Set 4: Inferences
Explanation
PASSAGE
A study of job interviews found that candidates who arrived early and made small talk with the receptionist were more likely to receive job offers. The receptionists weren't involved in hiring decisions, but hiring managers often asked them for informal impressions.
What does the study suggest about the hiring process?
Detailed Explanation
This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. Receptionists weren't decision-makers, but their impressions were sought—informal interactions affected outcomes. 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:
• "asked them for informal impressions"
• "more likely to receive job offers"
Why others are wrong: A (Informal factors proved influential.), C (Arriving early correlated with success.), D (They 'weren't involved in hiring decisions.').