Making Inferences from Context Clues

Do writers always tell their readers exactly what they mean all the time, or do they allow their readers to draw conclusions and discover at least some of the meaning on their own?

• No:

  They allow their readers to draw conclusions and discover at least some of the meaning on their own.

• Yes:

  
  They tell their readers exactly what they mean all the time.

Lexi's heart was racing, and the palms of her hands were sweaty. She couldn’t stop tapping her foot. The teacher began passing the tests and Lexi put her office space up. How can you infer how Lexi is feeling?

• Happy

• Nervous

• Confident

• Mad

How many clues/evidence do you need to find to make a strong inference?

• 0

• 5

• 3

• 1

You see snowflakes coming down outside and smell hot cocoa on the stove. You see red and green decorations all around the house. What time of year can you infer that it is?

• Christmas

• Easter

• 4th of July

• St. Patrick's Day

Your cat runs up to you the minute you step through the door. She meows, rubs your legs, runs into the kitchen, and stares at the cupboard where you normally store the cat food. Make an inference about the cat's behavior.

• The cat is hungry and wants food.

• The cat is hurt.

• The cat wants to go outside.

• The cat is sleepy.

Jake put on his winter coat, scarf, and gloves. He smiled as he opened the door to see the snowflakes falling softly to the ground. Why was Jake smiling?

• He is excited about the snow.

• He wants it to be summer.

• He wants to stay inside.

Lily ran into the kitchen and saw a big cake with candles glowing on the table. Her family sang, 'Happy Birthday!'" How do you think Lily feels when she sees the cake?

• She is sad that there is cake.

• She is scared of the candles.

• She is happy because it is her birthday.

What is an inference?

What 2 steps do you have to use to make an inference?

How did we know Nadia let the penguins out?

• Jake's alibi was true.

• She wants to be the main zoo keeper.

• She lied about being at the otter lecture.

• All of the above.