Inferencing

Making Inferences

by Maiysha Laguerre

​What is an inference?

An Inference is using observation and background to reach a logical conclusion.

​

​When you are making an inference in literature, you should know what you are looking for. Your goal is to find the intended meaning of the text. Intended meaning is what we think the author is trying to teach us.

Making Inferences

Today we are going to practice making inferences!

What is an Inference?

• An inference is when you take clues from the text and what you already know to draw a conclusion. 

• -Schema is your background knowledge- what you ALREADY know.

• Text clues + What you know (schema) = Inference! 

What is an Inference?

• Inferences require you to read between the lines to figure out what the author is trying to tell you.  

• Inferences are NOT directly stated in the text.  You must think deeper to understand what is going on.  

​Making inferences in informational Texts

Poll

I can explain what inference means to someone else.

• I strongly agree with the statement

• I agree with the statement

• I some what agree with the statement

• I disagree with the statement

Multiple Choice

What is an Inference?

• A conclusion or judgement based on evidences and our background knowledge.

• Is what the story is about.

• In when you find the similarity between two or more things.

• Is when you compare two or more things using the words like or as.

Multiple Choice

To make good inferences you need to...

• read fast
• pay attention to details
• look up every unfamiliar word
• pick your nose

Multiple Choice

It is important to learn how to make inferences because many times...

• authors don't write well
• authors communicate ideas indirectly
• authors are lazy
• authors don't think about readers

Multiple Choice

In your daily life, you can make inferences about people by observing their behavior.

• true
• false

Multiple Choice

A VALID INFERENCE is...

• a wild guess
• never supported
• supported with evidence
• is hard to find

Multiple Choice

Drawing an Inference

You've made many inferences in your life, but you might not even know it. For instance, your cat runs up to you the minute you step through the door. She meows, rubs your legs, runs into the kitchen and stares at the cupboard where you normally store the cat food. It doesn't take much effort to figure out that your cat wants food. You've just drawn an inference.

You draw many inferences in your everyday life?

• TRUE

• FALSE

Multiple Choice

Before the 1800's people didn't have right or left shoes.  They had shoes of just one shape that they used for both feet.  When people first saw right and left shoes, they laughed.  They called them "crooked shoes."  "What a silly idea," they said.  You can tell that shoes before 1800:

• were pretty
• didn't look alike
• didn't fit very well

Multiple Choice

The man came home from work. He walked into the kitchen and noticed the clock on his microwave was blinking 12:00.

What had happened while the man was at work?

• The microwave stopped working.

• The power went out.

• There was something cooking in the microwave.

Authors do not always tell everything, but you can always find out more about the story or text by using what you already know. Then you can learn more from what you read.

Take a close look at this picture.

Open Ended

What do you think is going on in that photo?

What are the people doing?

How are they dressed?

How would you describe the setting?

Multiple Choice

Which sentence from the selection shows that the pet is a cat?

• Bryan had to feed his pet every day.
• Bryan had to take his pet outside right away after school.
• It was Bryan's job to clean out the litter box every 3 days.
• Bryanʼs pet never bites.

Multiple Choice

Before the 1800's people didn't have right or left shoes.  They had shoes of just one shape that they used for both feet.  When people first saw right and left shoes, they laughed.  They called them "crooked shoes."  "What a silly idea," they said.  You can tell that shoes before 1800:

• were pretty
• didn't look alike
• didn't fit very well

Multiple Choice

When making an inference, the most important thing is...

• What you know about the topic
• The topic of the text
• The characters in the text
• Being able to prove your inference using evidence from the text.

Did you know?

• Most writing and pictures suggests more than it says or shows

• By making inferences, you get more from the story

• Conclusions may be missing from the things you read, so you have to draw your own

Multiple Choice

When making an inference, the most important thing is...

• What you know about the topic
• The topic of the text
• The characters in the text
• Being able to prove your inference using evidence from the text.

Multiple Choice

Tim looked out the window. The house looked so lonely. Tim's father put the last suitcase in the trunk and started up the car. Thor, his dog, put his head on Tim's lap, like he understood how  Tim was feeling. "It's okay Thor," he said, "Dad says we will like California." What is happening?

