Making Inferences
What is an inference?
Something you can figure out by looking at evidence.
What is the tone of a text?
The author’s or narrator’s attitude toward the subject or characters.
What does “author’s purpose” mean?
The main reason an author writes a text (such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or express).
What is a theme in literature?
A central message or big idea about life that the text suggests.
Summarize what happened in "People Should Not Die in June in South Texas."
The story is about Prieta dealing with the grief of her father's death.
“She slammed the door and threw her backpack on the floor without saying a word.”
What can you infer about how she feels?
She is angry, upset, or frustrated.
What is the mood of a text?
The feeling or atmosphere the text creates for the reader.
If an article explains how a tradition began and includes lots of facts and explanations, what is the most likely author’s purpose?
To inform or explain.
What is the difference between a topic and a theme?
A topic is what the text is about (like “family” or “loss”), while a theme is what the text says about that topic (like “family can be complicated but still supportive”).
What did Mercer do to become a hero in "La Juanita?"
He saved all the racers from during the storm.
“He stared at the test for a long time before writing anything, then sighed and erased his first answer.”
What can you infer about his confidence on the test?
He is unsure or not confident about his answers.
If a narrator uses words like “smothering heat,” “endless line of cars,” and “thick, heavy air,” what kind of mood do those details help create?
An oppressive, uncomfortable, or suffocating mood.
If a story like “La Juanita” uses characters, conflict, and a plot to keep you interested, what is its main purpose?
To entertain (and possibly to express an lesson about courage or reputation).
After losing the race, Marcus practiced every day and eventually won the next competition.
What lesson does this sentence teach?
Hard work pays off.
What did Mercer do to become a hero in "La Juanita?"
You can’t truly understand kindness until you’ve experienced sorrow or loss.
Daily Double
I speak without a mouth and hear without ears.
I have no body, but I come alive with wind.
What am I?
The old house groaned as the wind pushed against its broken windows, and shadows stretched across the floor.
What is the mood of this sentence, and which two words or phrases help create that mood?
Spooky.
"broken windows" and "shadows stretched"
Drinking water throughout the day helps your body stay energized, improves concentration, and supports overall health.
What is the author’s purpose in this passage?
To inform
Lena wanted to quit when the project became difficult, but with help from her friends, she finished it and felt proud of her hard work.
What is the theme of this passage, and which detail from the text supports that theme?
Teamwork makes the dream work.
"with help from her friends"
Why is it not enough to just restate what the text says when you make an inference?
Because an inference should combine what the text says with your own reasoning or background knowledge to go beyond the literal words.
I guess it was “nice” of them to remember my birthday—two days late and with a card they clearly grabbed on the way over.
What is the tone of the speaker, and what does that tell you about the speaker?
They are annoyed. They felt ignored or unimportant.
If we don’t start reducing plastic waste now, our oceans will continue to fill with trash, harming wildlife and future generations. Small changes—like using reusable bags—can make a big difference.
What is the author’s purpose, and how does the author use word choice or examples to achieve that purpose?
To Persuade.
They are telling us what will happen if we don't do what they suggest.
At first, Jonah ignored his sister’s advice and tried to solve the problem on his own. After failing several times, he finally listened and succeeded.
What lesson or theme does this passage communicate, and how does Jonah’s change in behavior help develop that message?
"After failing several times, he finally listened and succeeded."
Summarize what happened in "Claudette Colvin Explains her Role in the Civil Rights Movement."
Claudette Colvin did the same thing as Rosa Parks, but didn't get the same recognition for it. Instead she was all but exiled for having a child as a teenager.