Set 1: Inferences (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

The author writes in an essay that her novel has 'no political agenda.' Critics, however, point to the book's sympathetic portrayal of marginalized communities and its critique of institutional power as inherently political. The disagreement raises questions about whether any representation can be truly apolitical.

What tension does the passage identify?

A. Representation never has political implications.

B. Authors have complete control over how their work is interpreted.

C. Authorial declarations of apolitical intent may conflict with how texts function socially.✓ Correct

D. Critics always agree with authors about their work.

Detailed Explanation

This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. Author says 'no political agenda'; critics see political content = intent vs. social function. A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage, even if not stated directly. Look for clues in the text that strongly suggest the answer. Avoid conclusions that require assumptions beyond what's written. Valid inferences are strongly supported by multiple pieces of evidence in the text. Be cautious of choices that go too far beyond what the passage actually states. The best inference is the one most directly supported by textual evidence.

Key Evidence:

• "no political agenda"

• "critics point to... inherently political"

Why others are wrong: A (Critics see the work as political.), B (Critics interpret differently than the author.), D (There's 'disagreement.').

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