Writing Application: Inferences
Learn
Good readers can explain their inferences in writing. When you write about an inference, you need to show your thinking by using evidence from the text.
The TEE Writing Method
- T - Topic sentence: State your inference clearly
- E - Evidence: Give a clue from the text that supports your inference
- E - Explanation: Explain how the evidence supports your inference
Sentence Starters for Writing About Inferences
- "I can infer that... because the text says..."
- "Based on the clue that..., I think..."
- "The author doesn't say it directly, but I can tell that... because..."
- "This makes me think... because..."
Examples
Example Passage:
Maria looked at the clock and grabbed her backpack. She ran out the door without eating breakfast. "I can't believe I slept through my alarm!" she shouted.
Example TEE Response:
Topic: I can infer that Maria is late for school.
Evidence: The text says she looked at the clock, grabbed her backpack, ran out without breakfast, and said she slept through her alarm.
Explanation: These clues show she is rushing because she doesn't have time. People usually rush when they are late for something important like school.
Practice
Passage 1: Jake came home and threw his soccer uniform in the corner. He didn't say hello to anyone. He went straight to his room and closed the door. Later, his mom found him lying on his bed staring at the ceiling.
1. What can you infer about how Jake is feeling?
A) Happy and excited
B) Upset or disappointed
C) Hungry
D) Tired from winning
Answer
B) Upset or disappointed - He threw his uniform, didn't greet anyone, and isolated himself.
2. Which sentence starter best begins a written inference about Jake?
A) "Jake is hungry because..."
B) "I can infer that Jake is upset because..."
C) "Jake won the game because..."
D) "The passage says Jake is sad..."
Answer
B) - This correctly uses inference language and matches the text clues.
Passage 2: Grandma smiled as she looked at the old photo album. She wiped a tear from her eye and said, "Those were wonderful times." She ran her fingers over a picture of a young man in a soldier's uniform.
3. What can you infer about the person in the photo?
A) He is a stranger
B) He is someone Grandma loved who may no longer be alive
C) He is Grandma's neighbor
D) He is at war right now
Answer
B) - She cries, says "those were wonderful times" (past tense), and touches the photo lovingly.
4. Write a TEE response about Grandma's feelings. Which is the best topic sentence?
A) "Grandma is looking at photos."
B) "I can infer that Grandma has happy and sad memories of the person in the photo."
C) "The man is a soldier."
D) "Grandma is crying."
Answer
B) - This is an inference statement, not just a fact from the text.
Passage 3: The puppy's tail wagged so fast it was a blur. It jumped up and down, spinning in circles. It ran to the door and back to its owner three times.
5. What can you infer is about to happen?
A) The puppy is going for a walk
B) The puppy is getting a bath
C) The puppy is going to sleep
D) The puppy is in trouble
Answer
A) - Running to the door, wagging tail, and excitement suggest going outside.
6. What is the best evidence to support the inference that the puppy is excited about going outside?
A) "The puppy has an owner"
B) "The puppy ran to the door and back three times"
C) "The passage is about a puppy"
D) "Puppies are cute"
Answer
B) - This is specific evidence from the text that supports the inference.
7. Complete this explanation: "The puppy running to the door shows it's excited to go outside because..."
A) "puppies like doors"
B) "doors are at the edge of the house"
C) "dogs go through doors to get outside for walks"
D) "the passage says so"
Answer
C) - This explains the connection between the evidence and the inference.
8. Read: "Emma put her head down on her desk. She hadn't studied for the test." What can you infer?
A) Emma is tired
B) Emma is worried about the test
C) Emma likes tests
D) Emma finished the test early
Answer
B) - Not studying + putting head down suggests worry or stress about the test.
9. When writing about inferences, you should NOT:
A) Use evidence from the text
B) Explain your thinking
C) Make up information not in the text
D) Use words like "I can infer"
Answer
C) - Inferences must be supported by text evidence, not made up.
10. Which is the best complete TEE response for: "Alex smiled when he saw the A+ on his paper"?
A) "Alex got a good grade."
B) "I can infer that Alex is proud of his hard work because he smiled at his A+. Getting an A+ takes effort, so his smile shows he feels good about his success."
C) "Alex smiled."
D) "The paper had a grade on it."
Answer
B) - This has all three parts: Topic (inference), Evidence (smiled at A+), and Explanation (effort = pride).
Next Steps
- Practice writing TEE responses about books you read
- Look for clues in texts and write about what they mean
- Continue to the Editing Workshop