Inference

When making an inference, the most important thing is...

• What you know about the topic

• The topic of the text

• The characters in the text

• Being able to prove your inference using evidence from the text.

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 shopping.

• Everett is very young

With Inference, your answer choices will usually be_____ stated in the text.

• Directly

• Commonly

• Indirectly

• Obviously

Read each sentence; then select the one answer choice that is a logical inference based upon that sentence.

Blood cholesterol used to be thought of as a problem only for adults.

• Blood cholestrerol is no longer a problem for adults.

• Only children have a problem with blood cholesterol.

• Blood cholesterol affects both adults and children

"Troy stuttered, blushed and shook as he addressed the crowd."
What can you infer about Troy from this statement? 

• Troy enjoys public speaking

• Troy is nervous

• Troy is an actor

• Troy has food poisoning

Which sentence suggests that Joanna rode her bike to school?

• Joannaʼs hair was a little messy when she got to school.

• Joanna crossed three streets on her way to school.

• Joanna went four blocks on her way to school.

• Joanna had to put her helmet inside the classroom closet.

Which sentence supports that Jack is feeling sleepy?

• Jack went to bed late because he was at a birthday party.

• Jackʼs eyes were droopy and his eyelids felt really heavy.

• Jack put his head down on the desk.

• Jack was not paying attention to the lesson.

When reading a text, what is the best way to make an inference?

• A) Guess based on the title

• B) Use clues from the text and your own knowledge

• C) Ask someone else for the answer

• D) Ignore the text and use your imagination

Which of the following sentences allows you to infer that the character is wealthy?

• A) She wore a simple dress and old shoes.

• B) He drove a brand new sports car.

• C) They lived in a small apartment.

• D) She borrowed books from the library.

What can you infer from the sentence: 'The leaves rustled as the wind whispered through the trees'?

• A) It is a calm and quiet day.

• B) There is a storm approaching.

• C) The trees are being cut down.

• D) The forest is on fire.