Inferring assumptions means identifying an idea or belief that is not directly stated but is necessary for a statement, argument, or situation to make sense. These exercises help you read critically and understand what a speaker or writer may be taking for granted.
Inferring assumptions means identifying an idea or belief that is not directly stated but is necessary for a statement, argument, or situation to make sense. These exercises help you read critically and understand what a speaker or writer may be taking for granted.
Exercise 1: Choose the Best Assumption
Choose the assumption that best explains each statement.
1. “We should take an umbrella because the sky is very dark.”
A. It is already raining.
B. It might rain soon.
C. Umbrellas are expensive.
D. The weather is always predictable.
2. “Sarah bought a new laptop because her old one stopped working.”
A. Sarah does not like computers.
B. Sarah needs a working computer.
C. Sarah has several laptops.
D. Sarah never uses technology.
3. “You should arrive early if you want a good seat.”
A. The seats are assigned.
B. Good seats may be taken by people who arrive earlier.
C. Everyone arrives early.
D. The event has been canceled.
4. “Ali is studying every evening because he has an important exam next week.”
A. Ali wants to prepare for the exam.
B. Ali dislikes studying.
C. The exam has already happened.
D. Ali never attends school.
5. “The restaurant is full, so we may have to wait.”
A. Restaurants never have waiting areas.
B. There may not be an available table immediately.
C. The food is free.
D. Nobody wants to eat there.
6. “Maria took a taxi because she was late for work.”
A. Maria owns a taxi.
B. A taxi may help her reach work quickly.
C. Maria does not have a job.
D. Taxis are always cheaper than buses.
7. “Please turn down the music; I’m trying to concentrate.”
A. Loud music may make concentration difficult.
B. The music has stopped.
C. The speaker loves loud music.
D. The speaker is leaving the house.
8. “John brought a jacket because the temperature is expected to drop tonight.”
A. John expects the weather to become colder.
B. John is going swimming.
C. The temperature will definitely rise.
D. John does not own any clothes.
9. “We need to leave now, or we will miss the train.”
A. The train has already left.
B. The train is scheduled to leave soon.
C. There are no trains today.
D. The train station is closed.
10. “Lisa started saving money because she wants to buy a car.”
A. Lisa already owns several cars.
B. Lisa believes buying a car will require money.
C. Lisa does not need transportation.
D. Cars are free.
Read each statement and write the assumption that is implied.
Table of Contents
1.
“Tom took his phone charger with him because he will be away all day.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
2.
“Bring your notes to the meeting so we can discuss the project.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
3.
“Emily wore comfortable shoes because she plans to walk around the city.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
4.
“David installed a language-learning app because he wants to improve his English.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
5.
“Take some cash with you; the small shop may not accept cards.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
6.
“James left home early to avoid the morning traffic.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
7.
“Please save your work before closing the computer.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
8.
“Anna checked the weather forecast before planning the picnic.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
9.
“Mark practiced his presentation several times before speaking to the audience.”
Assumption: ______________________________________
10.
“Wear a helmet when riding your bicycle.”
Assumption:
Exercise 3: Inferring Assumptions in Arguments
Choose the assumption that must be true or is strongly implied by each argument.
1.
“Schools should provide more computers because students need technology skills for many modern jobs.”
A. Students never use books.
B. Technology skills can be useful for future employment.
C. All jobs require computer programming.
D. Schools should eliminate teachers.
2.
“People should exercise regularly because physical activity can help support good health.”
A. Exercise is the only way to stay healthy.
B. Regular physical activity can contribute to health.
C. Everyone enjoys exercising.
D. Exercise is always easy.
3.
“Public transportation should be improved because many people depend on buses and trains to get to work.”
A. Everyone owns a car.
B. Some people rely on public transportation for commuting.
C. Buses are always faster than cars.
D. Nobody walks to work.
4.
“Students should read more books because reading can improve vocabulary and comprehension.”
A. Reading can help develop language skills.
B. Students never use vocabulary.
C. All books are educational.
D. Reading is the only way to learn.
5.
“Companies should offer flexible working hours because employees have different schedules and responsibilities.”
A. Every employee wants to work at night.
B. Employees may have different scheduling needs.
C. Flexible hours eliminate all workplace problems.
D. Employees do not need to work.
Answer Key
Exercise 1
- B — The dark sky suggests that rain may be coming.
- B — If the old laptop stopped working, Sarah likely needs a functioning computer.
- B — The statement assumes that desirable seats may be occupied by earlier arrivals.
- A — Studying regularly suggests that Ali wants to prepare for the exam.
- B — A full restaurant may not have an immediately available table.
- B — Taking a taxi assumes it can help Maria get to work quickly.
- A — The request assumes that loud music makes concentration more difficult.
- A — Taking a jacket suggests that John expects colder weather.
- B — The warning assumes the train will leave soon.
- B — Saving money assumes that purchasing a car requires money.
Exercise 2 — Sample Answers
- Tom may need to recharge his phone during the day.
- The notes contain information relevant to the meeting.
- Walking around the city may require comfortable footwear.
- Using the app may help David practice or improve his English.
- The shop may accept cash but not credit or debit cards.
- Morning traffic could make the journey take longer.
- Unsaved work could be lost when the computer is closed.
- The weather could affect whether the picnic is successful or possible.
- Practice can help Mark prepare for and deliver his presentation.
- Riding a bicycle can involve a risk of injury, particularly to the head.
Exercise 3
- B
- B
- B
- A
- B
Quick Tip
When inferring an assumption, ask:
“What must the speaker believe for this statement to make sense?”
The answer is usually an unstated idea that connects the evidence to the conclusion.