Question

making an inference
on january 16, 1917, in a clear attempt to convince the mexican government to help germany in the war, arthur zimmermann, the german foreign secretary, sent a telegram to count von bernstorff, the german ambassador in washington. the foreign secretary wanted to be certain that this message reached von bernstorff, so he made arrangements for it to be carried aboard a u-boat to sweden and from there to washington through diplomatic channels.
—the dark game
paul janeczko
which inference can a reader make based on the information in the passage?
○ the message zimmermann wanted to send to von bernstorff was very important.
○ count von bernstorff was expecting the message.
○ u-boats were designed to transport messages securely
○ zimmermann wanted to reach out to the mexican government for support.

Explanation:

1. For the first option: The passage states Zimmermann took special, secure steps (U-boat, diplomatic channels) to ensure the message reached von Bernstorff, which implies the message was very important.
2. For the second option: There is no information in the passage indicating von Bernstorff expected the message.
3. For the third option: The passage only says the message was carried on a U-boat, not that U-boats were designed for secure message transport.
4. For the fourth option: This is a direct statement from the passage, not an inference.

Answer:

A. The message Zimmermann wanted to send to von Bernstorff was very important.