• Tim is sad because his dog doesn't have a house to live in.
• Tim is taking a trip to visit peolpe he doesn't know.
• Tim is taking Thor to live with his grandmother.
• Tim is moving to California with his family.

Multiple Choice

Tim looked out the window. The house looked so lonely. Tim's father put the last suitcase in the trunk and started up the car. Thor, his dog, put his head on Tim's lap, like he understood how  Tim was feeling. "It's okay Thor," he said, "Dad says we will like California." What is happening?

• Tim is sad because his dog doesn't have a house to live in.
• Tim is taking a trip to visit peolpe he doesn't know.
• Tim is taking Thor to live with his grandmother.
• Tim is moving to California with his family.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence from the selection suggests that Suzy likes to play basketball?

• Suzy's mom makes Suzy practice basketball every day.
• Suzy looks forward to her basketball games.
• Suzy scored 5 points in her last basketball game.
• Suzy and her mom get ice cream after her basketball games.

Multiple Choice

Joseph and Caitlin were choosing the players for their teams. It was Caitlin's turn to choose, and only Jason was left. Caitlin said, "Jason."

We can infer that…

• Jason was the best player.
• Caitlin wanted Jason on her team.
• Jason was not a very good player.
• Caitlin had a hard time choosing a team member.

Multiple Choice

Joseph and Caitlin were choosing the players for their teams. It was Caitlin's turn to choose, and only Jason was left. Caitlin said, "Jason."

We can infer that…

• Jason was the best player.
• Caitlin wanted Jason on her team.
• Jason was not a very good player.
• Caitlin had a hard time choosing a team member.

Multiple Choice

Rachel was on her way to volunteer at the animal shelter.  She was very excited!  She really liked dogs.  Her brother was allergic to dogs, however, so she was rarely around them.  Rachel had a lot of fun playing with the puppies, but after her shift, itchy bumps appeared on her arms.
It is likely that:

• Mosquitoes bit Rachel
• Rachel is allergic to dogs, too
• Rachel fell in poison ivy
• Rachel was already sick

Inference

An inference is an assumption that you make about something that you see, read, or experience.

For example:

If you have cleats and a baseball bat in your bookbag, I probably would infer that you have baseball practice or a game after school.

Multiple Choice

As I walked in the door, I was amazed at the beautiful colors and smells. I knew it would be hard to decide what I would buy with my $3. The chocolate truffles looked delicious, but they were expensive. The jelly beans were not only cheaper, but so colorful! With so much to choose from, I knew I would be here a long time. Where am I?

• Gas station
• Candy store
• Grocery store
• Shoe store

Multiple Choice

Many breeds of dogs are used for work. In many cultures dogs are used to herd sheep. The dogs keep the flock from being attacked by animals such as wolves. They also keep sheep from wandering off. Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and gentleness. Based on your reading of the text, you can INFER that:

• Sheepdogs are not very smart dogs.
• Sheepdogs are gentle and loyal.
• There are many breeds of dogs.
• Wolves are afraid of sheepdogs.

Multiple Choice

Mike had fun hiking in the woods and doing crafts.  He also really enjoyed the campfire sing-a-long and had made a lot of new friends. Still, he was glad that tomorrow he would be going home.
Where is Mike?

• at camp
• at a slumber party
• on a picnic
• in California 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence from the selection supports that the computer was not working properly?

• Rita took three hours to finish her homework.
• Ritaʼs homework was not finished.
• Rita had to write out her story instead of typing it.
• Ritaʼs homework was not done correctly.

Multiple Choice

Mr. Martin looked at his watch.  Then, he took a bus list out of his bag and looked at it for a moment.  A few minutes later, he looked at his watch again and sighed.
Why does Mr. Martin keep looking at his watch?

• the bus is late
• his watch is broken
• his watch is cool
• his car is out of gas

Multiple Choice

As I walked in the door, I was amazed at the beautiful colors and smells. I knew it would be hard to decide what I would buy with my $3. The chocolate truffles looked delicious, but they were expensive. The jelly beans were not only cheaper, but so colorful! With so much to choose from, I knew I would be here a long time. Where am I?

