Practicing Inferences

Inference (noun)  A conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.  When reading, it’s what we guess or assume based on what a character is doing.

Inference (noun)  Example: Based on how Johnny threw out the letter from the President, my inference is that Johnny doesn’t think any one particular bottlecap is more or less special than another.

Infer (verb):  The action of coming up with an inference – After getting a lunch detention from having four tardies, you should infer that it is important to get to class on time.

Let’s do some practice inferences. Use the back side of your “My Main Character” sheet.

#1: Write down what you infer from the following quote:  Johnny receives things like socks, underwear, toothpaste, and dancing lessons for his birthday.  “All I got was junk,” said Johnny. “How come I didn’t get any toys?” -pg 15

#2: Write down what you infer from the following quote:  Johnny is now asked to do many household chores for only a tiny raise in his allowance.  “But when I was ten I didn’t have to do anything,” said Johnny. -pg 18

#3: Write down what you infer from the following quote:  Johnny is told by his parents to no longer call his mother “Mommy.”  Johnny felt tears coming to his eyes. “Christene called you Mommy,” he whined. -Pg 25

#4: Write down what you infer from the following quote:  Johnny is given dancing lessons for his birthday and decides he hates it before going the first time.  “Okay,” said Johnny. “I’ll give it a chance, but I’ll still hate it.” -Pg 27

#5: Write down what you infer from the following quote:  Johnny argues with his parents to let him stay outside until 10pm, but then once he’s outside he quickly gets bored.  He didn’t want to go inside at eight-thirty, after fighting to get to stay out until ten. -Pg 34

Finding your own inferences: Use your own IRU book to complete an example using the following information. Inference – What have you inferred based on something your character did? Evidence (a quote) – What did you read in the book that gave you that inference? Explanation – Explain what’s happening in the book to connect the quote and inference for those who haven’t read it.Example:  Inference – Johnny thinks that toys are useful and practical items are not.  Evidence – “All I got was junk,” said Johnny. “How come I didn’t get any toys?” pg 15  Explanation – Instead of toys for his birthday, Johnny got gifts like toothbrushes, socks, and underwear.