© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Chapter 7: Inference PowerPoint by JoAnn Yaworski and Mimi Markus Bridging the Gap, 8/e Brenda Smith

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman In this Chapter You Will Learn about:  Inferences  How to determine the author’s implied meaning  Denotation and connotation of words  Figurative language

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman What Is an Inference? An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning. The reader must read between the lines--merge clues from the text to prior knowledge.

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Literal Level Versus Inferential Level Literal Level  Basic  Presents facts  Can point to words on page to answer question Inferential Level  Sophisticated  Reader must form answer from clues within selection  Can’t point to words on the page to answer question

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Connotation of Words  Denotation is the specific meaning of a word  Connotation refers to the feeling or emotionalism surrounding a word (Ex: Skinny communicates a negative feeling) (Ex: Slender or slim communicates a positive feeling)

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Euphemisms A euphemism is a substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague term for one that is considered harsh, blunt, or offensive. TermEuphemisms deathpass to the great beyond, big sleep

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Politically Correct Language Politically correct language uses euphemisms to hide unpleasant ideas in politics or social interaction. Term Politically correct term civilian casualties collateral damage

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Figurative Language Figurative language changes the meaning of commonly used words. Idioms Similes Metaphors Literary analogies Hyperbole Personification Verbal irony

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Idioms Idioms are expressions that do not make literal sense but have taken on a new generally accepted meaning over many years of use. (Ex: His eyes were bigger than his stomach)

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Similes A simile is a comparison of two unlike things using the words like or as. (Ex: The spring flower pushed up its bloom like a lighthouse beckoning on a gloomy night.)

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Metaphors A metaphor is a direct comparison of two unlike things (without using like or as). (Ex: The corporate accountant is a computer from nine to five.)

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Literary Analogies A literary analogy is a comparison of two unlike things that can be a simile or a metaphor. (Ex: Time is like a river.) (simile)

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Hyperbole Hyperbole, sometimes called restatement, is the use of figurative language to enlarge or exaggerate. (Ex: “I could sleep for twenty days and nights and still be tired.”) An understatement minimizes a point. (Ex: “I covered my expenses” after winning $3 million in Las Vegas)

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Personification Personification is the process of attributing human characteristics to non-human things. (Ex: The birds speak from the forest.) (Ex: Time marches on.)

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Verbal Irony  Verbal irony is the use of words to express a meaning that is the opposite of what is literally said  If the intent is to hurt, the irony is called sarcasm (Ex: “What a great looking corporate outfit!” said to someone wearing torn jeans) (Ex: “There is nothing like a sunny day for a picnic.” said during a thunderstorm)

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Figurative Language and Implied Meaning in Poetry In poetry, much of the meaning is implied. To understand a poem:  Read it several times and at least once aloud  Know the meanings of words  Pay attention to sentence structure and line breaks  Visualize what you read  Use each part of the poem to help you understand the other parts

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Inferences from Facts  Author selects facts  No direct connection is stated  The reader must figure out the suggested message

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Example of Inferences  28% Proportion of public libraries in the U.S. that offered Internet access in 1996  95% Proportion of libraries that offer Internet access today  17% Increase in library attendance in the past six years The inference is that library attendance has improved because many more libraries have Internet access. Before libraries buy more computers, however, specific data on daily use should be collected.

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Appropriate or Inappropriate Inferences  Appropriate (valid): An assumption supported by clues within the passage  Inappropriate (invalid): Goes beyond the evidence; may be a meaning never suggested

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Implied Meaning  Inference from actions  Inference from description  Inference from factual material

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Prior Knowledge and Implied Meaning In college reading, prior knowledge is expected and specifics are implied.  Details help you infer time  Details help you infer place

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Tips for Making Inferences  Consider attitude in the choice of words  Unravel actions  Interpret motives  Use suggested meaning and facts to make assumptions  Draw on prior knowledge to make connections  Base conclusions on stated ideas and unstated assumptions

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Drawing Conclusions  Make a logical deduction from both stated and unstated ideas  Use hints as well as the facts  Rely on prior knowledge and experience to interpret motives, actions, & outcomes

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Visit the Longman English Pages  Take a Road Trip to the Great Lakes Region! Visit the Inference module in your Reading Road Trip CD-ROM for multimedia, tutorials, exercises, and tests.