Inferences 1
A character clenches their fists and avoids eye contact during an argument.
What can we infer?
They are feeling anger or frustration
An article about recycling says, “One soda can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours.” Readers can infer this about the author’s purpose.
What can we infer?
The author wants people to recycle.
A poem describes a flower wilting in the heat. Readers can infer this about the mood.
What can we infer?
The poem is describing sadness or decline.
A historical text mentions citizens protesting unfair taxes. Readers can infer this about their feelings.
What can we infer?
A report mentions polar bears struggling to find food as ice melts. Readers can infer this about the impact of climate change.
What can we infer?
The polar bears' survival is being threatened.
Marco clutched the crumpled tryout sheet, his palms damp. He watched as the coach called out names, each one met with a cheer from the group. His name wasn't called. He slowly folded the paper and shoved it into his pocket, his shoulders slumping.
What can we infer?
Inference: Marco did not make the team he tried out for, and he is feeling disappointed.
A passage on endangered animals describes shrinking habitats. Readers can infer this about the main cause of their decline.
Answers can be human activity, deforestation, etc.
The student nervously adjusted his tie as he waited outside the principal's office. He had been called down during his last class. He heard raised voices from within the office.
What can we infer?
Inference: The student is likely in trouble and is about to face consequences for his actions.
The farmer surveyed his fields, his brow furrowed. The crops were withered and dry, and the sky was a cloudless blue. He clenched his fists, his expression grim.
What can we infer?
Inference: The farmer is facing a drought or other environmental challenges that are threatening his crops.
A passage notes birds migrating earlier each year. Readers can infer this about changes in the environment.
What can we infer?
The seasons or temperatures are shifting.
A narrator describes the castle as “silent except for the rattling chains.” Readers can infer this about the mood.
What can we infer?
The mood is suspenseful or creepy.
The detective examined the dusty bookshelf, his fingers tracing the spines of the old books. He noticed a faint smudge on one of the volumes, and he pulled it out, flipping through the pages.
What can we infer?
Inference: The detective is searching for a clue, and he believes the book might hold the key to solving a mystery.
A speaker in a poem longs for “distant shores and restless tides.” Readers can infer this about the speaker.
What can we infer?
The speaker longs for adventure or freedom.
A description of the Great Depression shows long lines at soup kitchens. Readers can infer this about people’s living conditions.
What can we infer?
The people are living in poverty and are hungry.
The child sat on the floor, surrounded by scattered puzzle pieces. He frowned, picking up a piece and trying to fit it into place. He sighed, pushing the puzzle away.
What can we infer?
Inference: The child is frustrated with the puzzle and is giving up on completing it.
A villain constantly speaks politely but undermines the hero in secret. Readers can infer this about their true personality.
What can we infer?
They are manipulative or deceitful.
The athlete leaned against the wall, his chest heaving, and sweat dripping from his brow. He glanced at the scoreboard, his eyes narrowed in determination. The buzzer sounded, and he pushed off the wall, sprinting back onto the field.
What can we infer?
Inference: The athlete is exhausted but determined to continue playing, likely in a close or important game.
The hiker reached the summit, the wind whipping around him. He took a deep breath, gazing at the panoramic view spread out before him. He pulled out a worn map and compass.
What can we infer?
Inference: The hiker is enjoying the view after a difficult climb and is preparing to continue his journey.
The artist stood before the blank canvas, his eyes filled with inspiration. He picked up a brush, dipping it into the paint. He began to apply strokes, his movements fluid and confident.
What can we infer?
Inference: The artist is about to begin creating a new piece of art, driven by a strong creative impulse.
A text describes astronauts’ bones weakening in space. Readers can infer this about gravity’s role.
What can we infer?
Gravity helps maintain bone strength.
Sarah stared out the window, her breath fogging the glass. The sky was a dull gray, and a fine mist hung in the air. She pulled her sweater tighter around her, shivering slightly.
What can we infer?
Inference: The weather is cold and damp, and Sarah is feeling chilled.
The old woman sat by the window, her hands folded in her lap. She watched the children playing in the park, a faint smile on her lips. A single tear rolled down her cheek
What can we infer?
Inference: The woman is experiencing a mix of joy and sadness, possibly reflecting on her own past or missing loved ones.
The mechanic slid out from under the car, wiping grease from his hands. He frowned, shaking his head. He walked over to the customer, his expression grim.
What can we infer?
Inference: The mechanic has found a serious problem with the car and is about to deliver bad news to the customer.
The teacher distributed the graded essays, her expression serious. She paused at one student's desk, placing the paper face down. The student's face fell.
What can we infer?
Inference: The student received a poor grade on their essay, likely due to a significant error or lack of effort.
The student walked into the empty auditorium, the stage lights casting long shadows. He pulled a crumpled script from his backpack, and began to read aloud.
What can we infer?
Inference: The student is practicing for a play or performance, and he is taking his role seriously.