1. Inferences and Conclusions

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3. Inference and Conclusion
What is an inference?
Inferences are evidence-based guesses
They are the conclusions a person draws about the unsaid based on what they see or hear or read.
They are based upon experience.

4. Look Around
Looking around the room today what can we infer? What is your conclusion?

5. Inference - Conclusion
Inference: an idea that is suggested by the facts or details in a passage
Conclusion: a decision about what may happen or about the result an event may have

6. How to make an inference or draw a conclusion
 Observe all the facts, arguments, and information given by the author
 Consider what you already know from your own experiences
The woman waited nervously in line. When the counter was empty, she carefully unloaded her items from her cart. Lines creased her forehead as if to show the calculations ringing up in her head. Finally, the cashier began ringing up the items as the woman clutched her purse.
Inference/conclusion?
The woman may not have enough money to cover the
cost of her groceries.

7. How to make an inference or draw a conclusion 2
Think about the facts of the passage and what may result from them
 Think about causes and effects
The writer may only provide a list of effects, so you have to figure out the cause.
The child stood on the sidewalk clenching her ice cream cone. Beads of sweat collected on her little nose as she furiously licked at the ice cream dripping down her hand.
Inference/conclusion: ?
It must me a hot day because her ice cream is melting, and she is sweating

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9. Example #1
Bill and Jessica were almost done taking turns choosing players for their teams. It was
Jessica’s turn to choose, and only Kurt was left. Jessica said, “Kurt.”
3. We can infer that
a. Kurt is not a very good player.
b. Jessica was pleased to have Kurt on her team.
c. Kurt was the best player on either team.
d. Jessica was inconsiderate of Kurt’s feelings.

10. Example 2
Turner almost wished that he hadn’t listened to the radio. He went to the closet and grabbed his
umbrella. He would feel silly carrying it to the bus stop on such a sunny morning.
1. Which probably happened?
a. Turner realized that he had an unnatural fear of falling radio parts.
b. Turner had promised himself to do something silly that morning.
c. Turner had heard a weather forecast that predicted rain.
d. Turner planned to trade his umbrella for a bus ride.

11. Example 3
“Larry, as your boss, I must say that it’s been very interesting working with you,” Miss Valdez
said. “However, it seems that our company’s needs and your performance style are not well
matched. Therefore, it makes me very sad to have to ask you to resign your position effective
today.”
2. What was Miss Valdez telling Larry?
a. She would feel really bad if he decided to quit.
b. He was being fired.
c. He was getting a raise in pay.
d. She really enjoyed having him in the office

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14. Example #1
Your mom tells you to put on your rain coat before leaving the house what can you infer?
That it is raining outside

15. Example #2
Read this sentence: He is known as the president with the beard and the black top hat who led us through the civil war
Who can we infer the sentence is referring to?
Abe Lincoln

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18. Sample #4
Doctors recommend that everyone exercise every day, particularly those who spend many hours doing sedentary activities like reading or playing video games. We can infer that when people are doing sedentary activities, they must be                .learning
relaxing
talking
Sitting

19. Sample #5
Justin grabbed the leash and quickly put it around Tooli's neck. He stormed out the door with Tooli coming right behind.  He said, "Hurry up, Tooli. You're always so slow." Justin kept his head down and walked quickly down the road, not speaking to anyone that he saw.  What was true about Justin?He was very worried that someone might see him.
He was angry that he had to walk the dog.
He was feeling sick and wanted to lie down.
He was very excited and wanted to hurry.
He was Angry

20. Sample #3
Jacob and Tristan go with their mother every Saturday morning. They love going and enjoy the fresh food smells. Jacob always gets a little tired. It is a long morning of walking. Tristan is always very excited to go look at all the new interesting things they sell. Their mother always buys her fruits and vegetables there. Every Saturday they go to the               to get fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, and sometimes they get to sample some really good baked goodies.
grocery store
Market
Circus
market

21. Example #1
Your mom tells you to put on your rain coat before leaving the house what can you infer?
That it is raining outside

22. NOTE: Making an inference and drawing a conclusion are very similar skills. Each requires the reader to fill in blanks left out by the author.
An author may not include information for several reasons: they may think you already know it, it may not seem important to them, or they may want you to find the result.

23. Inferences in Writing What is an inference?
An inference is a conclusion a reader draws about the unsaid based on what is actually said, or viewed.
An inference is much like drawing a conclusion or making a generalization

24. Tips for Drawing Inferences
1. Make sure your inferences are mainly on the author’s words rather then your own feelings or experience.
Your goal is to read the authors mind, not invent your own message
2. Check to see if your inference is proven wrong by any statements in the paragraph. If it is it is not a useful reference.

25. More Tips
3. If the passage is a difficult one, check to see if you can actually identify the statements that led you to your conclusion This will help you test your understanding of the text. It will also help you remember what you have read.