What's Happening
Jake walked into the kitchen. Flour covered the counter, an empty mixing bowl sat on the floor, and his little sister had chocolate on her face.
Answer: Jake's sister was probably baking or making something in the kitchen.
Marcus stared at his test paper, sighed, and put his head down on his desk.
Answer: Frustrated, discouraged, or disappointed.
The sky became dark. Thunder rumbled, and people outside began running toward the building.
Answer: It will probably rain or storm.
"Lena pulled her jacket tightly around herself as she walked through the parking lot. She could see her breath in the air."
Answer: It is very cold.
Jordan is wearing a soccer uniform and carrying cleats.
Inference A: Jordan plays soccer.
Inference B: Jordan is the best soccer player at his school.
Answer: A
The classroom windows were open. Several papers had blown onto the floor, and the teacher was trying to close the door.
Answer: A strong wind probably came through the classroom.
Sarah repeatedly checked the clock while packing her backpack. She smiled when she saw the time.
Answer: She is probably excited to leave school or go somewhere.
Carlos looked at the clock. The bell was about to ring, but he still had three questions left on his test.
Answer: He will probably rush to finish his test.
"Marcus stared at the empty refrigerator. He checked the cabinets, but there was nothing to eat."
Answer: Marcus is probably hungry or there is a lack of food.
Kayla keeps looking at her phone and smiling.
Inference A: Kayla received a funny message.
Inference B: Kayla received some kind of message that made her happy.
Answer: B
When Mia entered the cafeteria, everyone became quiet. Her friend pointed toward the table and began laughing. Mia looked down at her shirt and immediately covered it with her backpack.
Answer: Something embarrassing probably happened to Mia or her clothing.
Daniel walked into the room with his shoulders lowered. When his friends asked what happened, he said, "Nothing," and looked at the floor.
Answer: Daniel is probably upset, sad, or disappointed.
The basketball player dribbled toward the basket, jumped, and raised the ball above his head.
Answer: He will probably attempt a shot.
"The students looked at the clock every few minutes. Their pencils were already packed away, and several were standing near the door."
Answer: The students are eager for class to end.
Marcus walked into class five minutes late. His hair was wet, his shoes were muddy, and he was carrying a broken umbrella.
Inference A: Marcus got caught in the rain.
Inference B: Marcus went swimming before school.
Answer: A
The lights suddenly went out. Students stopped talking. Someone near the back of the room whispered, "Did you see that?"
Answer: There was probably a power outage or electrical problem.
A student received a paper from the teacher. He looked at it, smiled, folded it carefully, and placed it inside his backpack.
Answer: It was probably something positive, such as a good grade or positive feedback.
The teacher placed a stack of papers face down on each student's desk. Several students immediately began whispering, "Oh no."
Answer: The students are probably about to receive a test, quiz, or graded assignment.
"Although Amir had practiced his speech for weeks, his hands shook as he walked toward the podium. He took a deep breath before beginning."
Answer: He is nervous despite being prepared.
The teacher walked into the classroom. Three students immediately stopped talking. One student put his phone away, and another student quickly closed a tab on his computer.
Inference A: The students were probably doing something they weren't supposed to be doing.
Inference B: The students were definitely cheating on a test.
Answer: A
When the principal entered the hallway, three students immediately stopped talking. One student quickly put something into his pocket. Another student looked at the classroom door and then walked away.
Answer: They were likely doing something they knew they were not supposed to be doing.
Elena volunteered to present first. She stood confidently in front of the class, made eye contact with her classmates, and smiled throughout her presentation.
Answer: She is probably confident or comfortable speaking in front of others.
The character slowly opened the door. The room was completely dark. He stepped inside and heard a loud noise behind him.
Answer: Multiple answers are possible, but students must make a reasonable prediction supported by the clues.
"Nobody spoke as the coach walked into the locker room. Players avoided eye contact, and one student quietly said, 'We really messed up.'"
Answer: The team probably made a serious mistake or lost an important game.
Jamal normally sits with his friends at lunch. Today, he sits alone at the end of the cafeteria. His friends walk past him without speaking. Jamal keeps looking down at his phone and does not eat his food.
Inference A: Jamal is angry with his friends.
Inference B: Jamal is upset about something involving his friends.
Inference C: Jamal's friends definitely did something to him.
Inference D: Jamal doesn't like his friends anymore.
Answer: B