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Hi there! Today we are going to become reading detectives and learn how to make an inference.
An inference is a smart guess we make when we read. Authors do not always tell us everything directly. Instead, they leave clues for us to find.
To make an inference, you combine two things. You take the clues from the book and mix them with what you already know from real life.
Let us practice using clues. If a character walks inside wearing a wet raincoat and holding a dripping umbrella, you can infer it is raining outside.
✏️ Worked example
Read this short story: 'Leo ran to the window and looked out. He sighed, put his beach ball back in the closet, and pulled out a board game.' What can you infer about the weather?
- Find the clues in the text: Leo looks outside, sighs, puts away a outdoor toy (beach ball), and gets an indoor toy (board game).
- Think about what you know from real life: People play with beach balls when it is sunny. They play board games inside when they cannot go outdoors.
- Combine the clues and your real-life knowledge: Leo wanted to play outside, but something outside made him change his mind.
- Make your final inference: It is likely raining or stormy outside, which ruined Leo's outdoor plans.
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