ASVAB · Inference and Conclusion

Read: 'The team completed the project three weeks ahead of schedule and under budget. Feedback from the client was enthusiastic. The team lead was promoted within the month.' What is the most reasonable inference?

Correct answer

The team lead's promotion was a direct result of the project's success

  1. A The client was unsatisfied
  2. B The promotion was unrelated to the project outcome
  3. C The team lead's promotion was a direct result of the project's success
  4. D The project had serious problems

Why this is the answer

Three sequentially presented facts (early, under budget → enthusiastic client → rapid promotion) strongly imply causation even though it is not stated explicitly. The inference is that the project's success caused the promotion — this is the most logical connection between the evidence. The proximity in time ('within the month') strengthens the inference. This is the standard ASVAB inference question format: facts presented → causal conclusion implied but not stated.
Source: ASVAB PC, Cause and Effect Inference

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