Inferences Lesson

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

Everyday after work, Paul took his muddy boots off on the steps of the front porch. What can you infer about the job Paul might have?

• A doctor

• A teacher

• A construction worker

• A basketball coach

What logical inference can be made from this sentence: Illegible handwriting does not indicate weakness of character, as even a quick glance at the penmanship of George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, or John Kennedy reveals.

• The author believe Washington, Roosevelt and Kennedy were weak leaders

• Handwriting is an important part of a person

• All presidents have poor handwriting

• Washington, Roosevelt, and Kennedy all had handwriting that was difficult to read.

Braedon sat in the empty classroom and stared at the floor. It was 4:30pm and school had been over for half an hour, but he still had to sit there. He could over hear his teacher talking to the principal in the hallway about what had happened during class. He put his head in his hands and sighed.
What may the reader best infer from the passage?

• The principal and the teacher are making fun of Braedon.

• Braedon is in detention because he had acted out in class.

• The teacher is getting paid extra to oversee detention.

• Braedon is proud of his poor behavior.

In 1620, the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower for the long, perilous journey to America. Many passengers feared for their lives during the powerful thunderstorms. They only had enough food for a few short months. What would happen to them if they were blown off course? It was a time of great concern for everyone on board.

From this paragraph, you can infer that the word perilous means:

• joyful

• simple

• dangerous

• boring

Ryan was looking forward to sleeping over at his friend Robert's house. Though they had been classmates for a while, the two had only recently become good friends. Ryan packed up his sleeping bag, a pillow, and a few of his favorite toys and games, and then his mom dropped him off at Robert's. Robert met Ryan on the porch and the two did their secret handshake and started playing right away. First they played pirates in Robert's tree fort. Next they played ninjas in the driveway. Then it started getting dark and they went inside of Robert's house. As soon as they walked in the house, Ryan's eyes starting getting red and itchy. He saw a big orange cat sitting on the couch. Then he started sneezing uncontrollably. "I'm sorry, Robert. It's been a lot of fun, but I have to call my mom." Which clue lets the reader know Ryan is probably allergic to cats?

• Robert sees a big orange cat sitting on the couch

• Ryan begins to sneeze.

• Ryan's eyes get red and itchy, then he starts sneezing

• Robert is allergic to cats, too.

Turner almost wished that he hadn’t listened to the radio. He went to the closet and grabbed his umbrella. He would feel silly carrying it to the bus stop on such a sunny morning.
Which probably happened?

• Turner realized that he had an unnatural fear of falling radio parts.

• Turner had promised himself to do something silly that morning.
  

• Turner had heard a weather forecast that predicted rain.

• Turner planned to trade his umbrella for a bus ride.

What can you infer about spiders?

• All spiders build webs.

• Spiders that build webs don’t build egg sacs or nursery tents.

• Silk is used by all spiders.

What is an inference?

• A) A direct statement from the text

• B) A conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning

• C) A summary of the text

• D) A prediction about the future

Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the use of inference?

• A) The sky is blue.

• B) She must be at work because her car is not in the driveway.

• C) The book is on the table.

• D) He is wearing a red shirt.