Set 3: Inferences (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

After decades of decline, car ownership among young Americans is increasing again. Analysts initially attributed the earlier decline to changing values and urbanization. However, recent data suggests the pattern was primarily economic—when millennial incomes rose and auto loans became more accessible, car buying rebounded.

What does the analysis suggest about interpreting behavioral trends?

A. Young Americans have never been interested in cars.

B. Economic factors may better explain behavior previously attributed to changing values.✓ Correct

C. Cultural explanations are always correct.

D. Car ownership will continue to decline.

Detailed Explanation

This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. Initial 'changing values' explanation was revised when economic conditions changed and buying rebounded—economics ruled. 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:

• "pattern was primarily economic"

• "incomes rose... car buying rebounded"

Why others are wrong: A (Car ownership is 'increasing again.'), C (Cultural explanation was replaced by economic.), D (It's 'rebounding.').

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