An inference question tests whether you can finish a text’s reasoning from the clues it gives. Read the words leading into the blank to see what kind of ending you need. If the blank asks what something could serve as, connect what happened to the reason given. Put the clues in a few words, then predict the smallest conclusion they support. An answer goes past the text if it adds a purpose the clues don’t show.
Hints
- Hint 1
Look at the order of Ruiz’s steps. When did the visitors see her sketches, and what did she do next?
- Hint 2
Connect the final sentence’s reason to that order of events. Why does it matter that a carved block is difficult to change?
Step-by-step
Use the timing and feedback
Step 1Follow the timing
Before carving the final printing blocks, Ruiz shows her pencil sketches at the library, so the work is still on paper when visitors see it. What does the ending ask us to work out? The words the library display could therefore serve as ask what that early display could do for Ruiz.
- Step 2
See what the comments changed
How did the visitors’ comments affect her work? Their suggestions about signs and window shapes were meant to make the buildings more recognizable. Ruiz then revised her sketches based on these comments, so the visitors’ ideas led to changes in the drawings.
- Step 3
Explain why early feedback helps
Why does making those changes at the sketch stage matter? The text says a carved block is difficult to change, so waiting until after carving would make changes harder. We can predict that the display lets Ruiz improve the drawings while she can still change them. The choice improve her designs gives that purpose and places it before carving. Choice B.