Language Arts: Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions
Using clues from a text to figure out meaning
Language Arts: Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions
Using clues from a text to figure out meaning
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
Janelle stepped into the classroom, looked at the clock, and quietly slipped into her seat without taking off her backpack. Her cheeks were red, and she avoided looking at the teacher. What can you infer about Janelle, and what clues support your inference?
Look for actions that show how a person feels without stating the feeling directly.
You can infer that Janelle is late and feels embarrassed or nervous about it. The clues are that she looked at the clock, slipped quietly into her seat, kept her backpack on, and avoided eye contact with the teacher. - 2
Marcus pushed his tray away after two bites, even though pizza was usually his favorite lunch. He rested his head on his hand and answered his friends with one-word replies. What is the best inference about Marcus?
The best inference is that Marcus is upset, tired, or not feeling well. The evidence is that he did not eat food he normally likes and was unusually quiet with his friends. - 3
The sidewalk was shiny, umbrellas dripped by the door, and the students' jackets were covered with tiny dark spots. What can you conclude about the weather outside?
Combine all the details into one likely explanation.
You can conclude that it is raining or has just rained outside. The shiny sidewalk, dripping umbrellas, and wet jackets all support that conclusion. - 4
Tariq reread the directions twice, underlined key words, and started with the easiest question on the test. What inference can you make about Tariq as a student?
You can infer that Tariq is careful, organized, and uses good test-taking strategies. The text shows that he studies the directions closely and works in a thoughtful way. - 5
A sign on the gate read Closed for Repairs. Inside the park, orange cones surrounded the swing set, and workers carried boards and tools toward the playground. What is the most reasonable conclusion?
Think about why cones and repair tools would be used in a public place.
The most reasonable conclusion is that part or all of the park is being fixed for safety or maintenance. The sign, cones, and workers with tools all show that repairs are happening. - 6
Nina smiled and congratulated Ava after the science fair results were announced, but later she crumpled her own score sheet and stuffed it into her backpack. What can you infer about Nina's feelings?
You can infer that Nina is disappointed with her own results even though she is being kind and supportive to Ava. Crumpling the score sheet suggests frustration or sadness. - 7
Read this sentence: Devin checked the oven timer for the third time and paced near the kitchen, even though dinner would not be ready for another hour. What does this suggest about Devin?
Notice repeated actions and what they reveal about mood.
This suggests that Devin is eager, impatient, or very excited about dinner. Checking the timer repeatedly and pacing show that he is having trouble waiting. - 8
The library lights were dim, several chairs were stacked on tables, and the librarian was turning the sign from Open to Closed. What conclusion can you draw?
You can draw the conclusion that the library is closing for the day. The dim lights, stacked chairs, and changed sign all indicate closing time. - 9
Sofia practiced her presentation in front of the mirror, timed herself with a stopwatch, and placed note cards in order on her desk. What inference can you make about her attitude toward the presentation?
Think about what preparation actions reveal about motivation.
You can infer that Sofia wants to do well and is preparing seriously for her presentation. Practicing, timing herself, and organizing note cards show responsibility and focus. - 10
Ben opened his novel during free reading, but after a minute he stared out the window and turned the same page back and forth without reading. What is the best inference about Ben?
The best inference is that Ben is distracted or preoccupied by something else. Staring out the window and not moving forward in the book show that his attention is elsewhere. - 11
A camper woke up to a silent cabin, saw everyone else's sleeping bags rolled up, and noticed muddy footprints leading toward the lake. What can the camper infer has happened?
Use the physical evidence to figure out where people may have gone.
The camper can infer that the rest of the group has already left the cabin and likely gone outside, possibly toward the lake. The rolled sleeping bags and footprints are the main clues. - 12
Read this short passage: The crowd stood and clapped before the final note had even faded. Maya bowed, grinning, while her music teacher wiped away tears in the front row. What conclusion can you draw about Maya's performance?
You can conclude that Maya's performance was excellent and emotionally moving. The audience's strong applause and the teacher's tears show that the performance had a powerful positive effect.