Question 37·Easy·Inferences
For decades, the Westville Public Library charged small late fees for overdue materials. Last month, the library permanently eliminated these fees and forgave all outstanding balances. Some librarians predict that the number of visitors to the library will soon rise because _____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
For “complete the text” inference questions, first identify the key change or claim in the sentence (here, eliminating late fees and forgiving balances) and the direction of the prediction (an increase, decrease, problem, or benefit). Then scan the answer choices and quickly cross out any that (1) are off-topic—do not clearly connect to the key change—or (2) create the wrong logical direction (e.g., would reduce visits when the text predicts more visits). Among the remaining choices, pick the one that most directly and simply explains the cause-and-effect relationship described in the prompt.
Hints
Focus on the cause-and-effect structure
The librarians predict more visitors because of something. Identify what changed at the library and think about how that change might affect how often people come.
Look for a choice tied to fees or money
Which options mention something that is clearly connected to late fees or the financial side of using the library, rather than unrelated topics like buildings or technology?
Think about direction: more or fewer visitors
Ask yourself for each option: would this change make people more likely or less likely to visit the library? Eliminate choices that would not reasonably increase visits.
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate what changed at the library
First, summarize the situation in your own words:
- For many years, the library charged late fees.
- Last month, the library stopped charging late fees permanently.
- The library also forgave all outstanding balances (so any old debts disappeared).
Now some librarians think the number of visitors will go up because of this change. The correct answer must link this policy change to more visitors.
Identify what the blank must explain
The sentence is cause and effect:
- Cause: No more late fees + all old debts forgiven.
- Effect: Librarians predict more visitors.
So the phrase that fills the blank must:
- Be clearly connected to late fees / money owed.
- Give a reasonable reason why that change would make more people come to the library.
Test each option for relevance and logical effect
Go through the choices and ask for each one: Does this directly relate to eliminating fees and help explain an increase in visitors?
- Choice A talks about the building's architecture being renovated. That is about the building's look, not about fees, debt, or money worries.
- Choice C says the library will reduce its hours. Fewer open hours usually mean fewer chances to visit, not more.
- Choice D talks about digital vs printed books. This is about book format, not about late fees or debt.
- Only one option directly connects the removal of late fees to how patrons might feel about using the library in a way that would draw more people in.
Choose the option that fits the cause-and-effect relationship
The only option that both (1) directly relates to getting rid of late fees and debt and (2) reasonably explains why more people would visit is:
B) patrons will feel more welcome now that they no longer risk accumulating debt.
If people no longer worry about owing money, they are more likely to come to the library, which matches the librarians’ prediction.