Questions

Example 1:

• 'The harsh winters in the northern region often lead to a higher incidence of seasonal depression.'

• Question: It can be inferred that in the northern region, people...

a) Enjoy winter sports

b) Experience severe weather conditions

c) Have lower rates of depression in summer

d) Prefer living in warmer climates

• Answer: c) Have lower rates of depression in summer

Example 2:

• 'Despite the increase in urban population, the city's green spaces have been maintained and even expanded.'

• Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

a) Urban population growth leads to the reduction of green spaces

b) The city has prioritized maintaining green spaces

c) Green spaces are being replaced by urban development

d) The city's population is decreasing

• Answer: b) The city has prioritized maintaining green spaces

How to Solve Inference Questions: Step-by-Step Guide

We will use the example from earlier again -  ‘The harsh winters of the northern region often result in a greater seasonal depression rate.' This example will help us consider how to interpret properly and answer inference questions.

1. Read the Passage Carefully

Focus on the main ideas and key details that develop ideas in the passage. For example, if the passage states, ‘The harsh winters in the northern region often lead to a higher incidence of seasonal depression’ note some important points about winter and depression.

2. Identify Keywords in the Question

Look for words such as 'imply', ‘suggest’, or ‘infer’. These words tell you an inference is required. For example, the question might say,  ‘It can be inferred that in the northern region, people…’

3. Find Context Clues

Re-read the passage to find the sentences or phrases that are relevant to the question. In our example, we have a context of harsh winters and seasonal depression which forms the basis for an inference to be made.

4. Draw Logical Conclusions 

Use the given information to make an educated guess about what is implied but not explicitly stated. From the example, we can infer that 'people have lower rates of depression in summer' because the text suggests higher rates in winter.

5. Eliminate Wrong Answers

Narrow your options by crossing out those options that are obviously wrong or do not apply. For example, ‘enjoys winter sports’ or ‘prefer living in warmer climates’ do not apply in the given context of depression.

6. Choose the Best Answer

Select the option that most accurately reflects the text's inference. The correct answer in this first example is ‘c) Have lower rates of depression in summer.'

Additional Tips for Answering Inference Questions

• Practice regularly. The more you practice the various kinds of implied meanings, the better you will get at spotting them. This regularity will also enhance your confidence while attempting these questions.

• Pay close attention to the author's tone. It often gives very good clues to the hidden messages in the text. Learning how to pick up on these subtle cues will guide you toward more accurate inferences.

• See beyond what the words literally say. Most of the time, there are broader implications and deeper meanings not stated explicitly. This skill will help you make more intuitive inferences.

• Stay calm and attentive during the test. Give yourself time to go through each inference question. This will help you arrive at the best possible answer with clarity and precision.

Mastering TOEFL Reading Inference Questions will require some practice and a sharp eye for detail. By following through with this guide and practicing regularly, you will be well on your way to improving your abilities in drawing accurate inferences, hence improving your overall reading score on the TOEFL test. All the best for your TOEFL test!

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