An inference is when we use what we
see and/or know to make a decision about something. Inferences can tell
us about what we see, feel, hear, touch, or even taste. For example,
when we see people smiling, we know they are happy. The clue of the
smile tells us that these people are happy. We make inferences all the
time when we read or think.
Let's practice making inferences based on written clues.
Situation: When you
look out the window, you see:
The clouds are gray
It is very windy
People outside are carrying umbrellas
What is happening outside?
Based on these clues, we can infer
that it is raining outside,
because when it rains, the clouds are gray, it is usually windy, and
people carry umbrellas so they don't get wet.
Now it's your turn! Read the following clues and choose the
correct inference:
Situation: you are
traveling in a new place. You see:
Lots of tall buildings
Many cars in the street
Lots of people walking on the sidewalks
The buildings are very close together
Where are you?
Many times when we read a story, the author will describe something to
us without telling us exactly what it is. The author will want us to
make an inference. Let's
practice making an inference from something we read.
Her hands were cold and she
was
shaking all over. The noise behind the door was getting louder. She
closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands.
Based on this, how do you think the person telling the story was
feeling?
happy scared sleepy
We can infer from the story that the person was scared because of the
way the author told us she felt.
Now you try it. Read the following and infer how the character feels:
John laughed and hugged his
mother. He could not stop smiling. He jumped in the air and yelled,
"Yipee!"
Based on this, how do
you think John feels?
John feels ____________.
sad
scared
happy
For more practice with making inferences, visit this website!
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