ACT Reading: Reading Strategies - Inference, Evidence-Based Conclusions

What This Is and Why It Matters for the ACT

Inference: Evidence-Based Conclusions is a crucial reading strategy that appears on every Reading test. It requires you to make logical conclusions based on the information provided in a passage. This topic typically falls under the Reading section, but it also appears in the Science section, where you need to analyze data and make informed decisions.

Key Concepts (What You Must Know)

• Inference: A conclusion drawn from evidence or data.
• Evidence-based: Supported by facts, data, or observations.
• Logical reasoning: Drawing conclusions based on what you've read.
• Common vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with words like infer, deduce, and conclude.

Step-by-Step Strategy for This Topic

1. Read the passage carefully: Understand the main idea and supporting details.
2. Identify the question type: Determine if it's an inference, deduction, or conclusion question.
3. Look for keywords: Identify words like infer, deduce, or conclude.
4. Eliminate wrong answers: Use process of elimination to rule out incorrect options.
5. Check your work: Verify that your answer is supported by the passage.
6. Manage your time: Allocate 8-9 minutes per passage to ensure you have enough time for inferences.

How It’s Tested on the ACT

• Reading: Passage-based questions that require you to make inferences or conclusions.
• Science: Data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints that require you to analyze and make informed decisions.
• Distractors: Be cautious of options that:
  • Misinterpret the data or passage.
  • Make assumptions without evidence.
  • Use jargon or technical terms without context.

Common Mistakes & Exam Traps

• The mistake: Overlooking key details in the passage.
  • Why it happens: Rushing through the passage or not reading carefully.
  • How to avoid it: Take your time and read the passage carefully.
  • Exam board insight: The examiners expect you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the passage.
• The mistake: Making assumptions without evidence.
  • Why it happens: Failing to read the passage carefully or making assumptions based on prior knowledge.
  • How to avoid it: Verify that your answer is supported by the passage.
  • Exam board insight: The examiners penalize answers that make assumptions without evidence.

Practice Questions (3-5 questions)

Question 1

Read the passage below and answer the question:

The city's population has been growing rapidly over the past decade. According to the census data, the population increased by 20% between 2010 and 2020.

What can be inferred about the city's population growth?

A) The population has been stable over the past decade. B) The population has increased by 10% between 2015 and 2020. C) The population has grown rapidly, but the exact rate is unknown. D) The population has decreased by 10% between 2015 and 2020. E) The population has remained the same between 2015 and 2020.

Answer: C) The population has grown rapidly, but the exact rate is unknown.

Explanation: The passage states that the population increased by 20% between 2010 and 2020, but it doesn't provide the exact rate of growth between 2015 and 2020.

Question 2

Read the passage below and answer the question:

A recent study found that students who exercise regularly have better mental health outcomes. The study surveyed 100 students and found that 70% of them exercised regularly.

What can be concluded about the relationship between exercise and mental health?

A) Exercise has no effect on mental health. B) Exercise has a positive effect on mental health. C) Exercise has a negative effect on mental health. D) The relationship between exercise and mental health is unknown. E) Exercise has no correlation with mental health.

Answer: B) Exercise has a positive effect on mental health.

Explanation: The passage states that students who exercise regularly have better mental health outcomes, which suggests a positive relationship between exercise and mental health.

Quick Reference Card (60-Second Summary)

• Inference: A conclusion drawn from evidence or data.
• Evidence-based: Supported by facts, data, or observations.
• Logical reasoning: Drawing conclusions based on what you've read.
• Key vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with words like infer, deduce, and conclude.
• Reading strategy: Take your time and read the passage carefully.
• Time management: Allocate 8-9 minutes per passage to ensure you have enough time for inferences.
• Common mistake: Overlooking key details in the passage.

If You Get Stuck on Test Day

• Don't panic: Take a deep breath and read the passage carefully.
• Eliminate wrong answers: Use process of elimination to rule out incorrect options.
• Make an educated guess: If you're still unsure, make an educated guess based on the passage.
• Manage your time: Allocate 8-9 minutes per passage to ensure you have enough time for inferences.

Related ACT Topics

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding the main idea and supporting details in a passage.
• Data Analysis: Interpreting and analyzing data to make informed decisions.
• Scientific Evidence: Evaluating the credibility of scientific evidence and making informed conclusions.