TOEFL Strategies: Inference

"The new museum exhibit, showcasing ancient pottery, opened to record crowds. However, attendance has declined steadily since the first week."

Question: What can be inferred about the initial popularity of the exhibit?

• It was poorly advertised

• It was highly anticipated

• It lacked interesting artifacts

• It was free of charge

"Despite the heavy rain, the outdoor concert proceeded as planned. The audience, though slightly damp, seemed to enjoy the performance."

Question: What can be inferred about the audience's attitude?

• They were angry about the rain

• They were determined to have fun

• They were forced to attend

• They were unimpressed by the music

"The company announced a new flexible work schedule, citing increased employee satisfaction as the primary goal."

Question: What can be inferred about the previous work schedule?

• It was already flexible

• It was highly productive

• It was focused on remote work

• It was unpopular with employees

"The scientist's groundbreaking research was met with both praise and skepticism from the academic community."

Question: What can be inferred about the nature of the research?

• It was controversial

• It was widely accepted

• It was easily replicated

• It was based on old theories

"The small town's economy, once reliant on manufacturing, is now thriving due to the influx of tourists."

Question: What can be inferred about the town's past?

• It experienced economic hardship

• It was always a tourist destination

• It had a diverse economy

• It was known for its agriculture

"The new software update promised to improve user experience, but many users reported encountering more bugs."

Question: What can be inferred about the effectiveness of the update?

• It was a complete success

• It was unnecessary

• It was counterproductive.

• It was only for advanced users

"The library's quiet atmosphere was disrupted by the sudden arrival of a large school group."

Question: What can be inferred about the typical library environment?

• It is usually noisy

• It is always crowded

• It is generally peaceful

• It is often closed

"The athlete's unexpected victory surprised both fans and commentators."

Question: What can be inferred about the athlete's chances of winning?

• They were considered very slim

• They were considered highly likely

• They were never in doubt

• They were based on luck

"The restaurant's popularity soared after a famous food critic published a glowing review."

Question: What can be inferred about the critic's influence?

• It is only based on price

• It is limited to local areas

• It is negligible

• It is significant

"Despite the clear instructions, several participants struggled to assemble the furniture."

Question: What can be inferred about the assembly process?

• It was completely unnecessary

• It was very simple

• It was unexpectedly difficult

• It was only for begginers