What is Inference?

Inference is: Inference is not: Using facts, observations, and logic or reasoning to come to an assumption or conclusion. Using information from the text Going beyond the author’s word to understand what is not said in the text. Inference is not: Stating the obvious. Saying what is easily seen. A prediction: An inference asks what conclusions can you draw about what is happening now. A prediction asks what is happening next. `

We Infer by: INFERENCE Information from Background knowledge the text (schema) INFERENCE Using clues from the text Thinking about a character’s actions W Thinking about what we already know We Infer by: Thinking about how a character handles conflict Thinking about our own experiences Thinking about what a character says Thinking about how a character feels

Thinking Stems: Maybe…. Perhaps… It could be that… This could mean… I predict… My guess is…. I infer… REMEMBER: You must cite text evidence when making an inference! Example: Harry’s face was red and he began to yell, balling his hands into fists. Example: I made my sandwich and put it on the counter to answer the phone. When I turned back around, my sandwich was gone. I followed the crumb trail and it led me straight to my dog Lucy’s bed.