Inference

Inference

by Kim McKee

Multiple Choice

As Martin walked down the street, he noticed that most people were carrying closed umbrellas. Although he had not seen a weather report, what could Martin infer?

• that is was going to rain later that day

• that there was a sale on umbrellas at a local store

• that he was late for work

• that people love umbrellas

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Multiple Choice

When he got home , Pete took off this muddy boots and left them on the front steps, he would clean them off later. He went directly into the bathroom and took off his dirty overalls, changing into clean jeans and a t-shirt. He's spent a long day in the fields, but he was satisfied that he had accomplished quite a bit. What is most likely Peter's occupation?

• an attorney

• a bus driver

• a farmer

• he is in the army

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine your answer?

Multiple Choice

Mary rushed through the door and called out"I'm here! I'm here!" Her mother appeared in the doorway to the kitchen, looked at her watch, and glared at Mary. "Well hurry up, then, " she said. "Don't make us wait any longer than you already have."

The reader can reasonably infer which of the following?

• It is Mary's mother's birthday

• Mary is late

• Mary's mother was worried she had been hurt

• Mary is excited to be going out

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Multiple Choice

A mother is pushing a cart through the grocery store.  A little girl, around three years old, is sitting in the cart.  The girl reaches for a brightly-colored box, and the mother gently takes it away from her.  The girl begins to cry. What can you infer about the situation?

• The little girl is frustrated  and wanted to keep the box.

• The mother accidently hurt the girl when she took away the box.

• The box contained laundry detergent.

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Multiple Choice

A little boy is sitting with his mother in a doctor's office,, listlessly leaning against her.   When she gives him a cup to sip some water, he slowly pushed it away.  After. awhile, he begins to whimper and puts a hand to his neck.  What can you infer from this situation?

• The boy is tired.

• The boy has hurt his hand.

• The boy has a sore throat.

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Multiple Choice

Max stepped up to the plate.  He held the bat up and stared intently at the pitcher as he watched several balls fly by.  Then, he walked back to the dugout and sat down. What can you infer from this passage?

• Max has struct out.

• Max hit a home run.

• Max has quit the team.

• Max hates baseball.

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Multiple Choice

Every morning, Mr. Anthony gets up early and puts on his uniform.  He makes sure his badge is on straight and takes his gun from a locked box in this desk.  He walks out to his driveway where his car, with the large lights on its roof , is waiting.  He gets into his car and drives to the station.  From this passage you can infer the Mr. Anthony is:

• a teacher

• a bus driver

• a police officer

• a gas attendant

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Multiple Choice

Over a loudspeaker, a voice announces that Flight 240 for Los Angles is now boarding.  You see dozens of people pulling wheeled suitcases up and sown a wide hallway. At one end of the hall is an area with several uniformed men and women talking to each person who passes through a gate.  You can infer that you are in :

• an airport

• a college campus

• a hospital

• a travel agency

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Multiple Choice

Margie climbed the two steps and walked out into the narrow board. She looked down into the pool.  It  seemed so far away now that she was on the board. She saw her parents and brother watching her. " I have to go through with it," she thought.  She gently bounced on her feet a couple of times and put her hands over her head. Make an inference about what will most likely happen next.

• Margie will begin to cry.

• Margie will dive into the pool.

• Margie will head down the ski slope.

• Margie will catch a wave.

Open Ended

What back ground knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Multiple Choice

A shrill bell echoes in the empty  hallway and suddenly, the halls are filled with chattering children-all rushing in one direction or anther.  An adult steps out of a room along the hall and warns the children, "No running.  You have plenty of time." After a few minutes, all of the children run into doorways along the hallway.  Almost immediately, the hall is quiet again.  From this description, you can infer that:

• You are in a train station.

• You are on a subway car.

• You are a crowded concert.

• You are in a school.

Open Ended

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer