1. Inferences Conclusions Generalizations
Grade 6 Reading to Perform a Task
Indicator 3.2.2
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Baltimore County Public Schools
Office of Instructional Technology: Inferences, Conclusions, and Generalizations
Date Posted: July 2007
Contributed by: Kathleen Cave Modified/Posted by:
Baltimore County Public Schools

2. What is an inference? What we think…
Definition (No peeking until you’ve written your own!)
Practice

3. What is a conclusion? What we think… Definition
Words that may signal a conclusion: therefore, overall, finally, in conclusion.
Add more:
Practice

4. What is a generalization?
What we think…
Definition
Words that may signal a generalization: generally, all, no, most, many, always, never.
Add more:
Practice

5. Draw Your Own Conclusions
Reflect on these questions
In your own words, write a one-sentence definition for each:
Inferences
Conclusions
Generalizations
Do you think this activity was a good way to learn about making inferences, drawing conclusions, and making generalizations?
What specifically made this activity useful or not useful?
For what other purposes could you make and use a presentation like this?

6. So Now You Know! (Follow teacher directions.)
Save this file to the folder on the server called “Inferences.” Make sure your first initial and last name are first in the title. (I.e., ksmith_inferences) Or
Print this file

7. Inference
Combining clues in the text with what you already know to understand what you have read.
“Reading between the lines”
Click here to go back!

8. Conclusion
A decision that is reached after thinking about certain facts or information in the text.

9. Generalization
A broad statement or rule that applies to many different situations or circumstances.

10. Practice Making Inferences
Read about famous African-American, Bessie Coleman. Reflect on this statement, using details from the text to explain whether you agree or disagree. Statement: It was easy to become a pilot.
Read this article about Plate Tectonics. Answer this question: What can you infer about the importance of understanding plate tectonics in saving human and animal lives?
Try the Inferencing Challenge! Type your answers below.

11. Practice Drawing Conclusions
Read about the Great Depression and its affects on children.
(Note: if you accidentally hit the “Contents” button, chose the link that says “How the Depression Affected Children” to return to the reading.)
Answer these questions:
Why would children write to Mrs. Roosevelt for help?
What did the author mean by, “None of the children in this story received personal replies from Eleanor Roosevelt. She gave her support to them in a different way.”
Give at least two reasons why Mrs. Roosevelt didn’t always help those who wrote to her.

12. Practice Making Generalizations
Look at the portraits in this collection from Smithsonian’s Portrait Gallery. After examining them, answer this question: What generalizations can you make about the way people looked/dressed in colonial times?