Inference Questions
📖 Learn
Have you ever figured out something even though no one told you directly? Maybe you noticed your friend looked sad and guessed they had a bad day, or you realized it was going to rain because the sky turned dark. That's called making an inference!
🔍 What Is an Inference?
An inference is a conclusion you reach based on clues and evidence, even when the information isn't stated directly. It's like being a detective who pieces together clues to solve a mystery!
Making an inference = What the text says + What you already know
Stated Facts vs. Inferences
Understanding the difference between what's directly stated and what's implied is key to answering inference questions.
Stated Facts
Information written directly in the text
Example text: "Maya grabbed her umbrella before leaving."
Stated fact: Maya took an umbrella.
Inferences
Conclusions you draw from clues in the text
Same text: "Maya grabbed her umbrella before leaving."
Inference: Maya expects it might rain.
✨ How Authors Give Hints
Authors don't always tell you everything directly. They give hints through:
- Word choice: Describing someone as "stomping" instead of "walking" tells you they're upset
- Details: Mentioning someone's messy hair and wrinkled clothes suggests they woke up late
- Context: Describing a character checking their watch repeatedly suggests they're waiting for something
- Dialogue: What characters say (and don't say) reveals their feelings and thoughts
Common Inference Question Stems
On tests like the SAT and ACT, inference questions often use these phrases:
- It can be inferred from the passage that...
- The author suggests that...
- Based on the passage, the reader can conclude that...
- The passage implies that...
- Which statement is best supported by the passage?
- The author most likely believes that...
🔑 The CLUE Method
Use this strategy to crack any inference question!
Carefully read the question
Understand exactly what you're being asked. Look for words like "infer," "suggest," or "imply."
Locate relevant text
Find the part of the passage that relates to the question. Reread it carefully.
Use evidence + your reasoning
Combine what the text says with logical thinking. Ask: "What clues point to this answer?"
Eliminate answers without support
Cross out choices that go too far, twist the meaning, or aren't backed by the text.
💡 Key Tip
The right answer to an inference question is always supported by evidence in the text. If you can't point to specific words or details that support your answer, it's probably wrong!
💡 Examples
Let's work through two examples step by step, using the CLUE method.
Example 1: The Science Fair
Emma had spent three weeks building her volcano model for the science fair. She mixed the baking soda and vinegar carefully, watching as red foam erupted perfectly from the top. The judges gathered around her table, scribbling notes on their clipboards. When her science teacher, Mr. Rodriguez, walked by, he gave her a thumbs up and a wide smile.
Question: Based on the passage, it can be inferred that Emma's science fair project was...
📋 Answer Choices
Not supported - the passage doesn't mention other projects
Supported by evidence: foam "erupted perfectly," judges took notes, teacher smiled
Goes too far - we don't know the results yet
Contradicts the text - the eruption went "perfectly"
🧠 Reasoning Process
Example 2: The New Student
Marcus sat alone at the corner table in the cafeteria, pushing his food around with a fork but not eating. Every few seconds, he glanced up at the groups of laughing students around him, then quickly looked back down at his tray. When another student accidentally bumped into his table while walking past, Marcus jumped slightly and gripped the edge of his seat.
Question: The author suggests that Marcus is feeling...
📋 Answer Choices
Not supported - nothing suggests anger, just nervousness
No evidence of tiredness in the passage
Contradicts the clues - his behavior shows discomfort, not excitement
Supported by: sitting alone, not eating, glancing at others, jumping when bumped
🧠 Reasoning Process
⚠️ Watch Out For These Traps!
- Answers that go too far: "Emma will definitely win" goes beyond what's supported
- Answers that twist the meaning: Misreading nervousness as anger
- Answers based on assumptions: Making up information not in the text
- Answers that are too general: "Marcus has feelings" is true but doesn't answer the specific question
✏️ Practice
Now it's your turn! Read each passage carefully and select the best inference. Remember to use the CLUE method and look for evidence.
🎯 Inference Practice
Read the Passage:
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✅ Check Your Understanding
Put on your detective hat! In this game, you'll find the hidden meanings in short passages. Can you solve all 6 cases?
🔍 Inference Detective
Find the hidden meaning in each case!
Congratulations, Detective!
You solved X out of 6 cases!
🚀 Next Steps
Inference
Reading between the lines
Evidence
Always support your answer
CLUE Method
Your strategy for success
Avoid Traps
Don't go too far
💡 Practice Tips for Inference Questions
- When reading books or stories, pause and ask yourself: "What is the author suggesting here?"
- Practice finding evidence - can you point to the exact words that support your inference?
- Watch movies and TV shows and try to predict what will happen based on character behavior
- Remember: Good inferences are like educated guesses - they need clues to back them up!
You've Completed This Unit!
Great work finishing the Reading Question Types unit! You've learned about:
- Main Idea Questions - Finding the central point
- Inference Questions - Reading between the lines (this lesson)
Continue building your test-taking skills with the other SAT/ACT Skills units!