Passage Reasoning: Inference, Main Idea and Assumption Questions with Solved Examples for SSC

Passage reasoning gives a short passage of 3 to 6 lines, followed by questions on the main idea, an inference, an assumption or a fact that strengthens or weakens the author. It is a part of logical reasoning in many exams. These passage reasoning tricks for SSC explain the reading method and the four question types with solved passages.

Four Question Types

Reading Method

1. Read the passage once and underline the conclusion (usually in the first or the last sentence).
2. Note the words that show the direction: but, however, therefore, because.
3. Read the question first, and then check each option against the passage.
4. Remove the options that bring in new facts or extreme words (all, never).

Solved Passages

Passage 1. "Many cities have started to use buses that run on electricity. These buses make less noise and give out no smoke on the road. However, they are costlier to buy than diesel buses."

Q1. What is the main idea? Electric buses have benefits but cost more. Answer: Electric buses have benefits, but they are costlier.

Q2. Which inference follows? (a) All cities will use electric buses. (b) Electric buses are cheaper to buy. (c) Electric buses do not give out smoke on the road. (d) Diesel buses make no noise.
Answer: (c). It is stated directly. The others are not supported.

Passage 2. "The school has decided to start the classes at 9 a.m. instead of 8 a.m., because the students were coming late in the early morning."

Q. What is assumed? (a) The students will come on time if the classes start later. (b) The teachers like the late start. (c) The school will close at 3 p.m.
Answer: (a). The decision depends on this idea.

Passage 3. "A study found that students who sleep for 8 hours score better in tests than students who sleep for 5 hours."

Q. Which of the following strengthens the study? (a) Students who sleep less play more games. (b) Sleep helps the brain to store what was learnt.
Answer: (b). It gives a reason for the result.

Tips

• The main idea is not a small detail. It covers the whole passage.
• An inference must be 100% supported by the passage.
• Watch the extreme words such as all, only, never and always.
• Do not add your own knowledge.

Quick Tips

• Read the question first and then the passage.
• The main idea covers the whole passage.
• An inference must be definitely true from the passage.
• Beware of extreme words.

Quick Revision Points

• The conclusion is often in the first or the last sentence.
• The main idea covers all the sentences.
• An inference must be fully supported.
• An assumption is an unstated idea.
• Extreme words are usually wrong.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Passage: Electric buses make less noise and give out no smoke, but they cost more. What is the main idea?
   Answer: Electric buses have benefits but cost more
2. From the same passage, do electric buses give out smoke on the road?
   Answer: No
3. Passage: The school will start classes at 9 a.m. because students came late at 8 a.m. What is assumed?
   Answer: The students will come on time if the classes start later
4. Passage: Students who sleep 8 hours score better than those who sleep 5 hours. Which fact strengthens it: sleep helps the brain store learning, or students sleeping less play more games?
   Answer: Sleep helps the brain store learning
5. Where is the conclusion usually found in a passage?
   Answer: In the first or the last sentence
6. What does the main idea cover?
   Answer: The whole passage
7. What does an inference need?
   Answer: Full support from the passage
8. Which kind of words are usually wrong in options?
   Answer: Extreme words like all, never and only
9. Can you use your own knowledge in a passage question?
   Answer: No
10. What should you read first, the passage or the question?
    Answer: The question, and then the passage

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Logical Reasoning notes page, read the previous topic Strengthening and Weakening Arguments and the next topic Truth and Lie Puzzles. Also read the Reasoning notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is passage reasoning?

It is a question type in which a short passage is given, and questions are asked on the main idea, inference or assumption.

How do I find the main idea?

Find the point that covers the whole passage, which is often in the first or the last sentence.

What is an inference?

It is a conclusion that is definitely true from the passage.

What is an assumption?

It is an unstated idea that the passage depends on.

Should I read the passage or the question first?

Read the question first so that you know what to look for.

What are extreme words?

Words like all, never, only and always.

Can I use outside knowledge?

No. Use only the passage.

Is passage reasoning asked in SSC exams?

It is asked in some SSC and other competitive exams as a part of logical reasoning.

How much time should I take?

About 60 seconds for a passage with one question.

What are common mistakes?

Choosing a detail as the main idea and choosing an option with a new fact.

How can I practise?

Read a short news item, find the main idea in one line and write one inference.

What is the difference between inference and assumption?

An inference comes after the passage, and an assumption is behind the passage.