What’s Going On? (Basic inference)
“Liam grabbed his umbrella and ran to the bus.”
Q: What can you conclude?
A: It’s probably raining.
“The ice cream melted all over her hand.”
Q: Why did this happen?
A: It was warm outside.
“Ella raced to the door when the bell rang.”
Q: What can you conclude & what evidence supports it?
A: She was excited to go outside — she ran when the bell rang.
“Mila shared half of her sandwich with her friend.”
Q: What does this show about Mila?
A: She is kind/generous.
“Snow covered the rooftops, and kids wore thick coats.”
Q: Where/what season is this?
A: Winter.
“The dog sat by the empty bowl and whined.”
Q: What can you conclude?
A: The dog is hungry.
“Ben’s tower of blocks fell down after he bumped the table.”
Q: Why did it fall?
A: The table moved and knocked it over.
“The kitten curled up on Jasmin's lap and purred softly.”
Q: Conclusion + evidence?
A: The kitten feels safe/comfortable — it curled up and purred.
“Isaac stomped his feet and crossed his arms.”
Q: What does this say about Isaac?
A: He is upset or frustrated.
“Bright lights, loud music, and cheering filled the room.”
Q: What is the setting?
A: A party or celebration.
“Ava rubbed her eyes and let out a long yawn.”
Q: What can you conclude?
A: She is tired.
“The teacher smiled when Maya held the door open.”
Q: Why did the teacher smile?
A: Maya was being helpful.
“Sam shivered and pulled his jacket tighter around him.”
Q: Conclusion + evidence?
He’s cold — he shivered and pulled his jacket tighter.
“Nora practiced her speech every night before bed.”
Q: What does this say about Nora?
She is hardworking or wants to do well.
“Waves crashed, and seagulls squawked overhead.”
Q: Where is the character?
A: At the beach.
“The crowd stood and clapped loudly as the girl bowed.”
Q: What can you conclude?
A: She just performed and the audience liked it.
“The boys ran inside when the sky turned dark and lightning flashed.”
Q: Why did they run inside?
A: A storm was coming.
“The crowd gasped as the vase wobbled on the edge of the shelf.”
Conclusion + evidence?
A: They were worried it would fall — they gasped as it wobbled.
“Owen helped the new student find her classroom.”
Q: What does this say about Owen?
A: He is helpful or friendly.
“The hallway was silent, and the lights were dim.”
Q: What is the mood?
A: Quiet/calm OR possibly spooky.
“Marcus’s hands were shaking as he looked at the test paper.”
Q: What can you conclude?
A: He is nervous or worried about his test.
“Sofia sighed and erased another answer.”
Q: What conclusion can you draw?
A: She is struggling with her work or feels unsure.
“Jordan checked the clock three times in one minute.”
Q: Conclusion + evidence?
A: He is anxious or eager for something — he repeatedly checked the clock.
“Lily pretended she didn’t hear her mom call her to clean her room.”
Q: What does this say about Lily?
A: She is avoiding or procrastinating.
“Leaves rustled as the wind blew through the tall trees.”
Q: What is the setting?
A: A forest/woods.