Before you choose an option, find the line in the passage that supports it. If you cannot point to one, the option is an assumption, even if it is true in real life.
This lesson starts the route in reading decisions when distractors look plausible. It applies the evidence habit from locating supporting evidence efficiently.
What are stated, implied and assumed?
Stated means the text says it. Implied means the text strongly suggests it and you can point to evidence. Assumed means it comes from you. A correct answer is stated or implied.
Worked example: the moved sports day
This is an original passage.
The Form 4 sports day was moved indoors on Thursday. The hall has room for only three events at a time, so the teachers shortened the programme. The haze reading that morning was the highest of the term.
Question. Why was the programme shortened?
- A. The haze made students unwell.
- B. The hall could hold only three events at a time.
- C. The teachers wanted to finish before lunch.
Test A. Where does it say students were unwell? Nowhere.
The haze is mentioned, but nothing says anyone was ill. A is an assumption, even though haze can make people unwell.
Test B. “The hall has room for only three events at a time, so the teachers shortened the programme.” The line is there. B is stated.
Test C. Where does it say anything about lunch? Nowhere. C is an assumption.
The answer is B.
The mistake: choosing the sensible option
The haze was mentioned, and in Malaysia haze is a real concern, so a student picks A. The option feels right because the world makes it plausible.
| Option | Real-world sense | Line in the text | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | high | none | Assumed |
| B | moderate | “room for only three events” | Stated |
| C | low | none | Assumed |
The haze probably explains why sports day moved indoors, but the question asks why the programme was shortened. Match each option to the exact question.
Check yourself
The school library closes at 5 pm on weekdays. Last month, the librarian asked the principal to extend the hours, but the request was not approved.
Which statement is supported?
- A: Students want longer library hours
- B: The librarian asked for longer hours
- C: The principal dislikes the library
Answer
B. The second sentence says the librarian asked the principal to extend the hours.
A is an assumption: the passage does not mention students’ wishes. C is an assumption: a request not being approved does not show dislike.
What to study next
Continue with resolving pronoun reference across sentences to see how a pronoun can set a trap.
For a teacher to test your options with you, see online one-to-one English tuition.