Inferences
What is an inference ?
Using background knowledge + Details from text = to understand what the author does not directly say
What is author's purpose?
The reason why an author wrote the text.
What is theme ?
The message or lesson learned.
Jada looked out the window and grabbed her umbrella before leaving for school. Dark clouds covered the sky, and tree branches swayed in the wind.
What can the reader infer about the weather?
A. It is very hot outside.
B. It will probably rain soon.
C. Snow is covering the ground.
D. The day is calm and sunny.
B. It will probably rain soon.
You should visit the new city park this summer! With walking trails, splash pads, and free concerts every weekend, there is something fun for everyone.
What is the author MOST LIKELY trying to do?
A. Inform readers about history
B. Persuade readers to visit the park
C. Entertain readers with a fantasy story
D. Explain how parks are built
B. Persuade readers to visit the park
Marcus found a wallet on the playground filled with money. Even though he wanted to keep it, he turned it in to the principal.
What theme is BEST supported by the passage?
A. Honesty is important
B. Money solves every problem
C. School rules are unfair
D. Friends should share everything
A. Honesty is important
Marcus crossed his arms and stared at the floor while the teacher handed back the tests. When he saw his score, he quickly slid the paper into his desk without speaking.
What can the reader MOST LIKELY infer about Marcus?
A. He is proud of his test score.
B. He wants to show everyone his paper.
C. He may be disappointed with his grade.
D. He forgot to take the test.
C. He may be disappointed with his grade.
Sea turtles often return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. Scientists study these migration patterns to better protect endangered turtle populations.
Why did the author MOST LIKELY write this paragraph?
A. To entertain readers with an adventure story
B. To persuade readers to become scientists
C. To inform readers about sea turtles
D. To describe a fictional setting
C. To inform readers about sea turtles
At first, Ava refused to work with her classmates on the science project. By the end of the week, she realized the group’s ideas were stronger when everyone worked together.
What is the theme of the passage?
A. Science projects are boring
B. Teamwork leads to better results
C. Working alone is always easier
D. Classmates should compete
B. Teamwork leads to better results
The dog scratched at the back door, paced across the kitchen, and barked softly at its leash hanging on the wall.
What can the reader infer the dog wants?
A. To go for a walk
B. To take a nap
C. To eat dinner
D. To play with another dog
A. To go for a walk
Which list includes the three main types of author’s purpose?
A. Compare, contrast, summarize
B. Enter, explain, question
C. Persuade, inform, entertain
D. Fiction, nonfiction, poetry
C. Persuade, inform, entertain
Even though Jordan was nervous about moving to a new school, he introduced himself to others and joined the art club. Soon, he began making friends and felt more confident.
Which theme is BEST supported by the passage?
A. Change can lead to new opportunities
B. Art is the most important school subject
C. Students should avoid new situations
D. Moving is always easy
A. Change can lead to new opportunities
When the coach announced the final team roster, Devin smiled at his friend but stayed unusually quiet. Later that afternoon, he spent extra time practicing alone on the field long after everyone else had left.
What can the reader MOST LIKELY infer about Devin?
A. He is upset because he did not make the team.
B. He wants to quit playing sports.
C. He is angry at his friend.
D. He is celebrating with his teammates.
A. He is upset because he did not make the team.
Don’t wait until the last minute to study,” Mr. Bennett warned the class. “Creating a schedule and reviewing a little each night can help reduce stress and improve your grades.”
What is the author’s purpose in this passage?
A. To entertain readers with humor
B. To persuade readers to develop better study habits
C. To describe a classroom setting
D. To explain the history of report cards
B. To persuade readers to develop better study habits
Grandmother carefully taught Maya how to cook the family recipe, explaining that the dish had been passed down for generations. Maya smiled as she realized she would someday teach it to her own children.
What theme is BEST expressed in the passage?
A. Cooking takes too much time
B. Family traditions connect generations
C. Children should always follow directions
D. Recipes should stay secret
B. Family traditions connect generations