• Gas station
• Candy store
• Grocery store
• Shoe store

Multiple Choice

Everett held his father's hand as he crossed the busy parking lot. They walked into a grocery store. Everett's dad lifted him into the seat of the shopping cart. “Here,”said dad, “You can hold my shopping list.”

You can infer that

• Everett had never been to a grocery store

• Everett's dad does not shop often

• Everett's dad needs help with shopping.

• Everett is very young

Conclusion

A conclusion is a decision about what may happen or about the result of an event (what will happen next).

For example:

Bill walks into the Verizon store wearing a wet bathing suit. He carries his iPhone in his hand. The screen is cloudy with condensation. A drop of water falls from the iPhone to the floor.

You can conclude that Bill is going into the store to get his iPhone repaired based on the facts.

Multiple Choice

Tiffany held her breath as her teacher returned the math test the class had taken last week.  Tiffany had not studied very hard or long for the test, and she was worried about her grade.  Her teacher handed Tiffany her test.  Tiffany groaned and put her head down on her desk.
It is likely that:

• Tiffany earned a bad grade on the test
• Tiffany received a good grade on the test
• Tiffany is tired
• Tiffany is angry at her teacher

Multiple Choice

Mike had fun hiking in the woods and doing crafts.  He also really enjoyed the campfire sing-a-long and had made a lot of new friends. Still, he was glad that tomorrow he would be going home.
Where is Mike?

• at camp
• at a slumber party
• on a picnic
• in California 

Multiple Choice

With Inference, your answer choices will usually be_____ stated in the text.

• Directly
• Commonly
• Indirectly
• Obviously

Multiple Choice

Which sentence suggests that Joanna rode her bike to school?

• Joannaʼs hair was a little messy when she got to school.
• Joanna crossed three streets on her way to school.
• Joanna went four blocks on her way to school.
• Joanna had to put her helmet inside the classroom closet.

Multiple Choice

Joseph and Caitlin were choosing the players for their teams. It was Caitlin's turn to choose, and only Jason was left. Caitlin said, "Jason."

We can infer that…

• Jason was the best player.
• Caitlin wanted Jason on her team.
• Jason was not a very good player.
• Caitlin had a hard time choosing a team member.

Multiple Choice

Everett held his father's hand as hecrossed the busy parking lot. They walkedinto a grocery store. Everett's dad lifted himinto the seat of the shopping cart. “Here,”said dad, “You can hold my shopping list.”
You can infer that

• Everett had never been to a grocery store
• Everett's dad does not shop often
• Everett's  dad needs help with shopping. 
• Everett is very young

Multiple Choice

Which sentence suggests that Joanna rode her bike to school?

• Joannaʼs hair was a little messy when she got to school.
• Joanna crossed three streets on her way to school.
• Joanna went four blocks on her way to school.
• Joanna had to put her helmet inside the classroom closet.

Making Inferences

Darice Williams

Multiple Choice

Mike had fun hiking in the woods and doing crafts.  He also really enjoyed the campfire sing-a-long and had made a lot of new friends. Still, he was glad that tomorrow he would be going home.
Where is Mike?

• at camp
• at a slumber party
• on a picnic
• in California 

Multiple Choice

Splat! " Oh, rats!" thought Katie as she stooped to clean up the mess. "I hope we have another one. " She looked in the fridge and pulled out the carton. One Left! Breakfast wasn't ruined after all. What did Katie clean up? (provide text evidence to support your answer choice on your white board)

• Milk
• Juice
• Jelly
• Eggs

Multiple Choice

I have a head and a tail. People often say I am #1. I am made of copper. I am lucky if you pick me up. What am I?

• four leaf clover

• leaf

• penny

• dime

Multiple Choice

Which sentence supports that Jack is feeling sleepy?

• Jack went to bed late because he was at a birthday party.
• Jackʼs eyes were droopy and his eyelids felt really heavy.
• Jack put his head down on the desk.
• Jack was not paying attention to the lesson.

Multiple Choice

As I walked in the door, I was amazed at the beautiful colors and smells. I knew it would be hard to decide what I would buy with my $3. The chocolate truffles looked delicious, but they were expensive. The jelly beans were not only cheaper, but so colorful! With so much to choose from, I knew I would be here a long time. Where am I?

