Making Inferences
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!

Now that you have learned what inferences are, you are ready to make inferences about a story!

Back

Continue Lesson
img srcs: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/omc/kidsphil/questions/Daysfrog/daysfrog_questions.html
http://fillingmypatchofsky.com/tag/frog-and-toad/