making inferences

After the snowstorm, the entire neighborhood was covered in a thick layer of white. Trees bowed under the weight, and driveways disappeared beneath the snowdrifts. Michael stood at the window in his pajamas, holding a cup of cocoa. He didn’t even try to put on his school uniform. You can tell that Michael:

• Was getting ready for school

• Knew school was canceled due to the storm

• Had to shovel the driveway soon

• Was planning to go play with his friends

Sasha flipped through the pages of her passport again. Her suitcase was already zipped up, and the car to the airport would arrive in 30 minutes. Still, she looked uncertain. She kept checking the documents in her hand and glancing nervously at the clock. You can tell that Sasha:

• Was excited to meet someone

• Wasn’t sure if she wanted to travel

• Was worried she forgot something important

• Had already missed her flight

The hallway was dark except for the dim green glow of the emergency exit sign. Lisa’s footsteps echoed as she walked slowly toward the door. She glanced over her shoulder a few times, and her hands trembled slightly as she pushed the door open. You can tell that Lisa was:

• Confused about where to go

• Relaxed and confident

• Scared or anxious about something

• Late for an appointment

Every evening at 6:00 p.m., Mr. Thompson places two chairs outside his front door. He always sits in the one on the left and leaves the other empty. He looks at his watch from time to time and then stares down the road. He never says much, just sits and waits. You can tell that Mr. Thompson:

• Is expecting someone to join him

• Doesn’t enjoy sitting outside

• Is waiting for his mail to arrive

• Likes being alone with his thoughts

The team sat silently in the locker room. No one spoke. A few stared at the floor, some leaned their heads against the wall, and one player even had tears in his eyes. Their coach walked in slowly and sat down without saying a word. You can tell that the team:

• Had just won a championship

• Was tired after a long practice

• Had just lost an important game

• Was preparing for their next match

Olivia slowly folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. Her eyes were red, and she sat still for a long time. Finally, she stood up, walked to her desk, and pulled out an old photo album. She flipped through the pages quietly. You can tell that the letter:

• Made her laugh

• Brought back emotional memories

• Was about work

• Contained a wedding invitation

The supermarket shelves were nearly empty. No bread, milk, or canned food remained. A long line of people stood at the checkout with carts full of supplies. Outside, the wind howled, and the sky turned a heavy gray. You can tell that people were:

• Preparing for a big holiday

• Shopping for fun

• Getting ready for a storm or emergency

• Waiting for new items to arrive

Daniel sat at the edge of the diving board, looking down at the pool. The instructor called out encouragement from below, and the other children waited in line behind him. He breathed deeply but didn’t jump. You can tell that Daniel:

• Was very good at diving

• Was too tired to continue

• Was nervous or afraid to dive

• Wanted to leave the class

Grandma placed the old quilt on Lily’s bed and ran her hand gently across it. “This was made by my mother, and her mother before that,” she said softly. Lily smiled and hugged her grandma tightly. You can tell that the quilt:

• Was itchy and uncomfortable

• Had a lot of sentimental value

• Was made in a factory

• Was something Grandma didn’t like

As soon as Mr. Khan stepped into the classroom, the students sat up straight and went silent. He looked around the room for a moment, then walked to the board without a word. Everyone pulled out their notebooks without being asked. You can tell that Mr. Khan:

• Was a substitute teacher

• Was late and confused

• Was a respected or strict teacher

• Was planning a surprise party