• Gas station
• Candy store
• Grocery store
• Shoe store

Multiple Choice

The scout leader looked at the sky and muttered something under his breath. Then he looked at the map. "Let's get moving." He called to the group of tired boys. "The faster the better." Why do you think the scout leader started rushing the boys? (provide text evidence to support your answer choice on your white board)

• They were going to be late for dinner
• They were going to miss their ride that was waiting for them
• It was about to rain
• The sun was about to cause it to be too hot for them to stay out much longer

Multiple Choice

Read each sentence; then select the one answer choice that is a logical inference based upon that sentence.

Blood cholesterol used to be thought of as a problem only for adults.

• Blood cholestrerol is no longer a problem for adults.

• Only children have a problem with blood cholesterol.

• Blood cholesterol affects both adults and children

Multiple Choice

An inference is

• Examining the evidence to understand its meaning and how it fits into the overall picture

• Drawing a conclusion developed from reasoning after investigating the evidence.

• Facts or information presented together to support a claim or statement.

Multiple Choice

I arrived early for my appointment. The place was busy and smelled of chemicals. I found a place to sit and wait. The lady next to me had a towel around her head. I heard a blow dryer in the distance. It was loud over the music that was playing. Where am I?

• The hair salon
• A restaurant
• At school
• At the doctor

Multiple Choice

It was 8:30 on Thursday night. Emily stared at the large, empty poster board on her bed. Then she looked at the stack of books about Abraham Lincoln on her desk. Emily began to cry. Why do you think Emily was crying? (provide text evidence to support your answer choice on your white board)

• She wanted a different color poster
• It was late and she had a lot of schoolwork to complete before she could end her night
• She did not want to go to sleep
• She wanted a book about George Washington instead

Multiple Choice

"Troy stuttered, blushed and shook as he addressed the crowd."
What can you infer about Troy from this statement? 

• Troy enjoys public speaking
• Troy is nervous
• Troy is an actor
• Troy has food poisoning

Multiple Choice

Grandpa sees that his chocolate cake is all gone.  Brad has crumbs on his mouth. What do you think happened?

• Brad baked his own cake.
• Brad needs to brush his teeth better.
• Brad ate Grandpa's chocolate cake.
• Brad ate Grandpa

Multiple Choice

Many breeds of dogs are used for work. In many cultures, dogs are used to herd sheep. The dogs keep the flock from being attacked by animals such as wolves. They also keep sheep from wandering off. Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and gentleness. Based on your reading of the text, you can INFER that:

• Sheepdogs are not very smart dogs.
• Sheepdogs are a popular choice for herding.
• There are many breeds of dogs.
• Wolves are afraid of sheepdogs.

Multiple Choice

"Ouch!" Lucy had fallen again! she shivered and picked herself back up. Then she spotted her older sister Sarah, gliding backwards. She was so graceful. Sarah made everything look so easy. What is Lucy doing? (provide text evidence to support your answer choice on your white board)

• Back flips
• Riding a bike
• Running
• Skating

Multiple Choice

An analysis is:

• Examining the evidence to understand its meaning and how it fits into the overall picture

• Drawing a conclusion developed from reasoning after investigating the evidence.

• Facts or information presented together to support a claim or statement.

Multiple Choice

Ana and Sophie sat in their chairs staring straight ahead for nearly two hours. They did not talk or hardly even move, but they were not bored at all. Where were Ana and Sophie? (provide text evidence to support your answer choice on your white board)

• At the movies
• In class
• At church
• At a football game

Multiple Choice

Gavin plays baseball and accidentally breaks a window.  How do you think he feels?

• He is scared of getting in trouble.
• He feels happy and excited he threw the ball so hard.
• He can't wait to break another window.
• He is thinking he should study his spelling words.

Multiple Choice

For the walls, Jenny thought she would use a bright yellow paint. She would pick a border that had mostly bright red and green colors, and maybe a little bit of blue. She already had found some curtains that were sky blue with streaks of red, blue and yellow that she thought would go great with the walls. And finally, she had picked a carpet that was mostly blue with specks of red and yellow. Jenny couldn't wait till she was done decorating her room. It was really going to look awesome.
 The Summary of this passage is:

• Jenny likes bright colors.
• Jenny was going to paint her room.
• Jenny was picking out colors and materials to decorate her room.
• Yellow is a good color to paint your walls.

