Making Inferences

What is an inference?

Inferences are conclusions that the reader makes based on evidence from the text and his or her own experience. Readers infer because sometimes we have lots of questions that are not answered in the text.

gathering clues and reading between the lines reaching conclusions on the basis of evidence and reasoning deduction, conjecture, speculation, presumption We Make inferences by:

Sometimes people say this when there’s a piece of information they don’t know that’s keeping them from making an inference. In this comic you have to know what a “symptom” is. A symptom is a sign or indicator of something. Calvin is trying to show his mom signs of being sick but tells her so many silly ones that she knows he’s faking it. “I don’t get it”...

Think about the hidden information in this comic that you have to figure out in order to “get it”.... The teacher sends Calvin to the principal when he takes the gum out of his mouth and offers to share it instead of understanding that his teacher is sarcastically reminding Calvin that he shouldn’t be chewing gum. He tries to blame the teacher for the trouble he’s in with the principal.

When you think about that hidden information on your own and understand the comic the author has written, you’re making an inference! It’s like an “author and me” question where you use your own thinking and background knowledge combined with the information the author has written.

Examples of inner voices while making inferences:  I think.... because...  This must mean that...  Based on... I'm guessing that...  I think that happened because...  I would describe this character as... because...

Now try some on your own to practice the skill of making inferences: As you read the comics on the keynote, try explaining why it’s funny. In order to explain, you’ll need to “read between the lines” and tell what information isn’t directly there. This is inferring. Sometimes you may not “get it”. If that happens, you can write your note instead on what you don’t understand. That’s the missing information that’s keeping you from inferring.

1 Making an inference means knowing what a “screen saver” is.

Making an inference means knowing why Jon would need his receipt.

Making an inference means knowing what “draw the line” means in this context.

Making an inference means knowing what the word delusional means.

Making an inference means figuring out whether Jon and Garfield are laughing or crying in the last frame.

Now every time you read a comic you can practice the skill of inference and think about reading between the lines. Make Garfield proud!

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? a. Turner realized that he had an unnatural fear of falling radio parts. b. Turner had promised himself to do something silly that morning. c. Turner had heard a weather forecast that predicted rain. d. Turner planned to trade his umbrella for a bus ride.

“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? a. She would feel really bad if he decided to quit. b. He was being fired. c. He was getting a raise in pay. d. She really enjoyed having him in the office.

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? a. I don’t want a gift. b. Buy me a new car. c. The mall is fun. d. I’ll carry a bucket for you.

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 ________ a. Kurt is not a very good player. b. Jessica was pleased to have Kurt on her team. c. Kurt was the best player on either team. d. Jessica was inconsiderate of Kurt’s feelings.