Making Inferences Practice

As Martin walked down the street, he noticed that most people were carrying close umbrellas.  Although he had not seen a weather report, what could Martin infer?

• that it was going to rain later that day
• that there was a sale on umbrellas at a local store
• that he was late for work 

When he got home, Pete took off his muddy boots and left them on the front steps; he would clean them off later. He went directly into the bathroom and took off his dirty overalls, changing into clean jeans and a shirt.  He'd spent a long day in the fields. What is mostly likely Peter's job?

• a lawyer
• a bus driver
• a farmer
• a construction worker

Max stepped up to the plate. He held the bat up and stared intently at the pitcher as he watched several balls fly by. Then, he walked back to the dugout and sat down. What can you infer from this passage?

• Max struck out
• Max hit a homeroom.
• Max walked to first base.
• Max has quit the team. 

Over a loudspeaker, a voice announces that Flight 240 for Los Angeles is now boarding. You see dozens of people pulling wheeled suitcases up and down a wide hallway. At one end of the hall is an area with several uniformed men and women talking to each person who passes through a gate. You can infer that you are in:

• an airport
• a college campus
• a hospital
• a football stadium

Mary rushed through the door and called out, "I'm here! I'm sorry! I'm here!" Her mother appeared in the doorway to the kitchen, looked at her watch, and glared at Mary. "Well hurry up, then," she said. "Don't make us wait any longer than you already have." The reader can infer which of the following?

• It is Mary's mother's birthday
• Mary is late for dinner
• Mary's mother was worried that she had been hurt. 

Every morning, Mr. Anthony gets up early and puts on his uniform.  He makes sure his badge is on straight. He walks out to his driveway where his car, with the large lights on its roof, is waiting. He gets into his car and drives to the station. From this passage you can infer that Mr. Anthony is:

• a teacher
• a bus driver
• a fireman
• a police officer 

Margie climbed the two steps and walked onto the narrow board. She looked down into the pool. It seemed so far away now that she was on the board. She saw her parents and brother watching her. She gently bounced on her feet a couple of times and put her hands over her head. What can you infer will happen next?

• Margie will begin to cry
• Margie will dive into the pool
• Margie will head down the ski slope
• Margie will climb back down. 

A mother is pushing a cart through the grocery store. A little girl, around 3, is sitting in the cart. The girl reaches for a brightly colored box, and the mother gently takes it away from her. The girl begins to cry. What can you infer about this situation?

• The little girl is frustrated and wanted to keep the box
• The mother accidentally hurt the girl when she took away the box. 
• The box was laundry detergent.
• The box was crayons

A little boy is sitting with his mother in the doctor's office, listlessly leaning against her. When she gives him a cup to sip some water, he slowly pushes it away. After a while, he begins to whimper and puts a hand to his neck. What can you infer is wrong with the little boy?

• The boy is tired.
• The boy has hurt his hand
• The boy does not like water.
• The boy has a sore throat. 

A shrill bell echoes in the empty hallway and suddenly, the halls are filled with chattering children-all rushing in one direction or another. After a few minutes children enter doorways along the hallway and the hall is quite again. From this description you can infer that:

• You are in a train station
• You are in a subway car
• You are in a hotel 
• You are in a school