An inference is not...

Read the passage on the next slide and answer the questions that follow

Multiple Choice

Right now Jason was playing right field. He really wanted to play third base. Earlier this year, coach had put him in left field and second base in a game, but never at third base. Once in practice, coach let him play third base, but he kept missing ground balls. When he did stop one, he made a bad throw to first base. Maybe if he kept practicing, Jason would be good enough to play third base. That was his dream.
The Summary of this passage is:

• Jason really wanted to play third base.
• Jason was the best player on his team.
• Jason had trouble catching ground balls.
• Jason was too lazy to practice.

Multiple Choice

Which detail tells you that Mrs. McCoy is hungry?

• Her eyes filling up with tears.
• She is limping around the room.
• She starts reading a book.
• Her stomach growls loudly.

Multiple Choice

Rachel was on her way to volunteer at the animal shelter.  She was very excited!  She really liked dogs.  Her brother was allergic to dogs, however, so she was rarely around them.  Rachel had a lot of fun playing with the puppies.  But after her shift, itchy bumps appeared on her arms.
It is likely that:

• Mosquitoes bit Rachel
• Rachel is allergic to dogs, too
• Rachel fell in poison ivy

Multiple Choice

What is Textual evidence

• Examining the evidence to understand its meaning and how it fits into the overall picture

• A conclusion developed from reasoning after investigating the evidence.

• Facts/Information presented together to support a claim or statement.

Multiple Choice

Frog saw the dog looking for him. He ran under a log. 
Why is the frog hiding under the log?

• He is trying to get away.
• He wants to sing.
• He likes to loo at bugs.

Multiple Choice

"Oh no!," said Dan. Everything got wet. Dan grabbed a mop.
Why is Dan upset?

• He sees a ring.
• He can get a cup.
• He spilled the milk.

Multiple Choice

If something is explicit,

• it's stated clearly and directly

• it needs to be interpreted

• it give hints for the reader to infer

• there is no information is given and is not important

Multiple Choice

Bert looked at Ken. Ken had Bart's hat by the swamp. Ken gave it a swing. Bert looked. He was mad.
Why is Bert getting mad at Ken?

• The hat fell in the swamp.
• Ken gave the hat back to Bert.
• A bug got the hat.

Multiple Choice

Which inference can you make about young Joe's family?

• They were wealthy.

• They were admired.

• They were poor.

• They were fortunate.

Multiple Choice

The dog wanted to get a big stick. It ran to a tree. A cat grabbed the stick. The dog got mad.
Why did the dog get mad?

• He liked the cat.
• He wanted the stick.
• He saw a fox and a cat.

Multiple Choice

When an author conveys an idea, they

• create a mystery and suspense

• gives resources for the reader to investigate

• foreshadow

• make an idea or feeling known to others.

Multiple Choice

Sam had a truck. Sam jumped with the truck. The truck slid and fell in the mud. Sam got a stick to dig.
Why did Sam dig?

• He wanted to get a lock.
• He wanted to get his truck.
• There was a sled in the mud.

Multiple Choice

From the article, you can infer that:

• A nickname usually describes something about the person to whom is given.

• Most athletes prefer to be addressed by their real name rather than a nickname.

• It is uncommon for a baseball player to be given a nickname.

• Most athletes believe that a good nickname will make them more memorable.

Multiple Choice

Linda picked up the sandwich and ran after the boy whose backpack was unzipped.

What had just happened?

• The sandwich fell out of the backpack.

• The boy forgot his sandwich.

• The woman stole the boy's sandwich.

Multiple Choice

If a reader needs to infer what the author is saying, they should look for

• hints that lead the reader to determine the underlying meaning

• explicit statements that clearly state information

Multiple Choice

The dog ran to the front door, wagging his tail. He sat down and gazed up expectantly.

What is the dog doing?

• Waiting for its owner to come home.

• Waiting for a treat.

• Waiting for a toy.

