Set 4: Inferences
Explanation
PASSAGE
The old lighthouse had been automated for decades, but Mr. Patterson still walked its stairs each evening, polishing brass fittings that no longer needed polishing and checking gauges that no longer required checking.
What does the passage suggest about Mr. Patterson?
Detailed Explanation
This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. Tasks 'no longer needed' yet he continues—suggesting the routine provides personal meaning beyond utility. 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 longer needed polishing"
• "no longer required checking"
Why others are wrong: B (Daily visits suggest attachment.), C (He knows it's automated but continues anyway.), D ('Automated for decades' suggests no staff needed.).