2. REA 0002 Chapter 8 Inference

3. What is an inference? An inference is something that is implied within the sentence. It is NOT directly stated. After the thunderstorm, you get home to discover that your clocks are all twelve minutes slow. What might you infer?

4. How do we make inferences? We make logical leaps by: Reading the available information. You use your prior knowledge and experience to help you. You consider all the alternatives. The you make an inference or draw a conclusion.

5. Some practice: Two cash registers are open at a department store. Although one line is shorter than the other, customers keep leaving the short line to stand in the long one. What can you infer? In casinos, there are no clocks or windows in areas where gambling is done. What can you infer?

6. More practice… In your group, do practice 2, page 307 – 308 A and B. Authors lead us to make inferences in literature. Take note of what they say, think about your own knowledge, and then draw your conclusion.