Making Inferences
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An inference is an educated guess based on clues in the text plus what you already know. Authors don't always tell you everything directly - sometimes you have to "read between the lines."
How to Make an Inference
- Text Clues + Background Knowledge = Inference
- Look for details the author gives you
- Think about what makes sense based on those details
- Your inference must be supported by the text - no wild guesses!
Examples
Example 1: Simple Inference
Text: Maria looked at the dark clouds and grabbed her umbrella before leaving.
Question: What can you infer about the weather?
Clues: Dark clouds + grabbed umbrella
Inference: It is probably going to rain.
Example 2: Character Inference
Text: Jake's hands were shaking as he walked onto the stage. He took a deep breath and tried to remember the first line of his speech.
Question: How is Jake feeling?
Clues: Shaking hands, deep breath, trying to remember
Inference: Jake is nervous about giving his speech.
Practice Quiz
Read each passage and make an inference based on the clues. Click to check your answer.
1. The puppy wagged its tail and jumped up when Sarah walked through the door.
How does the puppy feel about Sarah?
Show Answer
The puppy is happy to see Sarah / loves Sarah. - Clues: wagging tail and jumping up show excitement and happiness.
2. Ben pushed his vegetables around his plate and asked, "May I be excused?"
What can you infer about Ben?
Show Answer
Ben doesn't want to eat his vegetables / doesn't like vegetables. - Clues: pushing food around instead of eating, wanting to leave the table.
3. The store shelves were empty and people were filling their carts with water and batteries.
What might be happening?
Show Answer
People are preparing for a storm or emergency. - Clues: empty shelves, buying water and batteries (emergency supplies).
4. Emma practiced the piano for three hours every day. She dreamed of performing at Carnegie Hall someday.
What can you infer about Emma?
Show Answer
Emma is dedicated/serious about piano and wants to become a professional pianist. - Clues: practicing 3 hours daily, dreaming of famous concert hall.
5. The old house had broken windows and a "For Sale" sign covered in cobwebs.
What can you infer about this house?
Show Answer
The house has been empty/abandoned for a long time. - Clues: broken windows, cobwebs on the sign suggest neglect over time.
6. Mrs. Chen put a gold star on Marcus's paper and displayed it on the bulletin board.
What can you infer about Marcus's work?
Show Answer
Marcus did excellent work on his paper. - Clues: gold star (reward for good work) and displaying it (showing off good work).
7. Dad put on his apron, got out the mixing bowl, and turned on the oven.
What is Dad about to do?
Show Answer
Dad is about to cook or bake something. - Clues: apron, mixing bowl, and oven all relate to cooking/baking.
8. Lily checked her watch for the fifth time and kept looking toward the door.
What can you infer about Lily?
Show Answer
Lily is waiting for someone who might be late. - Clues: repeatedly checking time and looking at door shows she's expecting someone.
9. The crowd jumped to their feet, cheering and waving foam fingers.
Where are these people and what probably just happened?
Show Answer
They are at a sports game and their team probably just scored or won. - Clues: crowd, cheering, foam fingers are associated with sports events.
10. The candles on the cake were lit, and everyone started singing as Grandma walked into the room.
What is happening?
Show Answer
It is Grandma's birthday party. - Clues: cake with candles and singing are birthday traditions.
Check Your Understanding
For each answer, make sure you can identify the text clues that support your inference. Good inferences are always based on evidence!
Next Steps
- Practice looking for clues when you read any text
- Ask yourself: "What does the author want me to figure out?"
- Move on to Lesson 5: Review and Mistakes