Inference: An Educated Guess

What is an Inference? Definition: a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. An educated guess. Evidence is simply the facts or information that you gather. Reasoning is how you put that information together in a way that makes sense. Other Words: Imply, Assume, Interpret

We infer all the time Based on the pictures, what happened between January 3rd and January 4th? January 3, 2014 January 4, 2014

Inferring from Text 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. 1. What type of job does Paul work? ____________________________________________________ How do you know this?

Characterization: There are two kinds and they help you infer!

Two Types of Characterization: Direct: Explained through descriptive words. Ex: Larry was tall. Tanya was married. Indirect: Explained through actions and words. Ex: Larry had to duck to get into the dining room. Tanya and Larry plan to renew their vows next summer. You are more likely to see direct characterization in non-fiction and indirect characterization in fiction.

More examples: Direct: Leon is wealthy. Indirect: Leon parked his new BMW in his private parking spot outside the country club. Direct: Ann is very sad. Indirect: Ann tried not to cry in front of her family, but she found that it was difficult to hold it all in.

Now try it on your own. If you have any questions about either the inference sheet or the indirect/direct characterization sheet, raise your hand and I’ll come around to help you.