Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers The Master Reader Updated Edition by D. J. Henry Inferences Chapter 11
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Inferences An inference or conclusion is an idea that is suggested by the facts or details in a situation or a passage. A valid inference is a logical conclusion based on evidence. What are the emotions shown in this picture?
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Inferences & Context Clues Nikki is not her usual docile self when she is playing basketball; she has more fouls called on her for unnecessary roughness than any of her teammates. –A. bold –B. meek –C. brave
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Making VALID Inferences and Avoiding Invalid Conclusions Common pitfalls are to rely too much on opinions and bias, and to ignore the facts. An invalid conclusion is a false inference that is not based on the details, or facts in the text or on reasonable thinking.
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Step 1: Verify and Value the Facts What can be inferred from the picture? –The tennis player feels confused. –The tennis player feels triumphant. –The tennis player feels defeated.
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Step 2: Assess Prior Knowledge What you already know and have experienced can help make accurate inferences: “I forgot to make a back-up copy of my brain, so everything I learned last semester was lost.” –Compared to a computer –Compared to a friend –Compared to what he knows
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Step 3: Learn from the Text Rely on the information in the text. Using the master reader strategies can help you learn from the text. For example: –Context clues –Thought patterns –Stated and implied main ideas –Tone and purpose
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Step 4: Investigate for Bias Note biased words and replace them with factual details. For example: –Jack Nicklaus is a talented golfer with a record that includes an astounding number of PGA Tour victories resulting in an outstanding amount of money earned. –Jack Nicklaus is a talented golfer with a record that includes 73 official PGA Tour victories with a total of nearly $6 million in Tour earnings.
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Step 5: Detect Contradictions Hunt for the most reasonable explanation Consider other explanations What are some explanations for: –Poor balance? –Depression? –Fatigue or tiredness?
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Inferences in Creative Expression Creative expression - literary devices “Gene’s skin was pale and hot to the touch; he squeezed his eyes tight against the throbbing in his head, and as he lifted his fingers to press on his temple, his stomach lurched with nausea.”
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Inferences and Visual Aids Pictures, photos, cartoons, and graphs imply ideas in textbooks.
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Chapter Review An inference or conclusion is an idea that is suggested by the facts or details in a passage. Make valid inferences: –Verify and Value the facts –Assess Prior Knowledge –Learn from the Text –Investigate the Bias –Detect Contradictions Use supplied visuals in texts to make valid inferences.
Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Practice Complete the following: Chapter Review Applications Review Tests Mastery Tests ***Remember to complete your scorecard for the Review Tests in this chapter.*** Visit for more practice!