An inference question about survey results tests what you can conclude from the changes reported. Read the sentence leading into the blank to see what kind of conclusion it calls for. Then name each group and what changed, and ask which difference could explain the results. If the text mentions similar findings elsewhere, check how far the pattern reaches. Your conclusion should stay within what was measured, because a repeated pattern still doesn't prove a claim that holds in every case.
Hints
- Hint 1
Look at the sentence beginning “Initial surveys.” Compare what changed in weekend ridership with what changed in weekday ridership.
- Hint 2
What do the reports from other cities add to the Riverton surveys? Check how far those reports let you extend the survey results.
Step-by-step
Compare the changes, then limit the claim
Step 1Separate changes from totals
The surveys say weekend ridership doubled after fares were eliminated, while weekday ridership remained the same. What can we infer from that comparison? The surveys compare ridership on each kind of day with its earlier level, so the results show changes, not which days had more riders overall.
- Step 2
Connect the change with the repeated pattern
Which change lines up with the rise in bus use? Riverton introduced free weekend bus service, and other cities report similar patterns when they waive fares on certain days. Those reports give us more reason to connect the increase with the fare change. The repeated pattern supports a link, not a guarantee.
- Step 3
Choose wording that keeps the limits
Does the wording stay within what the surveys report? Weekday traffic congestion isn't part of the reported results, and the only effective way goes beyond reports about one fare policy. The word tends means usually, so it allows exceptions, while on those days ties the increase to when fares are waived. Choice B.