1. Inference

2. Inferential Thinking
When a reader combines clues from the text with their own background knowledge or from other parts of the text in order to draw conclusions

3. What We Know About Inferences
We need to find clues to get some answers
We need to add those clues to what we already know or have read
There can be more than one correct answer
We need to be able to support inferences with evidence (usually textual evidence)

4. Types of Inferences
Figure out the meaning of unknown words from context clues
Figure out the meaning of characters’ words
Identify characters’ beliefs, personalities, and motivations
Understand characters’ relationships to one another
Provide details about the setting
Provide explanations for events or ideas that are presented in the text

5. Types of Inferences
Offer details for events or their own explanations of the events presented in the text
Understand the author’s view of the world
Recognize author’s biases
Relate what is happening in the text to your own knowledge of the world
Offer conclusions from facts presented in the text

6. Different Strategies For Inferring
Marking Texts with Sticky Notes
Sticky notes help focus your reading on specific goals
Sticky notes are one way to help students keep track of your thinking while reading
Sticky notes allow you to jot down questions or thoughts during reading
You can refer to sticky notes during class discussions, writing assignments, or conferences

7. Different Strategies for Inferring
Graphic Organizer
3 Column Chart
Quote from the text
Page number
My thoughts based on the text and my background knowledge

8. Different Strategies for Inferring
KIS Strategy (Key Words, Infer, Support)
This mnemonic strategy helps students remember the three steps in making and supporting inferences
Underline key words and facts from the text
Make inferences using the key words or facts to answer specific questions
List background knowledge or textual evidence used to support answers