How it works
What is an Inference?
An inference is a smart guess you make by using clues from the story and what you already know.
- The text does not always tell you everything. Sometimes you have to figure things out on your own!
- Look for clues in the story (what the characters do, say, or see).
- Use your own knowledge about the world.
How to Make an Inference
- Read the passage carefully. Pay attention to what is happening.
- Look for clues. What details does the author give?
- Think about what you know. Have you seen or done something similar?
- Put it together. Make your smart guess (inference).
- Explain your answer. Use words from the story (text evidence) to show why you think that.
Key Words to Look For
- "I can tell... because..."
- "This shows..."
- "The passage says... so I think..."
Worked example
Liam saw his friend shivering and rubbing his arms. He offered his friend his jacket. What can you infer about why Liam offered his jacket? Use evidence from the passage to explain your answer.
- 1
Find clues in the text.
Liam's friend is shivering and rubbing his arms. That means he is probably cold.
- 2
Think about what you know.
People shiver and rub their arms when they are cold. People offer jackets to help someone who is cold.
- 3
Make your inference.
Liam offered his jacket because his friend was cold.
- 4
Explain your answer using text evidence.
I know this because the passage says his friend was shivering and rubbing his arms, which are things people do when they are cold.
Answer
Liam offered his jacket because his friend was cold. The passage says his friend was shivering and rubbing his arms, which shows he was cold.
Common mistakes
- 01
Giving an answer without using evidence from the passage.
Why: Students forget to explain why they made their inference.
Avoid it: Always write what clues helped you make your guess.
- 02
Repeating the passage instead of making a new inference.
Why: Students may not understand that they need to go beyond what is directly said.
Avoid it: Remember, an inference is a smart guess, not just restating the story.
- 03
Using only personal experience and not the text.
Why: Students may guess based only on their own life and forget to look back at the story.
Avoid it: Always find words or actions in the passage to support your answer.
Practice
Answers stay hidden
1.Samantha put on her boots and raincoat before going outside. What can you infer about the weather? Use evidence from the passage to explain your answer.
Show hint
Why do people wear boots and raincoats?
Reveal answer
It is probably rainy or wet outside. The passage says Samantha put on her boots and raincoat, which people do when it is raining.
2.Ben turned off the lights and closed his eyes. What can you infer Ben is about to do? Use evidence from the passage to explain your answer.
Show hint
What do people do when they turn off lights and close their eyes?
Reveal answer
He is probably going to sleep. The passage says he turned off the lights and closed his eyes, which people do before sleeping.
3.Tina put on her helmet and got on her bike. What can you infer Tina is going to do? Use evidence from the passage to explain your answer.
Show hint
Why do people wear a helmet and get on a bike?
Reveal answer
She is going to ride her bike. The passage says she put on her helmet and got on her bike, which people do before riding a bike.