Set 5: Inferences
Explanation
PASSAGE
The award ceremony was everything Marcus had dreamed of: the glittering stage, the applause, his name called out to thousands. Yet as he walked back to his seat clutching the trophy, he found himself thinking only of his late father, who had never believed in him.
What can be inferred about Marcus's emotional state?
Detailed Explanation
This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. At his moment of triumph, he thinks of his father who 'never believed'—success mixed with unresolved pain. 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:
• "thinking only of his late father"
• "who had never believed in him"
Why others are wrong: A (Thoughts turned to painful memories.), C (He's 'thinking only' of his father.), D (He still wanted the win; feelings are complex.).
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