Context Clues and Inferences

Some areas on earth receive steady rain, but deserts are arid, or dry. What does arid mean?

• dry
• empty
• wet
• sandy

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research.  He even invented a cure for cancer.
What does “esteemed” mean?

• held over boiling water
• very old
• unable to chew gum
• greatly admired

Yoshi was in her room doing homework. Her mom called her to come downstairs and help. As Yoshi entered the kitchen, her mom handed her a pile of plates. Yoshi 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

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.

Kay threw her bike down wherever she stopped. More than once she had left her bicycle in the driveway. Several times her dad had pointed out what could happen when she did this. One morning as her dad was leaving for work, Kay heard a crashing sound outside.
Based on your reading of the text, you can INFER that:

• Kay rode her bike often.
• Kay learned a lesson from her mistake.
• Kay's dad ran over her bike.
• Her bike was stolen from the garage.

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. Based on your reading of the text, you can INFER that:

• Sheepdogs are not very smart dogs.
• Sheepdogs are dependable.
• There are many breeds of dogs.
• Sheepdogs are cowardly.

Joseph and Caitlin were choosing the players for their teams. It was Caitlin's turn to choose, and only Jason was left. Caitlin rolled her eyes, sighed loudly, and said, "Jason."
We can infer that…

• Jason was the best player.
• Caitlin wanted Jason on her team.
• Jason was not a very good player.
• Caitlin had a hard time choosing a team member.

Eight people are carrying a large inflatable down the bank of a river. The water in the river is moving very fast. Each person buckles up their life preserver and puts on a helmet. They climb into the raft and paddle to catch the rapid current.  
What do you think the eight people are doing?

• Climbing a mountain
• Going white water rafting
• Going fishing
• Going surfing

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 was very old and useless.
• Alberty had only worked for the company for a little while.
• Losing his job made Albert upset.
• Albert lived in a house with his parents.

Due to their incredible force and unpredictability, floods can cause tremendous damage. They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It can take months to clean up after a flood. Based on what you have read, you can INFER that:

• Cleaning up after a flood can be expensive and take time.
• Floods only occur along the coast.
• Floods are not that dangerous.
• After flood waters dry up then the problem is over.