Character Inferences

Mr. Hodge could feel a headache beginning. There was a tightness in his chest.

Based on these sentences, how is Mr. Hodge probably feeling?

• frustrated

• embarrassed

When writers do not state the way a character feels, the writer will include details that readers must use to make inferences or form opinions about how a character feels. When you make inferences, you use:

• Dictionaries and Wikipedia to locate answers.

• Your own imagination and ignore the text.

• Clues from the text, background knowledge, and experiences you've had.

• None of the above.

Keller looked out the window. The house looked so lonely. Keller's father put the last suitcase in the trunk and started up the car. Shaggy, his dog, put his head on Keller's lap, like he understood how Keller was feeling. "It's okay Shag," he said, "Dad says we will like California." What can the reader infer is happening?

• Keller is sad because his dog doesn't have a house to live in.

• Keller is taking a trip to visit people he doesn't know.

• Keller is taking Shaggy to live with his grandmother.

• Keller is moving to California with his family.

Elliott and Hayden were choosing the players for their teams. It was Elliott's turn to choose, and only Riley was left. Elliott said, "Riley."

We can infer that…

• Riley was the best player.

• Elliott really wanted Riley on his team.

• Riley was not a very good player.

• Elliott had a hard time choosing a team member.

The boy was outside. The buses are gone and the hallways are empty. What can you infer?

• He was waiting for a taxi.

• He needed to go to Target.

• The boy missed his bus.

• He was late to lunch.

What can you infer by reading the passage below?

• Saige can be a mean girl.

• Saige is relaxed.

• Saige is somewhat nervous.

• Saige is afraid of everything.

Abigail was in her room reading a book. Her mom called her to come downstairs and help. As Abigail entered the kitchen, her mom handed her a pile of plates. Abigail put them on the table and went to get the silverware and glasses.

You can infer that it is...

• Dinnertime

• Bedtime

• Time for School

• Playtime

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 may the reader conclude about Eva's friends?

• They like music.

• They like to exercise by walking places.

• They do what Caydence tells them to do.

• They live far away and drive to the store.

• Fact

• Opinion

• Problem

• Solution

• Inference