Understanding Inference Questions in a CASAS STEPS Reading Quiz

In This Guide

• Why Inference Questions are the Most Difficult
• When Do Inference Questions Appear?
• 15 CASAS Level E Inference Examples

Why Inference Questions are the Most Difficult

In any CASAS STEPS Reading quiz, students often report that “inference” questions are the hardest to get right. But why is that? The primary reason is that the answer is not physically written on the page. In lower-level tests, students are trained to scan for keywords. However, in an inference question, the test is measuring your ability to conclude or predict based on clues.

Students often get these wrong because they look for a direct match. If they don’t see the exact sentence in the passage, they feel lost. To find the right answer in a CASAS STEPS Reading quiz, you must stop looking for what is said and start looking for what is meant. You must combine the facts in the text with your own logic.

When Do Inference Questions Appear?

It is important to know that inference questions are a hallmark of the higher levels of English proficiency. You will typically begin to see these questions starting at Level C (ESOL 4) and they become increasingly common through Level E (Advanced).

In a standard CASAS STEPS Reading quiz or official test, you can expect to encounter about **two to three inference questions**. While that may seem like a small number, these questions often carry significant weight in determining if you move up to the next National Reporting System (NRS) level. Missing these can be the difference between staying in ESOL 4 or moving on to ESOL 5 and ESOL 6.

CASAS Level E Inference Question Examples (“Most Likely”)

The key to mastering the CASAS STEPS Reading quiz is recognizing the phrasing of these questions. Most will use the words “most likely.” Here are 15 examples categorized by the task areas you will see on the exam. You can click on any link to jump directly to each specific blog explaining that specific task area with examples:

1. Narrative Text: Based on the passage, which statement is most likely true about the employee’s relationship with her supervisor?
2. Workplace Email: Based on the information in the email, what is the sender most likely concerned about?
3. Opinion Article: What advice would the author most likely give to someone facing a similar situation?
4. Memo: Why was this memo most likely written?
5. Medical or Legal Form: What is most likely the purpose of the paragraph at the bottom of the form?
6. Evaluation Form: What is most likely true about the customer’s experience?
7. Comparative Article (Two Authors): Based on both articles, what conclusion is most likely supported by the two writers?
8. Product Label Comparison: Based on the labels, which statement is most likely true about the difference between the two products?
9. Chart / Survey Data: Which conclusion is most likely supported by the information in the chart?
10. Advertisement or Flyer: What is the organization most likely trying to encourage readers to do?
11. Job Posting: Based on the job description, what skill is most likely most important for the position?
12. Community Notice: What will most likely happen if residents do not follow these instructions?
13. Apartment Listings: Based on the two listings, which renter is most likely to prefer Apartment B?
14. Training Instructions: Why is the company most likely requiring employees to complete this training?
15. “Next Step” Inference: Based on the situation described, which of the following is most likely to happen next?

How to Practice

To improve your performance, you should practice with materials that mimic these specific prompts. When you take a CASAS STEPS Reading quiz on our site, we ensure that the “Most Likely” logic is integrated into our Level D and E practice forms. By exposing yourself to these 15 task areas, you will build the confidence needed to succeed when taking your test.

If you want to know more about inference questions, check the Reading STEPS Content Standard Blueprint on the CASAS official webpage: https://www.casas.org/docs/default-source/product-brochures/reading-steps-content-standard-blueprint.pdf?sfvrsn=1f55365a_26?Status=Master

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