Drawing Inferences

What does Inference mean?

• finding details in a story

• an educated guess

• Giving a reason for your answer

• Using what I know

Every four years, February has an extra day. When this happens, it is called Leap Year. But even with the extra day, February is still the shortest month of the year. Some months, like June and November, have 30 days. Other months like March and August, have 31 days.

It is likely that:

• February has longer days.

• February has less than 30 days.

• February has more than 31 days.

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.

Rosario was enjoying her vacation in the California sun. She was lying on a raft in the ocean. This was perfect, Rosario thought. There was no noise—no children screaming, no horns honking—and there were no papers to grade. All she could hear was the crashing of the waves onto the beach. Rosario sighed and looked around her at the beauty of the ocean. Then she saw something long and gray coming toward her on an approaching wave. She thought, “This could only be one thing!” and started yelling for help. She paddled back to shore as quickly as she could.She made it to the shore in one piece , but she realized that many people were laughing at her.

We can infer that the "thing" was not a...

• bird

• surfer

• swimmer

Albert stormed into his apartment and threw down his lunchbox. He had just lost his job. Albert had worked for the same company for over ten years. But today he was informed that he was no longer needed. Albert didn't know what to do.  
Based on what you have read, you can INFER  that:

• Albert threw down his lunchbox.
• Albert's job lasted over ten years.
• Losing his job made Albert upset.
• Albert lived in a house with his parents.

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.

Eight people are carrying a large inflatable down the bank of a river. The water in the river is moving very fast. Each person buckles up their life preserver and puts on a helmet. They climb into the raft and paddle to catch the rapid current.

What do you think the eight people are doing?

• Climbing a mountain.

• Going white water rafting.

• Going fishing.

• Going surfing.

Angel plays baseball and accidentally breaks a window. How do you think he feels?

• He is scared of getting in trouble.

• He feels happy and excited.

• He can't wait to break another window.

• He wishes he could be a football player.

Which detail tells you that Moby is hungry? 

• His arm feels sore 
• He is worries about his spelling quiz
• He can't wait for his soccer game
• His stomach growls 

Mia stamps her feet and crosses her arms. How do you think she feels? 

• Joyful
• Angry 
• Lonely 
• Tearful