The most natural thing to do. Inferring The most natural thing to do.

The AWESOME INFERENCE Most people are pretty good at figuring out mysteries. If you aren’t you might have trouble answering inference questions. http://masseyboggan.tripod.com/id11.html

What’s an inference? Inference means reading all the clues and making your best guess. You will be surprised at how easy inference can be. http://masseyboggan.tripod.com/id11.html

Hidden Messages or Implications Sometimes someone will try to tell you something without coming right out and saying it. S/He will imply it. When you understand what is implied, you infer. Sometimes you can infer the truth even when the speaker or writer isn’t trying to be helpful. That’s called “reading between the lines.” Read the following paragraph then choose the best answer . . . http://masseyboggan.tripod.com/id11.html

Tommy & John were hot and sweaty . . . Tommy and John were hot and sweaty as they sat outside the principal’s office. Dirt smeared both of their faces, and they could hear their teacher’s voice as she gave Mr. Jones her account of what had happened. Tommy sneered at John, and John returned the angry glare. As Miss Brown left Mr. Jones’ office, the boys hung their heads so they wouldn’t have to look her in the eye. http://masseyboggan.tripod.com/id11.html

From this paragraph you can infer that, Tommy and John had disappointed their teacher Tommy and John are sworn enemies The principal, known for being hard on students, would yell at them both http://masseyboggan.tripod.com/id11.html

A is the correct answer How do we know that? Let’s look at the clues:

The Clues We know the boys were mad at each other, because Tommy sneered at John and John returned the angry glare. We can guess that they had been fighting, because dirt smeared both of their faces, and they were sitting outside the principal’s office. The biggest clue is in the last sentence: the boys hung their heads so they wouldn’t have to look her in the eye. They had disappointed their teacher. http://masseyboggan.tripod.com/id11.html

Why are the other two answers wrong? Well, reread the paragraph. It does not say that the boys were best friends, but it doesn’t say they were NOT best friends either. We don’t really know. All we know about the principal is that his name is Mr. Jones. He might be a nice guy, but the paragraph doesn’t give us a clue about what kind of person he is. The only answer we can infer is that the boys felt that they had disappointed their teacher, because they didn’t want to look her in the eye. http://masseyboggan.tripod.com/id11.html Let’s try some more . . . 

In your groups . . . Everyone read the item, and then mark your answer on your own. Then you will talk about it when I tell you to. We will review them all after we are done going through them all.

1. Turner almost wished . . . Turner almost wished that he hadn’t listened to the radio. He went to the closet and grabbed his umbrella. He would feel silly carrying it to the bus stop on such a sunny morning. Which probably happened? Turner realized that he had an unnatural fear of falling radio parts. Turner had promised himself to do something silly that morning. Turner had heard a weather forecast that predicted rain. Turner planned to trade his umbrella for a bus ride. http://rhlschool.com/read6n3.htm

C is the correct answer How do we know that? Let’s talk about it . . .

2. Larry, as your boss. I must say . . . “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. http://rhlschool.com/read6n3.htm

B is the correct answer How do we know that? Let’s look at the clues:

3. No, Honey. I don’t want you . . . No, Honey, I don’t want you to spend a lot of money on my birthday present. Just having you for a husband is the only gift I need. In fact, I’ll just drive my old rusty bucket of bolts down to the mall and buy myself a little present. And if the poor old car doesn't break down, I’ll be back soon. What is the message? I don’t want a gift. Buy me a new car. The mall is fun. I’ll carry a bucket for you. http://rhlschool.com/read6n3.htm

B is the correct answer How do we know that? Let’s talk about it . . .

4. Bill & Jessica Bill and Jessica were almost done taking turns choosing the players for their teams. It was Jessica’s turn to choose, and only Kurt was left. Jessica said, “Kurt.” We can infer that ________ Kurt is not a very good player. Jessica was pleased to have Kurt on her team. Kurt was the best player on either team. Jessica was inconsiderate of Kurt’s feelings. http://rhlschool.com/read6n3.htm

A is the correct answer How do we know that? Let’s look at the clues:

Sources http://masseyboggan.tripod.com/id11.html http://rhlschool.com/read6n3.htm