Inference
What can we infer?
She placed her keys on the counter and sank onto the couch without turning on the lights.
She is tired, overwhelmed, or stressed.
"She made a brief announcement before class."
What does brief mean?
Short
In a nonfiction piece, why might an author begin with a surprising fact?
To capture the reader's attention.
What is the author's purpose if the passage explains how solar panels work?
To inform
Which detail best supports the idea that a character is hardworking?
A. He sleeps late
B. He completes his chores early
C. He avoids responsibility
D. He forgets his homework
He completes his chores early
What can we infer?
A student whispers, "We shouldn't be here," even though the building is open.
They are skipping class.
"He gave a reluctant nod."
What does reluctant mean in this context?
unwilling or hesitant
A sentence starts with "For example,"
What is this sentence doing?
lively, enthusiastic, happy
What is the best summary?
A. Includes only the main ideas
B. Includes every detail
C. Focuses on opinions
D. Retells every example
Includes only the main ideas.
He received a bad grade and is worried about his dad's reaction.
The scientist reached a tentative conclusion.
What does tentative mean?
uncertain, subject to change
A sentence begins with "However," and gives an opposing viewpoint. What is the author doing?
Introducing the counterargument/contrasting side
A travel article uses vivid sensory details to describe the smell of street food and the sound of music in the plazas. What is the author’s purpose for using this language?
To put the reader in the moment and make them want to travel there.
Which sentence best supports the idea that the town recovered after the storm?
A. “Residents still remember the storm.”
B. “Several shops reopened within months.”
C. “The sky turned gray.”
D. “The town has old buildings.”
Several shops reopened in months.
A narrator says, "The air smelled like smoke, but the kitchen was spotless, and no one seemed alarmed."
What could have happened?
There is a bonfire outside.
"The artist's explanation was so opaque that nobody understood her point."
What does opaque mean here?
Unclear, difficult to understand
A paragraph ends with:
“Little did she know, this decision would change the course of the investigation.”
What is the function of this sentence?
To create suspense and/or foreshadow what is to come.
A paragraph uses words like “frustrating,” “disorganized,” and “overwhelming.”
What tone is the author conveying?
negative, critical, annoyed
Which is the BEST summary of a passage describing how a student overcame stage fright and became a confident performer?
A. She had stage fright.
B. Practice helped her grow into a confident public speaker.
C. The stage lights were bright.
D. Public speaking is scary for her.
A woman repeatedly checks her watch during a conversation. She responds politely but keeps backing toward the door.
She is eager to leave, uncomfortable, or in a hurry.
"Despite the chaos, her voice remained resolute, steadying the group."
What does resolute mean?
determined, strong
“He locked the door behind him, exhaling slowly as he placed the envelope on the table without turning on the lights.”
Final Jeopardy Prompt:
What can you infer about the situation AND what specific author’s choice helps create that inference? (Write a claim + 2 pieces of evidence.)
Answers will vary...
An author describes a town meeting using a neutral, factual tone, but then shifts to emotional language when discussing how the new law will affect families. Why might the author make this tone shift?
to emphasize the personal impact of the issue and make an emotional impact on the readers
A passage explains how a student leader helped improve school recycling efforts. Which detail best supports the central idea that her leadership created meaningful change?
A. “She had been interested in environmental issues since sixth grade.”
B. “She designed a simple chart showing what items could be recycled.”
C. “Her initiative increased recycling participation by 40% in two months.”
D. “The school uses blue and green bins in every classroom.”
Her initiative increased recycling participation by 40% in two months.