Question

Three candidates showed up for an interview. Of all the candidates, only one was appropriated for the job. The first candidate arrived promptly and was dressed professionally. She spoke articulately and seemed a good fit for the organization. The next candidate was also on time, but his dress shirt was stained, his tie was crocked, and he seemed to struggle with the standard interview questions. His performance during the interview was not as impressive as the first candidate’s performance. The final candidate, dressed T-shirt and ripped jeans, arrived a full hour past the scheduled interview time. Because of her tardiness did not interview her.

Q1. Which of the following inferences can the reader draw according to the passage?

A. Preparing for a job interview can compensate for inappropriate business attire

B. A wide variety of applicants for this position ensure the company will find a good candidate

C. Tardiness for a job interview will be interpreted as laziness and disorganization.

D. Being on time for a job interview and dressing appropriately is important to securing.

Q2. Which of the following sentences from the passage is a fact?

A. Because of her tardiness, we did not interview her.

B. Of all the candidates, only one was appropriate for the job

C. His performance during the interview was not as impressive as the first candidate

D. She spoke articulately and seemed a good fit for the organization.

Q3. Which of the following is the writer’s purpose for writing this passage?

A. To change

B. To stereotype

C. To explain

D. To analyze

Answer 1

Question 1

Being on time for a job interview and dressing appropriately is important to securing a job. Option D.

Question 2

Of all the candidates, only one was appropriate for the job is the fact from the passage. Option B.

Question 3

The purpose is to explain. Option C.

Explanation:

Question 1

Option A - incorrect because preparing for a job interview will not compensate for inappropriate business attire though it's important.

Option B - incorrect because a wide variety of applicants is not an assurance that the company will find a good candidate because all the candidates might not be qualified or even pass the interview as per expectations.

Option C - a job interview is not about judging people, hence tardiness for a job interview will not be interpreted as laziness and disorganization.

Option D - correct - the first candidate arrived promptly (on time) and dressed professionally. This made her look like a good fit for the company hence she was interviewed. Hence being on time for a job interview and dressing appropriately is important to securing a job. This is what can be inferred from the passage by a reader.

Question 2

From the passage, the decision to hire the first candidate was made after consideration of the candidates' dress code, promptness, and speech. Based on these factors, the fact would be only one candidate would be appropriate for the job.

Question 3

From the passage, the writer had no intention to alter (change) anyone, the passage was not stereotyped, and didn't make any analysis. The passage explained how a candidate should and should not present oneself in an interview. Therefore, the purpose of the passage is to explain.