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ASVAB · Inference and Conclusion

Read the passage and answer: By the time the hikers reached the summit, dark clouds had gathered overhead and the wind had picked up sharply. They quickly took a few photos and began their descent without resting. What can be inferred from the passage?

Correct answer

The hikers hurried down because they were worried about approaching bad weather

  1. A The hikers disliked the view
  2. B The hikers hurried down because they were worried about approaching bad weather
  3. C The summit was crowded
  4. D The hikers were lost

Why this is the answer

An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from clues in the passage, not a directly stated fact. The dark clouds, sharp wind, and the hikers descending 'quickly... without resting' imply they were concerned about an approaching storm. The passage never states this outright, but the details point to it. The other choices are not supported by any clues. Inference questions ask 'what does the passage suggest?' — combine the stated details (gathering storm, hurried descent) to reach the most reasonable conclusion: they hurried because of the bad weather.
Source: ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension — Inference

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