Set 4: Inferences (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: D

PASSAGE

The memoir begins with the author's disclaimer: 'Memory is unreliable; these events happened, but not necessarily as I describe them.' This admission paradoxically strengthens the reader's trust—by acknowledging the limitations of recollection, the author seems more honest than those who claim perfect recall.

What does the paradox suggest about the relationship between disclosure and credibility?

A. Acknowledging uncertainty always reduces credibility.

B. All memoirs claim perfect accuracy.

C. Readers prefer authors who never admit uncertainty.

D. Honest acknowledgment of limitations can enhance rather than diminish trustworthiness.✓ Correct

Detailed Explanation

This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. 'Admission paradoxically strengthens trust' = acknowledging limits enhances credibility. 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:

• "admission paradoxically strengthens the reader's trust"

• "seems more honest than those who claim perfect recall"

Why others are wrong: A (The opposite: it strengthens trust.), B (This author disclaims perfect accuracy.), C (The honest admission increases trust.).