Inference and Context Clues

"The grass was wet, and puddles covered the ground. Emily grabbed her umbrella before heading out."

What can you infer about the weather?

• It's sunny and hot.

• It's raining or has recently rained.

• It's snowing.

• It's windy.

"Tom hid the vase behind his back and looked nervous as his mom walked in."

What can you infer about the vase?

• Tom bought it as a gift.

• The vase is broken.

• Tom is proud of the vase.

• The vase belongs to a neighbor.

Answer explanation

Tom's nervousness and hiding the vase suggest he may have damaged it. If he were proud or if it were a gift, he would likely show it openly. Therefore, the most logical inference is that the vase is broken.

"The dog barked loudly and ran to the door, wagging its tail."

What can you infer about why the dog is excited?

• The dog wants to take a nap.

• A stranger is near.

• Someone familiar has arrived.

• The dog is hungry.

Answer explanation

The dog's loud barking and tail wagging suggest excitement, likely due to a stranger being near or someone familiar arriving. These behaviors indicate the dog is responding to a potential visitor.

"Sarah put on her coat, gloves, and scarf before stepping outside."

What can you infer about the weather?

• It's sunny and warm.

• It's cold outside.

• It's raining heavily.

• It's nighttime.

Answer explanation

Sarah's choice to wear a coat, gloves, and scarf suggests that it is cold outside, as these items are typically worn in chilly weather. The other options do not align with the need for such warm clothing.

"As soon as the teacher said 'quiz,' everyone groaned."

What can you infer about how the students feel about quizzes?

• They love taking quizzes.

• They think quizzes are fun.

• They don't like quizzes.

• They were excited about the quiz.

Answer explanation

The groans from the students indicate their displeasure or frustration with quizzes, suggesting they don't like them. This reaction implies a negative attitude towards the idea of taking a quiz.

 "The little boy stared at the toys in the store window with a big smile and wide eyes."

What can you infer about the boy?

• He's bored with the toys.

• He wants the toys.

• He already owns the toys.

• He is scared of the toys.

Answer explanation

The boy's big smile and wide eyes suggest excitement and desire. This indicates that he wants the toys, rather than being bored, scared, or already owning them.

"Mary yawned and struggled to keep her eyes open during the movie."

What can you infer about Mary?

• She's hungry.

• She's bored.

• She's tired.

• She's excited.

Answer explanation

Mary yawning and struggling to keep her eyes open suggests she is feeling tired. This behavior typically indicates fatigue rather than hunger, boredom, or excitement.

"Dad took out the ladder and started hanging colorful lights around the house."

What can you infer about the time of year?

• It's Halloween.

• It's Christmas time.

• It's summer vacation.

• It's someone's birthday.

Answer explanation

The act of hanging colorful lights is commonly associated with Christmas time, as many people decorate their homes with lights during this holiday season. Therefore, it can be inferred that it is Christmas time.

"Lisa’s hands were sticky, and the smell of lemons filled the air."

What can you infer Lisa was doing?

• Washing dishes.

• Cleaning windows with lemon-scented spray.

• Eating lemons.

• Writing a letter.

Answer explanation

Lisa's sticky hands and the lemon scent suggest she was likely cleaning with lemon-scented spray, as it would leave her hands sticky and produce a strong lemon aroma. Eating lemons could also explain the stickiness and smell.

"The fire alarm went off, and everyone ran out of the building."

What can you infer about the situation?

• It's a fire drill or an actual fire.

• It's time to go home.

• The bell rang for lunch.

• It's time for recess.

Answer explanation

The fire alarm indicates an emergency situation, prompting evacuation. This suggests it could be a fire drill or an actual fire, making the first choice the most logical inference.