How to Answer Inference Questions in Narratives
Welcome to the first installment of our masterclass series. To succeed on the CASAS STEPS Reading Test, especially at Level C and above, you must move beyond simple fact-finding. You must learn to infer.
In this post, we focus on Narratives—short stories about people in workplace or community settings. We will look at a common exam-style scenario and break down exactly how to choose the right answer every time. Remember that inference questions are mostly identified by the “most likely” phrase.
Success on the CASAS STEPS Reading Test requires more than just vocabulary knowledge; it requires critical thinking. According to the official CASAS STEPS Overview, Level D and E assessments place a heavy emphasis on Inference—the ability to understand what is not explicitly stated.
In this first installment of our strategy series, we analyze Narratives. These are short stories typically found in the Life and Work strands of the exam. Learning to decode these passages is essential for improving your NRS (National Reporting System) educational functioning levels.
In This Lesson:
- • Practice Passage: Maria’s Morning
- • The Answer Key & Expert Explanation
- • Teacher’s Tip: The Secret to Inference
1. The Practice Passage
Read the following narrative carefully. Notice how the character behaves and how the supervisor reacts.
The Question: Based on the passage, which statement is most likely true about the employee’s relationship with her supervisor?
A. Maria often arrives late, and Mr. Henderson is understanding about it.
B. Maria has a very friendly relationship with Mr. Henderson, almost like a friend.
C. Maria is somewhat anxious about Mr. Henderson’s opinion of her work habits.
D. Mr. Henderson frequently praises Maria for her excellent punctuality.
2. The Answer Key & Expert Explanation
On the CASAS STEPS Reading Test, the wrong answers (distractors) are designed to look plausible. Let’s look at why C is the only correct choice.
Why Choice C is Correct
This is a perfect example of an inference in a CASAS STEPS Reading Test. The text never explicitly says Maria is “anxious,” but the evidence is undeniable:
- Her heart is “pounding” because she is five minutes late.
- She knows he “values punctuality above all else.”
- She tries to “appear busy” as he walks by.
- She lets out a “silent breath, relieved” when he doesn’t stop to talk.
These physical and emotional reactions prove she is worried (anxious) about meeting his high expectations.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect
- A is Incorrect (Contradiction): The text says Mr. Henderson “reprimanded” someone else for being late. This proves he is not understanding about lateness.
- B is Incorrect (Unsupported): Their interaction is formal and silent. A “slight nod” and walking by “without a word” does not suggest a friendly bond.
- D is Incorrect (The Distractor): While Maria works hard to submit reports early, the text never says Mr. Henderson praises her. In their only interaction, he is silent. Never choose an answer that adds “extra” information not found in the text!
Option D (Distractor): Do not be misled by “positive” statements. The text never mentions verbal praise. For more on avoiding common distractors in a typical CASAS STEPS Reading Test, see the LINCS Adult Education Resources.
Teacher’s Tip for Success
In the CASAS STEPS Reading Test, correct inference answers often describe a feeling or a motivation. If you see an answer that explains why a character did something or how they felt while doing it, there is a very high chance it is the correct answer!
Ready for Part 2?
In our next lesson, we will analyze Workplace Emails and how to infer the sender’s main concern. Take a Free Narrative Practice Quiz