Making Inferences

Making Inferences

Why are we asked to make inferences?

• Authors do not always state the information directly

• They give clues and expect the readers to figure out what is implied

• They want the readers to use details and form a conclusion

What does inference look like in the STAAR test?

• Which line demonstrates ...

• Why does the author conclude by ...

• In this paragraph the author uses a simile to show...

• These are just a few question styles.

Now, let's try some questions. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

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Multiple Choice

Based on this passage, what inference can you make?

• Thomas Perez will very likely win the election

• Newton Falls has been experiencing financial hard times.

• Newton Falls is doing well under its current mayor

• Thomas Perez is the writer of this passage

 Newton Falls has been experiencing financial hard times.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an unsupported conclusion about Thomas Perez?

• Thomas Perez think city services should be higher quality

• Thomas Perez does not have enough experience to be mayor

• Thomas Perez believes the city taxes are too high

• Thomas Perez wants to work hard to improve his city

The keywords in the question is unsupported conclusion

• the highlighted sections support choice A , C, D

Let's answer two more questions. Read the passage carefully.

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Multiple Choice

The author's position is that-

• recycling should be for profit

• people can benefit from recycling

• aluminum is too valuable to use

• people do not care about money

Multiple Choice

Why does the author focus on aluminum cans in the argument?

• people frequently return them

• everyone uses them

• they can be recycled for cash

• everyone should buy them

Answer explanations

• People can benefit from recycling: the author implies that recycling is good and has a financial benefit

• They can be recycled for cash: people get their money back; everyone wants money, so that will motivate people.

The End