PEP Practice, Performance Task: Making Inferences

PEP Practice, Performance Task:

Making Inferences

Making Inferences and Generalisations

An inference is a guess you make after thinking about what you already know. For example, suppose you plan to go to church. From what you know about churches, you might infer that the church has pews and a pulpit with a microphone. An author does not fill in every detail in a story. They write with the expectation that the reader will fill in missing details based on their own experiences.

The Discovery of Jamaica

On May 5, 1494 Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica. This occured on his second voyage to the West Indies. Columbus had heard about Jamaica, then called Xaymaca, from the Cubans who described it as "the land of blessed gold". Columbus was soon to find out that there was no gold in Jamaica.

When he arrived at St. Ann's Bay, Columbus found the Tainos inhabiting the island. At first, Columbus thought these Indians were hostile, as they attacked his men when they tried to land on the island. However, he was determined to claim the island in the name of the King and the Queen of Spain, so he was not discouraged. Columbus also needed wood and water and a chance to repair his vessels. He sailed down the coast and docked at Discovery Bay. The Tainos were also hostile to him and his men. Their attitudes changed however,

Cont.

when they were attacked by a dog from one of the Spanish ships as well as Columbus's cross-bow men. During the attack, some of the Tainos were wounded while others were killed. Columbus was then able to land and claim the island.

Here are some inferences you could make from the passage:

• Christopher Columbus arrived on a ship

• Columbus had many ships

• Columbus was sent by the King and Queen of Spain.

• Columbus tried digging for gold but didn't find any.

• Jamaica was not the first place in the West Indies Columbus "discovered".

Coach's Orders

Donovan’s coach spoke to him at 3:00 p.m. “I need you to run four laps around the stadium this afternoon,” he said. “Please start running now and report to me at 3:15 p.m. when you are done.” Donovan angrily walked towards his car.

The following can be inferred from the story.

• Donovan didn't want to run the laps.

• Donovan's coach was watching him closely.

• You can imagine that Donovan’s coach might have been keeping a close watch on his activities since he told him exactly when to start and when, in a very short while, to report back to him. You can also infer that Donovan might not have followed his coach’s instructions at all, since he walked angrily towards his car after being told what to do.

In summary, Inferences are:

• Based on information given in the text

• information we can imply

• NOT explicitly stated in the text. If it is literally said in the text it does not count as making an inference.

QUIZ TIME!

INSTRUCTIONS: Read the paragraphs and select the inferences from the passages given. You can pick multiple answers. Select ALL that apply.

Multiple Select

The Devon House Development Company, which became operational in February 2002, is now responsible for the Devon House Re-development Project. It is intended to further highlight the historical relevance of the house and continue its preservation and renovation. The re-development project includes landscaping, historical restoration and the establishment of new business ventures intended to help increase the property’s self-sustainability.

• The Devon House Development Company is responsible for the Devon House Re-development Project

• Devon House will have beautiful gardens

• The Devon House Re-Development Project will cost lots of money.

• Devon House will have many new shops and restaurants.

Multiple Select

In 1664, the Spanish relinquished control of Jamaica to the British and Sir Thomas Modyford divided this "fair isle" into 7 administrative units known as parishes. These were located mainly in the mid to south-eastern end of the island: Clarendon, St. John, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Port Royal, St. David and St. Thomas in the East. by 1683 the number of parishes had doubled totaling 15 parishes as St. Dorothy, St. Thomas in the Vale, Vere, St. George, St. Mary, St. Ann. St. James and St. Elizabeth were added. In 1692 earthquake survivors fled across the harbour and Kingston form formed a year later.

• In 1664, the Spanish relinquished control of Jamaica to the British

• Sir Thomas Modyford divided Jamaica into 7 administrative units know as parishes.

• Not many persons lived in Kingston prior to the 1692 earthquake.

• In 1664 the Spanish lost their battle to the British.