Making Inferences Finding the evidence

The simple table we will be using today The inference I made The evidence I used

I quickly packed my suitcase I quickly packed my suitcase. I tossed in a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and a hairbrush. Glancing at my watch, I zipped the suitcase and walked to the front door. After I shut the window blinds, I pulled a heavy coat from the wardrobe. What reasonable inferences can I make from this passage of text? Which words/phrases helped me make these inferences? (Where are the clues?)

Every day after work Paul took his muddy boots off on the steps of the front porch. Alice would have a fit if the boots made it so far as the welcome mat. He then took off his dusty overalls and threw them into a plastic garbage bag; Alice left a new garbage bag tied to the porch railing for him every morning. On his way in the house, he dropped the garbage bag off at the washing machine and went straight up the stairs to the shower as he was instructed. He would eat dinner with her after he was “presentable,” as Alice had often said. What can you infer from the text? (What sort of work does Paul do? What is important to Alice? What can you infer about Paul and Alice’s relationship?) Which words/phrases help you to make these inferences? (Where are the clues?)

Your turn – Pairs or groups of three The inference I made The evidence (clues) I used

Anastasia sat by the fountain in the park with her head in her palms Anastasia sat by the fountain in the park with her head in her palms. She was weeping mournfully and wearing all black. In between gasps and sobs, Anastasia cried out a name: “Oh... John…” And then her mobile phone beeped. Her hand ran into her purse and her heart fluttered. The text message was from John. She opened up the message and read the few bare words, “I need to get my jacket back from you.” Anastasia threw her head into her arms and continued sobbing. What reasonable inferences can you make from this passage of text? (What has happened? How is the character feeling? Where is the character?) Which words/phrases helped you to make these inferences? (Where are the clues?)

Kelvin was waiting in front of milk bar at 3:56pm Kelvin was waiting in front of milk bar at 3:56pm. His muscles were tense and he was sweating a bit more than usual. The other kids gathered in front of the little storefront were much more relaxed, even playful. They joked back and forth lightly to each other but for Kelvin, time slowed. 3:57pm. “Don’t worry, Kelvin. He’s not even gonna show up.” Kelvin hoped that he wouldn’t. A black four-door Commodore with tinted windows pulled up and parked across the street. Kelvin gulped. 3:58pm. A group of teenagers piled out of the car. James was in the front. “Hi-ya, Kelvin. Glad you could make it,” James said. Kelvin felt smaller. What inferences can you make? (Why is Kelvin waiting at the shop? Are James and Kelvin friends? How is Kelvin feeling?) How do you know this? What clues have you used?

“Tommy. ” Mum called out as she walked in the front door “Tommy!” Mum called out as she walked in the front door. “Tommy,” she continued shouting, “I could really use some help with these groceries.” There was still no reply. Mum walked into the kitchen to put the grocery bags down on the bench when she noticed shattered glass from the window all over the lounge room floor and a cricket ball not far from there. “I’m going to kill you, Tommy!” Mum yelled to herself as she realized that Tommy’s shoes were gone. What inferences can you make? (What has happened? How is Mum feeling? Why have Tommy’s shoes gone?) How do you know this? (Where is the evidence?)