RL.5.1 and RI.5.1 Inferencing Practice #1

Bob, Jim, and Kathy pedaled slowly up the hill. They could see the schoolhouse just at the crest of the hill. The sight seemed to make them pedal even slower. On the way, they passed many students. Some they played with every day, but others they had not seen since the last day of school.

Finally, Bob, Jim, and kathy got to the schoolyard. They parked their bikes and locked them. They didn't have any books to carry into school yet. But, they would be bringing books home. Teachers always give out the books right away. A mean teacher might even give you homework immediately. You can infer that:

• It is the first day of school.

• It is a Friday.

• It is the day after a long holiday.

Ms. Petke tapped the lectern with a long stick and said, "That was better, but still not perfect. We've got to practice so that two weeks from now, when the show goes on you'll all sound perfect. Absolutely perfect." She tapped the stick again.

"Now, let's try it one more time," she said. "I want those bass notes to be really bass, boys. I want those soprano notes to be crystal clear, girls. Tenor, I expect you to come through full and clear. Now you sound like a bunch of birds with sore throats!"

The students laughed, then shuffled their feet and cleared their throats. They were ready to try again. What can you infer from this passage?

• The students are studying birds.

• Ms. Petke is teaching the students how to play the piano.

• Ms. Petke is leading a singing class.

Mr. Rodriguez walked into the classroom. "Good morning, class," he said in English. They replied in English. But English was not their first language. Their first language is Spanish.

The students sat, perfectly still, with their hands folded on their desks. They wondered why Mr. Rodriguez had spoken in English. They waited to hear what he would say.

"Today, children, we will begin with our social studies lesson. We will study the country to the north of us. It is not the biggest country in the world. It is probably the most powerful country. As you know, the people of that country speak English. In some sections, however, the people speak Spanish, just like we do. This is especially true in parts of New York City, Florida, and the southwest. Miguel, what is the name of the country we are studying? It is likely that:

• Miguel will not know the answer.

• The country they are studying is the U.S.A.

• The country they are studying is Mexico.

At one time in American history, students went to school in a one-room schoolhouse. This schoolhouse was a small building, maybe just 15 feet by 20 feet. Inside the schoolhouse was a slate board on which the teacher wrote, a teacher's desk, and rows of benches. The students sat on the benches. If they were lucky, they also had desks.

All the students were taught by the same teacher no matter which grade they were in. The teacher helped one student, perhaps a first grader, with his or her lesson. Then while the first grader was working on the lesson, the teacher helped the children in the next grade. Then while those students worked on their lessons, the teacher helped those in the next grade. It is likely that:

• In a one-room schoolhouse the teacher talked to some students while other students worked on their lessons.

• In a one-room schoolhouse, there was silence while each student worked.

• Boys and girls sat on separate benches in a one-room schoolhouse.

The art of paper-mache is taught in many grade schools. The art of paper-mache comes from France. In French, "paper mache" means "chewed-up paper." That is a good description of paper-mache, because the paper that is used is always shredded.

Here is how paper-mache works. Wire is shaped into a form, such as an elephant, clown, or tree. Newspaper is then wrapped around the wire form. Meanwhile, other pieces of newspaper are torn into small strips. This shredded paper is mixed with water and paste. The wet, sticky paper is then wrapped around the form. Once the paper mache dries, it is hard and can be painted. It is likely that:

• A paper-mache tree could not be painted green.

• A paper-mache elephant could perform in a circus.

• Paper mache can be used to make many different shapes.

Jenny looked at her sister, Martha. Martha was riding a bike to school today! Just because Martha was older, why should she get to ride her bike when Jenny still had to walk? Martha should wait until Jenny was old enough to ride, too! Jenny stuck out her lip at the breakfast table.

"Stop pouting," said her father. "You can't ride your bike to school until next year. You just aren't old enough."

Jenny pushed her plate away. "No," she said. "I won't eat! I won't eat until I can ride my bike to school!" It is likely that:

• Martha thinks that Jenny is spoiled.

• Jenny thinks she can get her father to change his decision.

• Jenny still rides a tricycle, which is why she can't ride her bike to school.