Question

Read this sentence from paragraph 6. “The case of the average man in favor of State lotteries is, quite simply, that he does not like Dr. Clifford.” What can the reader infer from this sentence? A. Dr. Clifford is opposed to State lotteries. B. Dr. Clifford is a supporter of State lotteries. C. The average man is simple and unintelligent compared to Dr. Clifford. D. The average man would not favor anything represented by Dr. Clifford.

Short answer

A. Dr. Clifford is opposed to State lotteries.

Step-by-step solution

Read the sentence carefully.

Read the sentence provided in the exercise: “The case of the average man in favor of State lotteries is, quite simply, that he does not like Dr. Clifford.”

Identify the key information provided.

The key information in the sentence is: 1. The average man is in favor of State lotteries. 2. The reason for this is that the average man does not like Dr. Clifford.

Analyze each answer choice.

Go through each option and compare it with the key information from the sentence. A. Dr. Clifford is opposed to State lotteries. - This option can be inferred from the sentence. If the average man is in favor of State lotteries because he doesn't like Dr. Clifford, Dr. Clifford must be opposed to it. B. Dr. Clifford is a supporter of State lotteries. - This conclusion contradicts the information provided in the sentence. Since the average man supports State lotteries because he doesn't like Dr. Clifford, it implies Dr. Clifford is not a supporter of State lotteries. C. The average man is simple and unintelligent compared to Dr. Clifford. - This conclusion cannot be inferred from the sentence as there is no information provided about intelligence or simplicity. D. The average man would not favor anything represented by Dr. Clifford. - This conclusion might be too extreme as the sentence only talks about State lotteries and does not give information about the average man's opinion on anything else represented by Dr. Clifford.

Choose the correct answer.

After analyzing each answer choice and comparing them to the key information from the sentence, Option A seems to be the correct inference: Dr. Clifford is opposed to State lotteries.

Key concepts

Inference

Inference is like being a detective of words where you gather clues left by the author to reveal hidden meanings. In the exercise, we have to deduce what the sentence implies about the character, Dr. Clifford, and the general opinion of him.
To make an inference, look beyond the literal words to understand what the author intends to convey non-explicitly. The key part of the sentence is that the average man supports lotteries due to his dislike for Dr. Clifford. This suggests a disagreement in views.
So, if the average man supports lotteries to oppose Dr. Clifford, it’s logical to infer that Dr. Clifford does not support lotteries. Inference helps you draw these conclusions by piecing together subtle hints given in the text.

Analyzing Answer Choices

Analyzing answer choices requires you to systematically go through each option and test them against the evidence you have gathered. It’s essentially comparing possibilities to the details from the passage.
Start by eliminating choices that clearly contradict the information. For example, the sentence in question doesn't say anything about intelligence, so option C can be discarded immediately.
Check the remaining options by asking yourself, "Is this supported by the information I have?" For instance, option B directly opposes the inference drawn from the sentence, so you can rule it out as well.

• Considerations like these transform the task from choosing what feels right to identifying what is logically supported.

Through analyzing, you’ll arrive at the solid choice that rests on the evidence provided.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking is your intellectual toolkit for navigating through problems and drawing logical conclusions. It's about being clear and precise in your thought process.
A key aspect of critical thinking in reading comprehension involves evaluating the context of a sentence. Look at not just what is being said, but why it's being said. In our exercise, understanding behind-the-scenes interactions between characters, like the average man and Dr. Clifford, become essential.

• Think about the motivations of characters and why certain words are used to describe relationships or attitudes.
• This kind of thinking questions assumptions and examines the text from multiple angles.

Implementing critical thinking involves double-checking your conclusions against available evidence ensuring accuracy and consistency in your interpretations.

Key Information Identification

Recognizing key information is essential, especially when sentences are packed with potential meanings. It’s like picking out gold nuggets in a pan. In the exercise, the pivotal details come from understanding the dynamics between the average man and Dr. Clifford.
The sentence tells us two main points: the average man supports state lotteries and this support stems from a dislike for Dr. Clifford.
Focusing on these elements helps clarify the intended communication. Often, sentences contain distractions or supplementary details, but zeroing in on these key pieces directs us towards a correct understanding.

• This approach can be practiced by highlighting or underlining essential parts in a passage.
• Once identified, use these pieces as the basis for your analysis and inference.

Overall, discerning key information effectively paves the way for accurate reading comprehension.