Inference and Evidence

Inference vs. Explicit Text Evidence

​Standard: LA.RI.8.1  - Cite the textual evidence and make relevant connections that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

​Explicit Text Evidence vs. Drawing Inferences

​EXPLICIT details are DIRECT statements taken right out of the text as support.

​For example:

• ​"Sarah was angry that her father was not allowing her to go out."

• ​Sarah was angry at her father. How do you know?

​INFERENCES are drawn by readers who figure out what the author is hinting at. These are EDUCATED GUESSES combining what the text implies and using one's own experiences.

• ​Sarah's father is strict. How do you know?

​​Text Evidence also needs to be RELEVANT

​Relevant means that it relates to the point. For example:

• "Over 17 tornadoes were recorded during the storm. Some were extremely strong and stayed on the ground for a long time. Usually tornadoes lose their energy in just a few minutes. But the largest tornado on Friday night stayed on the ground for hours, traveling about 200 miles (322 kilometers). Scientists believe the tornado may have traveled even farther, and possibly may have set a new record."

• ​To support the statement that the tornadoes that recently hit Kentucky were among the most destructive on record, which of the following is most relavant?

  1. ​Over 17 tornadoes were recorded during the storm.

  2. ​Usually tornadoes lose their energy in just a few minutes.

  3. ​Scientists believe the tornado may have traveled even farther, and possibly may have set a new record.

​Text Evidence also needs to be strong.

​You are often asked to choose among a group of pieces of text evidence from one or more texts. Several of the choices could be relevant, not just one. However, you need to select the strongest piece of evidence, which requires you to make a judgment call. For example:

• ​"A large and quickly moving group of thunderstorms triggered the tornadoes, which first hit in Arkansas, before moving on through Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky. At least 83 people have died. Rescuers are still looking for people who may be trapped in the debris of fallen buildings."

• ​The strongest evidence to support that this is an ongoing crisis is:

  1. ​A large and quickly moving group of thunderstorms triggered the tornadoes, which first hit in Arkansas, before moving on through Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

  2. ​At least 83 people have died.

  3. ​Rescuers are still looking for people who may be trapped in the debris of fallen buildings.

1. ​Making an inference is the process of:

   1. Looking at context clues in a text.

   2. Making an educated guess about a text based on clues and background knowledge.

   3. Using explicit details to support a statement about the text.

2. Mariah was not happy about being cut from the team.​ Explicit evidence:

   1. ​Mariah was not a good athlete.

   2. ​The team was made up of a bunch of meanies.

   3. ​Mariah was not feeling happy with the team's decision.

3. ​Farrah wants a new smart phone but doesn't have enough money to buy one. Which question asks for explicit information:

   1. ​Why does Farrah need a new phone?

   2. ​Why can't Farrah buy a new phone?

   3. ​Why can't Farrah buy a new smart phone?