Inferences at Work

Is it logical to infer that many people have walked on the sand?

• Yes

• No

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

Before the 1800's people didn't have right or left shoes. They had shoes of just one shape that they used for both feet. When people first saw right and left shoes, they laughed. They called them "crooked shoes." "What a silly idea," they said. You can infer that shoes before 1800:

• were pretty

• didn't look alike

• didn't fit very well

Nicole came out of the elevator in her apartment building. She ran to the curb and held up her arm to hail a taxi. When she hopped in, she said, “Please take me to 34545th Street.”
You can infer that...

• Nicole's car is broken.

• Nicole is going on vacation.

• Nicole is going shopping.

• Nicole lives in a large city.

A character in a book is described as having a furrowed brow and clenched fists. What can you infer about this character's emotions?

• The character is relaxed.

• The character is excited.

• The character is angry or frustrated.

• The character is happy.

 “Larry, as your boss, I must say it’s been very interesting working with you,” Miss Valdez said. “However, it seems that our company’s needs and your performance style are not well matched. Therefore, it makes me very sad to have to ask you to resign your position effective today.”
What was Miss Valdez telling Larry?   

• She would feel really bad if he decided to quit.

• He was being fired.

• He was getting a raise in pay.

• She really enjoyed having him in the office.

Karen glared at Steve and walked out of the room, slamming the door.

• Karen was glad to see Steve.

• Steve had made Karen mad.

• Karen thought Steve was funny.

• Karen was sad about having to leave Steve.

To make an inference, we use evidence from the text, and our prior knowledge. 

• True

• False

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.

The Zombie is missing his family and wants to go home.

• The reader cannot make an inference based on this information.

• A better inference would be that the zombie is tired and needs to sit in the shade so he won't get a sunburn.

• One inference could be that he forgot his wallet at home and he is upset with himself. Now he can't stop at Sonic.