Making Inferences

Before the soccer game today, Josh’s uniform was spotless. After the game, his uniform had many grass stains and streaks of dirt.

Which 2 inferences can you make?

• Josh didn't get to play in the game today.

• Josh played in the game today.

• Josh needs a new uniform.

• Josh fell down during the game.

Manuel and Devon are in the same class. Their parents bought the exact same school

supplies for the boys just before school began this year. Manuel’s supplies cost $15.95

but Devon’s supplies cost $11.38.

What 2 reasons could explain why the boys’ supplies cost different amounts?

• The parents bought the supplies at different stores.

• Devon's parents didn't buy all of the supplies.

• Manuel's parents bought supplies that were lower in quality.

• Devon's parents bought the supplies on sale.

Brian did his best to solve the math problems on the test. Then he looked them over

carefully. “Oops, that answer is wrong,” he thought. He drew a neat line through the

wrong answer and wrote the correct answer beside it.

Why could be 2 reasons Brian didn't just erase the wrong answer?

• It would take too long to erase it.

• He had done his work in pen.

• He didn't have an eraser on his pencil.

• He wanted to keep his original answer in case it was correct.

Diego enjoyed talking with Mr. Hooper, an elderly neighbor. Today Diego noticed something

odd about Mr. Hooper’s house. There were several newspapers on the front stoop. The

yard hadn’t been mowed and the grass was long. There were a few palm leaves lying

around the yard.

Make 2 inferences about what might have happened.

• Mr. Hooper might not care if his yard looks neat.

• Mr. Hooper might be away on a trip.

• Mr. Hooper might be sick.

• Mr. Hooper might have put his newspapers outside because he didn't want them.

Terry and his friends usually get together at the park to play basketball every Saturday

morning. Today, everyone got there on time, but they couldn’t play.

What are 2 explanations for why they couldn't play?

• It wasn't Saturday.

• Terry and his friends were arguing.

• The only basketball they had was flat.

• Somebody else was already using the court.

Mrs. Lee loaded her groceries into her trunk and took the cart to the storage area. As she

approached her car, she put her hands up to her face and cried, “Oh, no!”

What could be 2 reasons Mrs. Lee said, “Oh, no!”?

• There were dents or scratches on her car.

• She couldn't remember where her car was parked.

• Something was leaking from her car.

• Her car had been painted a different color.

Mary drove to a nearby town to visit a friend. When she got there, she thought,

“She’s not here right now, but I’m sure she’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Why did Mary think that? Select 2 reasons.

• The garage door was still open.

• Mary's friend left the lights on in the house.

• Mary's friend's neighbor told her she that Mary would be right back.

• Mary's friend had to take her car to the mechanic.

Karen woke up to bright sunlight streaming in the window. She heard traffic

outside and the sound of kids yelling to each other as they walked in front of

the house. She rolled over and looked at her clock. “Oh no!” she exclaimed. “It’s

9:00 AM!” She leapt out of bed in a panic.

What are 2 things you can infer from this passage?

• Karen doesn't feel well.

• Karen is in high school.

• Karen overslept.

• Karen's alarm clock did not go off.

Kevin ran to the mailbox. With his back turned to the house, he opened the

envelope containing his report card. After a quick, confirming glance, he

crumpled the report card and stuffed it into his pocket. He went into the

house, put the rest of the mail on the kitchen table, and ran up to his room.

Make 2 inferences based on this passage.

• Kevin did not have good grades on his report card.

• Kevin's parent's aren't home.

• Kevin is satisfied with the grades on his report card.

• Kevin is worried he will get in trouble because of his grades.

The room was dark and quiet. We heard Carl come in the front door. I heard girls in the corner giggle nervously. Another girl told them to be quiet. I hid behind the table where the cake and presents were set out.

What are 2 things you can infer?

• They are playing hide and seek.

• They are celebrating Carl's birthday.

• The power has gone out.

• Carl does not know what is happening.