Set 5: Inferences

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

The town's only bookstore was closing after seventy years. On its final day, customers who hadn't visited in decades lined up around the block—people who had discovered their love of reading within those walls many years before.

What does the passage suggest about the bookstore's closure?

A. The customers came only for discounted books.

B. No one cared about the bookstore closing.

C. The store held sentimental value that wasn't reflected in regular patronage.✓ Correct

D. The community had always strongly supported the store.

Detailed Explanation

This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. People 'who hadn't visited in decades' lined up—they valued it sentimentally but hadn't been regular customers. 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:

• "customers who hadn't visited in decades"

• "discovered their love of reading there"

Why others are wrong: A (Discounts aren't mentioned.), B (Lines around the block show people cared.), D ('Hadn't visited in decades' = insufficient regular support.).

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