Question 119·Medium·Inferences
Some educators argue that assigning homework every day is essential for retention. In a pilot program at several middle schools, daily worksheets were replaced with twice-weekly projects that students could choose from. Over the term, teachers recorded fewer missing assignments and saw more thorough explanations in submitted work; students who often left homework incomplete participated more during class discussions. Average test scores stayed the same. Therefore, educators evaluating homework policies should infer that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
For inference questions, (1) restate the key evidence in your own words, especially what changed and what stayed constant; (2) predict a cautious conclusion that matches that evidence; and (3) eliminate choices that add new ideas, use absolute language, or claim effects the passage doesn’t show.
Hints
Track what changed vs. what stayed the same
Identify the policy change in the pilot program, then note which outcome did not change and which outcomes improved.
Stay within the passage’s scope
Choose an inference that applies to homework policies like the pilot’s (frequency + choice), not a broad claim about all testing or all students.
Beware absolute language
Be cautious with words like “always,” “inevitably,” or “cannot,” which usually go beyond what a single pilot program can prove.
Step-by-step Explanation
Pull the key results from the pilot program
From the text:
- Homework changed from daily worksheets to twice-weekly, student-choice projects.
- Engagement indicators improved: fewer missing assignments, more thorough explanations, and more participation from students who often didn’t finish homework.
- Average test scores stayed the same (achievement did not drop).
Form the most supported inference
A logical inference should stay within what the pilot shows:
- Changing homework to be less frequent and more choice-based did not reduce measured achievement (test scores stayed the same).
- Several signs of engagement and completion improved. So the best conclusion is that this kind of homework change can preserve test performance while improving engagement.
Select the option that matches the evidence without overclaiming
The option that fits both parts of the evidence (scores unchanged + engagement improved) without making extreme claims is:
less frequent homework that offers students choices can maintain test scores while increasing engagement and completion.