Text Evidence and Inference

To make an inference, we use evidence from the text, and our prior knowledge. 

• True

• False

When reading literature, it is important to cite text evidence to support your analysis of the most important details and events of a story. In addition to citing text evidence to answer comprehension questions, you can also use text evidence to make inferences.

• True

• False

Sometimes we have to “read between the lines.” Authors don’t always tell us everything. We need to use textual evidence and prior knowledge to understand the text better. 

• True

• False

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.

Which sentence provides evidence to support the claim that Leslie is not sorry for hurting his cousin?

• Leslie’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew, also no longer invite other children to their place due to an incident that took place when Leslie was four years old.

• Leslie has no recollection of “the incident,” but he overheard his mom talking about it.

• Leslie's actions resulted in a bump as big as a ping-pong ball on Elsa's head that took nearly one year to subside.

• “Well, serves her right for snatching my remote,” Leslie had whispered to himself as he crept to his room after completing the eavesdropping session.

Which piece of evidence from the text supports the claim that Leslie's response to his father is uncharacteristic?

• Leslie’s mother is concerned when she hears his answer.

• Leslie looks out the window when he gets to his room.

What is text evidence?

• It is the details and evidence that comes from the text that is used to support your analysis.

• It is when the reader breaks down the important ideas from the author.

• When you expand on the author's ideas by adding your own opinions.

• When you give the author credit for their ideas.

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.

In real life, people who can back up an opinion about a text with Textual Evidence are taken more seriously than people who can only give a reason of “just because".

• True

• False

What is an inference?

•  An inference is something that you think is true based on information that you have.

• An inference is directly written in the text