Inference Authors don’t always tell you everything!

Inference Sometimes readers must use : CLUES EXPERIENCE To make guesses as they read. This is called making an inference.

Inference In the story Mandi’s family throws a surprise birthday party for her. Mandi thought everyone had forgotten her birthday. This morning at the breakfast table, no one had even wished her a “Happy Birthday!” No one mentioned it all day long – not even her mother, and Mom never forgot anything. She had noticed her sisters whispering at lunch. She thought that was kind of rude! Her mom sent her to the store for a loaf of bread in the middle of the afternoon. Mandi didn’t know why she had to go. Why couldn’t her sister Sarah go? Sarah was older. And since when was bread such an emergency? She grumbled to herself all the way to the store and back. It was bad enough everyone had forgotten her birthday, she also had to run everyone’s errands! As she dragged herself into the kitchen, she was startled to hear, “SURPRISE!” They hadn’t forgotten after all.

Compare your answers! Mom never forgot anything. She noticed her sisters whispering at lunch. Her mom sent her to the store for a loaf of bread in the middle of the afternoon.

Inference to look for clues to make an inference when the author doesn’t tell you everything. REMEMBER

What is an inference? You make an inference when you use clues from the story to figure out something that the author doesn’t tell you. When you make an inference, be able to identify the clues that you used.

Inferences Mr. Craig was at the park with his family. He was the family cook and stood at the grill cooking the hot dogs while everyone else swam in the pool. The little boy had been standing by the tree for a few minutes before Mr. Craig really noticed him. “Do you need any help?” the boy asked. “No, I think I’ve got it under control!” Mr. Craig chuckled. Then he noticed the boy’s dirty t-shirt and ragged pants. “I might need dome help eating all of these hot dogs though,” Mr. Craig said. “I think I may have cooked too many. Would you like one?” “Okay,” the boy said. “I wouldn’t want you to have too many.” Go to the next page and answer some questions.

Answer the questions! 1. Why had the boy asked to help Mr. Craig? 2. Why had Mr. Craig said he cooked too many? 3. What kind of person was Mr. Craig? 4. How do you know? Now check your answers.

Check your answers! 1. He was hungry. 2. He thought the boy looked hungry. 3. Mr. Craig was a kind person. 4. He gave hot dogs to a boy he didn’t know because he thought he was hungry.