Inference & Deduction
25%Draw logical conclusions that follow necessarily from the passage — go one step beyond what is directly stated.
Understanding this concept
Inference questions require connecting two or more facts from the passage to reach a conclusion not explicitly stated. The conclusion must follow NECESSARILY — not just probably. If the passage says "Regulation X applies to companies with over 250 employees" and "Company Y has 312 employees," the valid inference is that Company Y falls under Regulation X. Distractors go one inference too far.
How to defend against it
- A valid inference follows necessarily from the text — not just plausibly
- Watch for options that are reasonable but add one assumption too many
- If you need two consecutive leaps of logic, the inference is probably invalid
- The correct answer is always the most cautious, minimal conclusion
Example
Passage says: "All EU regulations are directly applicable in member states" and "The Digital Markets Act is an EU regulation." Valid inference: "The DMA is directly applicable in all member states." Invalid: "All member states have implemented the DMA" (applicable ≠ implemented).