Inferring (also known as Reflecting)

What is Inferring? Inferring requires you to really think about what you have read. You must go beyond the printed words and “read between the lines.”

Steps to a Well Organized Inference Make your point: I think the author is trying to teach us…. Ex. I think the author is trying to teach us that unexpected things can happen in life. 2. Back up your point: Ex. In the text on page #74, the main character Suzy slipped while hiking and fell into a large canyon. She is trying to find a way out but there doesn’t appear to be one. Wrap up your point: This point clearly shows that the author is trying to teach us, through the experience of ___________, that…. Ex. This point clearly shows that the author is trying to teach us, through the experience of Suzy, that unexpected things can happen and that we should always try and be prepared for the unknown things in life.

Let’s Make an Inference! Winter’s Gift By Jane Monroe Donovan

1. Make your point. Mr. Ego’s Inference 2. Back up your point. I think the author is trying to teach us that the human heart can recover and go on when faced with tragedy. In the text on page #20, the old man helps a lost mare who got lost in a blizzard, find food, shelter and safety in his barn. Unexpectedly, the mare gave birth to a foal with a perfect white star. This special gift warmed the old man’s heart, and for the first time since the passing of his wife, he had hope for tomorrow and the future. This point clearly shows that the author is trying to teach us, through the experience of the old man, that the human heart can in fact recover and move on from tragedies in life. 3. Wrap up your point.

Your Turn! Make at least one inference for: The Mystery of Eatum Hall By John Kelly and Cathy Tincknell