Inference & Deduction
Draw logical conclusions from EU-themed passages — go beyond what is directly stated.
Overview
Inference questions require you to deduce a consequence or conclusion that logically follows from the passage, even if it is not explicitly stated. This is harder than direct comprehension because you must connect facts and reason about implications.
About 25% of EPSO verbal reasoning questions are inference-based. The key difference: the correct answer is NOT a paraphrase of the text — it is a necessary consequence of what the text says.
What is tested
- Drawing logical conclusions from stated facts
- Connecting two separate pieces of information in the passage
- Distinguishing valid inferences from unjustified leaps
- Recognizing when a conclusion goes beyond what the passage supports
Preparation tips
- A valid inference follows NECESSARILY from the text — it is not just plausible
- Watch for options that are probably true but not proven by the passage
- If the passage says "X leads to Y" and "Y causes Z", then "X contributes to Z" is a valid inference
- Distractors often make a reasonable-sounding leap that adds one assumption too many
Develop structured reading strategies
Verbal reasoning requires systematic text analysis skills. Our Written Test Guide covers reading strategies, argument evaluation techniques, and common EPSO traps across all question formats.
Read the Written Test Guide