Making inferences

Many breeds of dogs are used for work. On some farms, dogs are used to herd sheep. The dogs keep the flock from being attacked by animals such as wolves. They also keep sheep from wandering off. Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and good nature. Based on your reading of the text, you can INFER that:

• Sheepdogs herd sheep.

• Sheepdogs are USEFUL to have on a sheep farm.

• There are many breeds of dogs.

• Sheepdogs are afraid of wolves

It was raining outside. Sue got out of bed and got dressed for school. Then, she ate breakfast and grabbed her backpack.  Before Sue left the house, she probably ___________________.

• got her sunglasses
• made a sandwich
• picked up her umbrella
• put on sandals

Macey's mom noticed that she was squinting as she read her book, which was only a few inches away from her face. She scheduled a doctor's appointment for the next week, and when the doctor said Macey needed glasses, she tried on every single pair in the office. After spending an hour looking at glasses, mom suggested that perhaps she should sleep on it and come back and decide in the morning. Macey agreed, but she kept talking about the pros and cons of each pair all night long. 
What can you infer about Macey?

• Macey is mad at her mother.
• Macey does not want glasses.
• Macey is very excited about getting glasses.
• Macey has trouble making decisions.

As the teacher lectured the class about how important it was to pay attention, Brian found himself staring out the window again. Suddenly, a little boy came up to the window and peeked in. The boy blew a bubble with his gum and it exploded all over his face and the window. Brian began laughing so hard he fell out of his seat. The rest of the class silently stared at him as the teacher walked to his desk.
What can you infer about how the teacher will react?

• She will ignore him and pretend she doesn't see.
• She will laugh at him because he's on the ground.
• She will help him up and give him a piece of gum.
• She will scold Brian for not paying attention in class.

Every day after work Paul took his muddy boots off on the steps of the front porch.  Alice would have a fit if the boots made it so far as the welcome mat.  He then took off his dusty overalls and threw them into a plastic garbage bag; Alice left a new garbage bag tied to the porch railing for him every morning.  On his way in the house, he dropped the garbage bag off at the washing machine and went straight up the stairs to the shower as he was instructed.  He would eat dinner with her after he was "presentable," as Alice had often said.  
Use the clues to work out What type of person is ALICE?

• Messy

• a clean freak

• one who enjoys doing laundry

• a good cook

Every day after work Paul took his muddy boots off on the steps of the front porch.  Alice would have a fit if the boots made it so far as the welcome mat.  He then took off his dusty overalls and threw them into a plastic garbage bag; Alice left a new garbage bag tied to the porch railing for him every morning.  On his way in the house, he dropped the garbage bag off at the washing machine and went straight up the stairs to the shower as he was instructed.  He would eat dinner with her after he was "presentable," as Alice had often said.  
Paul most likely works as

• a teacher

• a cab driver

• a construction worker

• a painter

What can you "infer" by reading the passage below?

"I hate the idea of having all those people out there watching me...I just don't like it when I'm around so many people. I wish I just could hide somewhere," whispered Violet.

• Violet can be a mean girl.
• Violet can be somewhat relaxed.
• Violet is probably somewhat shy.
• Violet is afraid of everything.

What does Inference mean?

• finding details in a story
• Use clues and what you already know to come up with an idea
• Giving a reason for your answer
• Using what I know

I love to go into my sister's room. On her shelf she has shiny trophies—gold and silver, tall and short, skinny and wide. All of the trophies have athletes on top swinging golf clubs. My favorite trophy is one that is as tall as my arm is long. "City Champion 2001" it says on its engraved front. It is beautiful and impressive!

What inference can the reader draw based on the information in the passage?

• The sister is a professional golfer

• The person in the passage is the little sister

• The sister is a very good golfer

• Both girls play golf

Read the following passage. What can you infer about the door to Leslie's home?

Leslie does the unexpected. His parents’ jaws nearly drop to the floor when they see their son making his way towards the main entrance of their house. They stare wide-eyed as he walks up to the door. They hold their breath as he puts his hand on the purple doorknob. And they nearly choke with tears when he pushes the door open and puts his right foot out, stepping into the real world. “Our son has finally emerged from his cocoon,” says Mrs. Andrew. Her husband just nods, too surprised to talk. 

• The door is painted an odd shade of purple.

• The door is difficult to open and never used.

• The door is a portal into another world where Leslie is a butterfly.

• The door is never or almost never opened by Leslie.