DSE English Reading: Inference and Main Idea Practice

詳解：The passage describes the lighthouse keeper's solitary life but then shows him praying for a ship during the storm, indicating a desire for human presence. Option A is contradicted by the prayer. Option B is not directly stated; his fear is not mentioned. Option D is not supported; he views the sea as a companion, not an enemy. Thus, C is the best inference.

詳解：The author acknowledges AI's speed but highlights its lack of intuition, implying that both have strengths. Option A is too extreme. Option B is not suggested; the author doesn't advocate replacement. Option C is partially correct but misses the complementary nature. Option D captures the balance and the emphasis on human intuition, making it the main point.

詳解：The use of 'compulsive' has a negative connotation, suggesting an unhealthy obsession. While 'meticulous' is positive, 'compulsive' implies criticism. Option A ignores 'compulsive'. Option C is too neutral given the loaded language. Option D suggests uncertainty, but the author shows a clear negative tilt. Thus, B is the best inference.

詳解：The phrase 'inconclusive' indicates lack of definitive proof, but 'suggest a possible correlation' indicates a hint. Option A is too strong; 'possible' not 'proved'. Option B contradicts 'inconclusive'. Option D is opposite to the suggestion. Thus, C accurately captures the main idea of uncertainty with a hint of relationship.

詳解：The contrast highlights the park's stillness against the city's activity, suggesting it as a refuge. Option A is too subjective; no value judgment. Option B is too broad; the focus is on the park. Option C is too negative; the city is described neutrally. Option D directly addresses the purpose of the contrast: an escape. Thus, D is the best answer.

詳解：The author says the tax is 'a step in the right direction' but 'insufficient', indicating approval but need for more. Option A contradicts 'insufficient'. Option C is too negative; the author supports the tax. Option D is not mentioned; no critique of strictness. Thus, B captures the nuanced stance.

詳解：The passage emphasizes 'perseverance' and 'relentless effort' as the cause of success, explicitly rejecting luck. Option A is contradicted by 'humble beginnings' not being a barrier. Option C is opposite to the text. Option D is a specific example, not the main idea. Thus, B is the central theme.

詳解：The critics acknowledge the improved battery and camera but criticize the design as derivative, implying it's a solid but unoriginal upgrade. Option A is contradicted by the criticism. Option C is too harsh; they don't call it a failure. Option D is not supported; they have opinions. Thus, B best reflects the mixed but not wholly negative view.

詳解：The decline in e-books and rise in audiobooks, particularly among commuters, suggests that audiobooks offer a convenient alternative. Option A is too broad; reading may still occur via audiobooks. Option C is extreme; e-books still exist. Option D is not mentioned; the passage doesn't discuss physical books. Thus, B is the most logical implication.

詳解：The passage shows the painter overcoming criticism to achieve later success, implying perseverance pays off. Option A is too negative; criticism wasn't always detrimental. Option C is not stated; the early works may have been good but misunderstood. Option D is a possible inference but not the main message; the focus is on persistence. Thus, B best captures the implied message.