Children who grew up with household pets scored higher on empathy tests compared to those who didn't. Researchers observed that caring for animals—feeding them, noticing when they're unwell, understanding their needs—helps children develop perspective-taking skills. These skills appear to transfer to human relationships as well.
Based on the passage, it can be inferred that
all children without pets lack empathy
pets are the only way to develop empathy
responsibilities that require considering others' needs may foster emotional development
empathy tests are unreliable measures of emotional ability
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. Caring for pets develops skills that transfer to human relationships.
- Context clues: Caring activities help develop "perspective-taking skills" that "transfer to human relationships."
- Meaning: The responsibility of considering an animal's needs develops broader empathy.
- Verify: The connection between caregiving and higher empathy scores supports this inference.
💡 Strategy: Look beyond the specific example to the broader principle it illustrates.
Choice A is incorrect because lower scores don't mean "lack"—it's a comparison. Choice B is incorrect because the passage doesn't claim pets are the only way. Choice D is incorrect because the passage uses the tests as valid evidence.