MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

In reading comprehension, what is meant by 'implied conclusions'?

1. Conclusions that are clearly stated

2. Conclusions that require inference based on the passage

3. Conclusions based solely on personal opinion

4. Conclusions that contradict the evidence

The correct answer is: Conclusions that require inference based on the passage

Implied conclusions refer to those insights or judgments that are not directly stated in the text but can be deduced through reasoning and synthesis of information presented within the passage. This often involves picking up on subtle cues, themes, or the overall tone of the text to arrive at a conclusion that the author expects the reader to infer. Readers may identify contextual clues, character actions, or underlying themes that suggest meanings beyond the literal words used. The other options present different concepts that do not align with the nature of implied conclusions. For instance, conclusions that are clearly stated do not require any inference and are explicitly expressed in the text, making them the opposite of implied conclusions. Conclusions based solely on personal opinion lack the textual basis required for implied conclusions—they may reflect subjective interpretations rather than inferences drawn from the passage itself. Lastly, conclusions that contradict the evidence are usually deemed unsupported or incorrect in logical arguments, contrasting sharply with implied conclusions, which are derived from the text's evidence.