Multiple Choice

From the article, you can determine that Shoeless Joe:

• continued to play baseball for several more years after the World Series

• and the other White Sox players did something that was illegal

• was wrongfully accused of helping throw the World Series

• was reluctant to be involved in throwing the World Series

Multiple Choice

The group of children waited at the curb for the crossing guard to motion them forward.

Where are the children going?

• to school

• to the mall

• to the park

Multiple Choice

can something be inferred if it is stated explicitly?

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

An inference is...

• Text evidence + what you know
• Retelling a text
• Making a guess without evidence
• Information written directly into the text.

Multiple Choice

The information in the article suggests that:

• There was little interest in professional baseball during the early 1900’s.

• People felt sympathy for Shoeless Joe in 1919.

• Reporters were interested in hearing what Shoeless Joe had to say after leaving the courthouse.

• The World Series has not been played since 1919.

Multiple Choice

When making an inference, the most important thing is...

• What you know about the topic
• The topic of the text
• The characters in the text
• Being able to prove your inference using evidence from the text.

What is an inference?

Prior Knowledge + Textual Evidence = Inference

Multiple Choice

You sit down in the comfy seat with your soda and popcorn. The lights go out and the screen lights up. Where can you infer that you are?

• the movie theater
• the ballpark
• a restaurant
• your classroom

An inference is not...

Read the passage on the next slide and answer the questions that follow

Multiple Choice

You notice muddy paw prints on the ground in your kitchen and you find a hole in your backyard. What can you infer has happened?

• your dog dug a hole in the yard
• the rain made a hole in the yard
• a strange animal made a hole in your backyard
• your dad dug a hole in the backyard

Multiple Choice

Which inference can you make about young Joe's family?

• They were wealthy.

• They were admired.

• They were poor.

• They were fortunate.

Multiple Choice

From the article, you can infer that:

• A nickname usually describes something about the person to whom is given.

• Most athletes prefer to be addressed by their real name rather than a nickname.

• It is uncommon for a baseball player to be given a nickname.

• Most athletes believe that a good nickname will make them more memorable.

Multiple Choice

From the article, you can determine that Shoeless Joe:

• continued to play baseball for several more years after the World Series

• and the other White Sox players did something that was illegal

• was wrongfully accused of helping throw the World Series

• was reluctant to be involved in throwing the World Series

Multiple Choice

The information in the article suggests that:

• There was little interest in professional baseball during the early 1900’s.

• People felt sympathy for Shoeless Joe in 1919.

• Reporters were interested in hearing what Shoeless Joe had to say after leaving the courthouse.

• The World Series has not been played since 1919.

Multiple Choice

The Sphinx was carved with very simple tools. Among them were copper chisels and pounders of harder stone such as granite and diorite to knock off bits and pieces of the limestone. To do the final shaping and to smooth the surface, the master artisans used sand and sandstone.

QUESTION: What can you infer about the building of the Sphinx?

• They were created by hand.

• They were machine built.

• They were built quickly.

• They were cheap.

Multiple Choice

"I think" means you are

• making an inference

• providing evidence

Multiple Choice

You can infer that:

• The small boy was proud of Shoeless Joe.

• The small boy was inspired to play baseball.

• The small boy wanted to be near Shoeless Joe.

• The small boy didn’t want Shoeless Joe to be guilty.

Multiple Choice

"I know" means you are

• making an inference

• providing evidence

Multiple Choice

The Sphinx was carved with very simple tools. Among them were copper chisels and pounders of harder stone such as granite and diorite to knock off bits and pieces of the limestone. To do the final shaping and to smooth the surface, the master artisans used sand and sandstone.

QUESTION: What can you infer about the building of the Sphinx?

• They were created by hand.

• They were machine built.

• They were built quickly.

• They were cheap.

Multiple Choice

In making an inference you must

• Make a claim

• Make a claim

  back it up with the best evidence possible

• Make a claim

  back it up with the best evidence possible

  explain why the evidence supports the claim

• Make a claim

  back it up with the best evidence possible

  explain why the evidence supports the claim

  discredit any other potential claims that can be made

Open Ended

Explain how to make inferences when reading literature.

Poll

I can explain what inference means to someone else.

• I strongly agree with the statement

• I agree with the statement

• I some what agree with the statement

• I disagree with the statement