Inference Skills

What is an Inference?

• An educated guess based on evidences and our background knowledge.
• What the story is about.
• Comparing and contrast 
• The main idea 

What is evidence?

• What the story is about.
• Supporting details in a text.
• An argument based on feelings.
• The author's point of view.

What is Background Knowledge?

• The main character in the story
• Comparing two different things without using like or as.
• The theme of a passage
• Your previous experiences.

What do you need to make an Inference?

• Evidence from the text and the Main Idea.
• Compare and Contrast.
• Background Knowledge and Evidence from the text.
• Facts that can be proven 

Jenny was at the park swinging on the swings when she heard a "SNAP!" and felt her body move suddenly. What can you infer from this information?

• The swing is going to go faster.
• The swing is going to break and she will fall.
• A friend will join her on the swings.
• The swing has different speeds.

Joseph wanted to buy some candy at the store, but he forgot his money at home. He really wanted the candy because he had been craving it all day. Joseph thinks about how short of a walk it is to the store. What do you think will happen next?

• He hopes that he will find money on the floor.
• He asks the candy seller to give him the candy and promise to bring the money the following day.
• He goes back home to get his money and buys the candy.
• Make a sad face maybe someone buys him candy.

By the time Amy arrived at the meeting. Juan was drinking his third cup of coffee. "I'm so sorry, I forgot to set my alarm last night" she called out when she saw him. What can you infer from this passage?

• Juan is an Astronaut.
• Amy is late.
• Juan hates coffee.
• The meeting is about a new invention.  

As usual, Jim left for school 10 minutes later than he should have. His shoelaces were untied and his backpack was unzipped. He had traveled only one block when he heard his mother shout out his name. He looked back and saw her waving his brown bag lunch. What can you infer from this passage?

•   Jim is disorganized and forgetful.
•  Jim is in the 4th grade.
• Jim takes the bus to school.
• Jim has two sisters.

"You don't know what you are missing," Susan shouted into the phone over the loud music of the party.
"No thanks, I'm too tired," Tim said.
"Well, you'll be sorry you didn't come, its so much fun!" Susan replied.
What can you infer from this passage?

• Susan wants an apology.
• Tim is sorry.
• Susan wants Tim to come to the party.
• Tim does not like Susan 

Ben slammed down the phone. He said to himself, "Why did Steve always have to be right? Why didn't he ever listen?" as he angrily stormed into his bedroom.
What can you infer from this passage?

• Ben and Steve had an argument.
• Ben regrets speaking rudely.
• Steve is always wrong.
• Ben and Steve are going to get pizza.