4.3 Inference, Explanation & Boldface Analysis

Inference (Must-Be-True) Questions

Unlike Strengthen and Weaken questions where you evaluate the impact of new information, Inference (or Must-Be-True) questions test your ability to draw a rigorous logical deduction strictly from the facts provided in the prompt.

The Golden Rule of Inference: The correct answer must be 100% provable based only on the text. You cannot bring in outside real-world knowledge, and you cannot make assumptions.

Strategies for Inference

1. Treat the Prompt as a Set of Facts: There is usually no main conclusion in an Inference prompt—just a series of premises. Your job is to find the conclusion that mathematically or logically follows.
2. Look for the Overlap: If Fact A connects to Fact B, and Fact B connects to Fact C, the correct inference often connects A directly to C (A = B, B = C, therefore A = C).
3. Beware of Extreme Language: Words like always, never, only, all, must, and none are very difficult to prove based on a short paragraph. Answer choices with softer language—some, many, sometimes, may, can—are much easier to prove and are frequently correct.
4. Avoid "Real World" Traps: An answer choice might be entirely true in the real world, but if it is not supported by the specific text in the prompt, it is wrong.

Example: Prompt: All employees at TechCorp receive a year-end bonus. Only employees in the engineering department receive stock options. Inference: TechCorp employees who receive stock options also receive a year-end bonus. (Since all employees get the bonus, and engineers are a subset of employees, engineers get both.)

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Resolving the Paradox (Explanation)

These questions present a short passage containing two facts that appear to contradict each other. The prompt will ask you to "resolve the paradox," "explain the discrepancy," or "reconcile the findings."

Goal: Find the answer choice that provides new information allowing both seemingly contradictory facts to be true at the same time.

Strategies for Resolving the Paradox

1. Identify the Two Sides: Clearly state the contradiction in your own words. (e.g., "Fact 1: Sales of the product went up. Fact 2: Overall revenue from the product went down. How can both be true?")
2. Look for the Missing Link: The correct answer will provide context that bridges the gap. (e.g., "The company slashed the price of the product by 75% to clear inventory.")
3. Do Not Invalidate Either Fact: A common trap is an answer choice that proves one of the facts is wrong. The correct answer must accept both facts as true and explain how they coexist.

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Boldface (Structural Role) Questions

Boldface questions are unique visually and structurally. The prompt will contain an argument with one or two portions of text in boldface font. You are asked to identify the structural role of these bolded portions (e.g., Are they premises? Conclusions? Counter-arguments?).

Strategies for Boldface Questions

1. Identify the Main Conclusion: Before looking at the bolded text, find the author's ultimate, main conclusion. This is your anchor.
2. Determine the Relationship: Evaluate each bolded statement in relation to the main conclusion.
   • Does it support the main conclusion? (Premise / Evidence)
   • Does it go against the main conclusion? (Counter-premise / Opposing view)
   • Is it a sub-conclusion that supports the main one? (Intermediate Conclusion)
   • Is it the main conclusion itself?
3. Use Shorthand: Classify the bolded portions as simply as possible. For example: "Bold 1 is a fact supporting the author. Bold 2 is the author's main point."
4. Scan the Answer Choices: EA answer choices for Boldface questions are notoriously wordy and confusing. Use your shorthand to aggressively eliminate choices that misidentify the basic function.

Decoding Boldface Terminology in Answer Choices:

• "A generalization that the argument seeks to establish" = The Main Conclusion
• "A judgment that has been advanced in support of the argument's conclusion" = An Intermediate Conclusion
• "Evidence that weighs against the author's position" = A Counter-premise
• "A position that the argument as a whole opposes" = A Counter-conclusion

Example Application: Prompt: Some politicians argue that raising taxes will destroy the local economy. However, studies show that similar tax increases in neighboring states led to increased infrastructure spending, which created jobs. Therefore, the proposed tax increase is likely to benefit our local economy.

Analysis:

• The author's main conclusion is the second bolded sentence (the tax increase will benefit the economy).
• The first bolded sentence is evidence (studies) used to support that main conclusion.
• Therefore, the correct answer would read something like: "The first is evidence that has been used to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second is that main conclusion."