Inferential Questions

To make good inferences you need to...

• read fast
• pay attention to details
• look up every unfamiliar word
• pick your nose

A VALID INFERENCE is...

• a wild guess
• never supported
• supported with evidence
• is hard to find

Hudson hurried out of the house so he wasn't late for work. He wore overalls and carried a toolbox with wrenches in it. He hopped in his truck and drove off. The sign on his truck said, “Pipe Masters.”
What can be inferred?

• Hudson is an auto mechanic.
• Hudson enjoys his job.
• Hudson works as a plumber.
• Hudson is a car salesman.

 Nicole came out of the elevator in her apartment building. She ran to the curb and held up her arm to hail a taxi. When she hopped in, she said, “Please take me to 345 45th Street.”
It can be inferred that...

• Nicole's car is broken. 
• Nicole is going on vacation.
• Nicole is going shopping.
• Nicole lives in a big city.

 Everett held his father's hand as he crossed the busy parking lot. They walked into a grocery store. Everett's dad lifted him into the seat of the shopping cart. “Here,” said dad, “You can hold my shopping list.”
You can infer that...

• Everett had never been to a grocery store.
• Everett's dad does not shop often.
• Everett's dad needs help with the shopping.
• Everett is very young.

Many breeds of dogs are used for work. In many cultures dogs are used to herd sheep. The dogs keep the flock from being attacked by animals such as wolves. They also keep sheep from wandering off. Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and gentleness. Based on your reading of the text, you can INFER that:

• Sheepdogs are not very smart dogs.

• Sheepdogs are gentle and loyal.

• There are many breeds of dogs.

• Wolves are afraid of sheepdogs.

Every four years, February has an extra day.  When this happens, it is called Leap Year.  But even with the extra day, February is still the shortest month of the year.  Some months, like June and November, have 30 days.  Other months like March and August, have 31 days. 
It is likely that:

• February has longer days
• February has less than 30 days
• February has more than 31 days
• February is special day

Amy opened the door to the bathroom. “What is that dripping sound? Why is the carpet wet and squishy all around the bathtub? The rest of the carpet is dry. Oh no!”
What is the problem?

• The TV is broken.
• The bathtub is overflowing.
• There is no soap in the bathroom.
• The stove was left turned on.

Macey's mom noticed that she was squinting as she read her book, which was only a few inches away from her face. She scheduled a doctor's appointment for the next week, and when the doctor said Macey needed glasses, she tried on every single pair in the office. After spending an hour looking at glasses, mom suggested that perhaps she should sleep on it and come back and decide in the morning. Macey agreed, but she kept talking about the pros and cons of each pair all night long. 
What can you infer about Macey?

• Macey is mad at her mother.
• Macey does not want glasses.
• Macey is very excited about getting glasses.
• Macey has trouble making decisions.

As the teacher lectured the class about how important it was to pay attention, Brian found himself staring out the window again. Suddenly, a little boy came up to the window and peeked in. The boy blew a bubble with his gum and it exploded all over his face and the window. Brian began laughing so hard he fell out of his seat. The rest of the class silently stared at him as the teacher walked to his desk.
What can you infer about how the teacher will react?

• She will ignore him and pretend she doesn't see.
• She will laugh at him because he's on the ground.
• She will help him up and give him a piece of gum.
• She will scold Brian for not paying attention in class.