Main Idea, Details, Predictions, & Inferences

What is an inference?

• finding details in a nonfiction passage

• skipping pages when you read

• using what you already know and clues from the story to come up with a reasonable answer

• making a wild guess

What is a prediction?

• what you think will happen

• to show that something is definitely true

• what has already happened

• to adjust your thoughts

As soon as the dog entered the room, Anna's eyes watered and she began to sneeze. She didn't stop sneezing until the dog went outside. Which is most likely true?

• Anna is allergic to dust.

• It is very cold outside.

• Anna is allergic to dogs.

• Dogs are allergic to Anna.

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

• He is thinking he should study his spelling words.

• He is scared of getting in trouble.

• He can't wait to break another window.

• He feels happy and excited he threw the ball so hard.

Isabel's soccer team cheered. The coach gave them a trophy. What do you think happened?

• The coach got kicked out of the game.

• They won the game.

• They missed the goal.

• They lost the game.

Make a prediction:

Nico's mother brought home empty boxes from the store. She wrapped the dishes in newspaper and placed them in the boxes. Next, she took down the pictures and the curtains and packed them in boxes. She told Nico that his first day at his new school would be Tuesday.

• Nico is not going to go to school anymore.

• Nico's mother is going to clean the house.

• Nico's family is going to move.

• Nico's family is decorating their house.

Make an inference:

When Josh got home, his mom asked him how his math test went. Josh's eyes widened and his face turned bright. A small smile formed as he started to talk to his mom.

• Josh failed the test.

• Josh does not know his grade.

• Josh did very good on the test.

• Josh skipped the test.

Sam and his brother Tim each have their own rooms. Sam likes to make his bed every morning, but Tim never makes his bed. Sam folds all his clothes before putting them away, but Tim leaves all of his clothes on the floor.

After reading the sentences above, I can infer that Sam is very messy. Which clues from the story most likely helped me make that inference? THERE ARE 2 ANSWERS!!!!

• Sam and Tim have their own rooms.

• Tim leaves all of his clothes on the floor.

• Sam likes to make his bed every morning.

• Tim never makes his bed.

What is the main idea?

• The glossary of a book.

• It is what the story is mostly about.

• Where the story takes place.

• It is the funniest sentence in the story.

True or false:

Supporting details describe the main idea and give the story it's flavor.

• True

• False