Making Inferences

Front

What is an observation?

Back

An observation is something you notice or see using your senses. For example, 'The sky is blue.'

Front

What is an inference?

Back

An inference is a conclusion you draw based on observations and prior knowledge. For example, if you see someone wearing a coat, you might infer that it is cold outside.

Front

How can you tell if a statement is an observation or an inference?

Back

An observation describes what you see directly, while an inference is a guess or conclusion based on what you observe.

Front

What can we infer if someone has messy hair when they arrive at school?

Back

We can infer that they might have ridden a bike or been outside in the wind.

Front

If Caitlin chose Jason last for her team, what can we infer about Jason?

Back

We can infer that Caitlin may not have thought Jason was the best player.

Front

What does it mean to make an inference?

Back

Making an inference means using clues from what you see or know to understand something that is not directly stated.

Front

What is an example of an observation?

Back

An example of an observation is 'The grass is wet.'

Front

What is an example of an inference?

Back

An example of an inference is 'It rained last night because the grass is wet.'

Front

Why is it important to distinguish between observations and inferences?

Back

It is important because observations are facts, while inferences can be wrong if based on incorrect assumptions.

Front

What can we infer if someone is wearing a raincoat?

Back

We can infer that it might be raining or that they expect it to rain.