Inference Making

When you read between the lines you_____.

• make an educated guess about things that aren't written down

• look for the very small print in between the lines of a book

• stop and think about each line before you read on

• read two things at once

It is snowing. Your friend Justina is coming to sleep over. She texts you that she's on her way but will be late. What is the best inference you could make?

• Justina is doing her homework

• Justina is babysitting her brother

• Traffic is slow due to the weather

• Justina can't come to your house

Your mother is wearing a rain coat. When she comes inside, she puts down an umbrella. The best inference you could make is that_____.

• she is picking your brother up from school

• she needs to go grocery shopping

• it is raining outside

• it is May

Terrence is camping alone. It is dry and windy out. He falls asleep in his sleeping bag near the blazing campfire. What is the best inference you could make?

• there will be a hurricane

• someone will stop by

• an animal will leap into the fire

• the fire may spread

James is standing near the corner when a bus roars by. James yelps and runs after it, waving his arms frantically. The best inference you can make is that James_____.

• is going to on a field trip

• is training to run a race

• wanted to ride the bus

• recognized someone on the bus

A girl tells you her cat's name is Grumpy Gus. You might infer that the cat_____.

• is a kitten

• is often in a bad mood

• is large

• is in your backyard

Ben is auditioning for a part in the school play. He's been fine all day, but right before the audition he says he feels sick. You might infer that Ben_____

• is nervous about the audition

• is happy about the play

• never gets sick

• is allergic to peanuts

When Lucy saw her spelling grade, she kicked her desk and ran out of the classroom.
How is Lucy feeling when she sees her grade?

• Excited

• Sad

• Furious

• Tired

Michael and Seth are on their way to Benson State Park. They like to go to the park on weekends during the winter. They like to skate on the frozen lake. Every day, the park ranger checks the ice on the lake. If it is safe to skate, she puts up a sign that says, TODAY THE ICE IS SAFE. If it is not safe to skate, she puts up a sign that says, TODAY THE ICE IS NOT SAFE. Michael and Seth are at the park. They read the sign for today, and then put on their skates.
The reader can conclude that...

• Today is Saturday.

• Today is a safe day for skating.

• The park ranger likes her job.

• Michael and Seth like cold weather.

Leah's mother ices the cake. She puts eight candles on the cake. After she sets the cake on the table, everyone sings to Leah. The lit candles make her face glow. Leah blows out the candles and smiles.
What can you infer about what day it is?

• Leah did well on a test.

• It is Leah's mom's birthday

• It is Leah's birthday.

• Leah's favorite food is cake.