Inferences

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 was Jason's sister

• Jason was not a very good player.

• Caitlin had a hard time choosing a team member.

What can you "infer" by reading the passage below?

"I hate the idea of having all those people out there watching me...I just don't like it when I'm around so many people. I wish I just could hide somewhere," whispered Violet.

• Violet can be a mean girl.
• Violet can be somewhat relaxed.
• Violet is probably somewhat shy.
• Violet is afraid of everything.

The most accurate and complete inference based on the photo is:

• A. The children are participating in a race at school.
• B. The children are competing against one another.
• C. A boy tries to catch up to a girl as they race on the beach.
• D. A little girl expresses her joy as she wins a race against her peers.

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.

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

• Keller is sad because his dog doesn't have a house to live in.

• Keller is taking a trip to visit people he doesn't know.

• Keller is taking Shaggy to live with his grandmother.

• Keller is moving to California with his family.

Mrs. Kersten is munching on her lunch. She walks many laps trying to get some steps on her FitBit. There is a lot of noise as she walks by the table. She stops to chat with some kids.

• Mrs. Kersten is at McDonalds.

• She is in the office.

• Mrs. Kersten is doing cardio.

• She is in the cafeteria.

What can you infer by reading the passage below?

"I hate the idea of having all those people out there watching me...I know my lines by heart, but what if I mess up and it's silent? I wish I just could hide somewhere," whispered Saige.

• Saige can be a mean girl.

• Saige is relaxed.

• Saige is somewhat nervous.

• Saige is afraid of everything.

Abigail was in her room reading a book. Her mom called her to come downstairs and help. As Abigail entered the kitchen, her mom handed her a pile of plates. Abigail put them on the table and went to get the silverware and glasses.

You can infer that it is...

• Dinnertime

• Bedtime

• Time for School

• Playtime

Albert stormed into his apartment and threw down his lunchbox. He had just lost his job. Albert had worked for the same company for over ten years. But today he was informed that he was no longer needed. Albert didn't know what to do.

Based on what you have read, you can infer that:

• Albert threw down his lunchbox.

• Albert's job lasted over ten years.

• Losing his job made Albert upset.

• Albert lived in a house with his parents.

When writers do not state the way a character feels, the writer will include details that readers must use to make inferences or form opinions about how a character feels. When you make inferences, you use:

• Dictionaries and Wikipedia to locate answers.

• Your own imagination and ignore the text.

• Clues from the text, background knowledge, and experiences you've had.

• None of the above.