Infer the Cheer (Inferences)
Mrs. Higgins hung stockings and left out cookies and milk. When she woke up, they were gone, and gifts were under the tree. What night was it?
Christmas Eve
"She’s on the nice list.” What does that mean about her behavior?
She’s been good or well-behaved.
“Her smile was a shining star in the room.” What does that mean?
Her smile was bright and made others happy.
“My friends and I went caroling.”
Correct or incorrect?
CORRECT
LIGHT
What does it mean in “The lights on the tree had all different colors”? And what’s another meaning?
“Light” = illumination, to brighten; also means “not heavy.”
Jake's eyes widened when his friend handed him a gift. He said, “Wow, how did you know I needed this?” How can you infer Jake felt about the gift?
He was surprised and happy with the thoughtful gift.
After forgetting the group’s Secret Santa, Alex is on thin ice with his friends.” What does “on thin ice” mean?
He’s in a risky situation—close to getting in trouble or upsetting people.
“The holiday lights were diamonds in the night.” What does that mean?
The lights sparkled brightly like diamonds.
"The elves is making toys right now."
Correct or Incorrect?
INCORRECT
The elf is making toys right now.
OR
The elves are making toys right now.
WRAP
Meaning in “Let’s wrap the presents,” and another meaning?
To cover with paper; also means to finish something (e.g., “Let’s wrap it up”). When spelled "rap" could refer to Hip Hop.
The snow was falling hard, the roads were slick, and the principal made an announcement over the loud speaker. What can you infer she said? What happened next?
Students were dismissed early due to weather.
“They’re snowed under with homework.” What does that mean?
They have too much work to do.
“He has a heart of gold.” What does that mean?
He’s very kind and generous.
“Yesterday, we wrap the gifts.”
Correct or Incorrect?
INCORRECT
"Yesterday we wrapped the gifts."
STAR
Meaning in “The star on the tree was glowing,” and another meaning?
A celestial object; also a famous person or main character -e.g. "She was the star of the show."
During the gift exchange, Devon opened a mug with a clearance sticker still on it and said, “Wow… just what I needed,” then laughed softly and avoided eye contact. Sam shifted in his seat, cheeks red, and tucked a shopping bag from the same store under his chair. What can you infer?
Sam was Devon’s Secret Santa and likely bought a last-minute/cheaper gift; Devon’s comment was polite but a bit sarcastic, and Sam felt embarrassed.
“After pulling three all-nighters to finish his finals, James finally hit the sack all Christmas Eve.” What does “hit the sack” mean?
It means he went to bed or went to sleep.
“The classroom was a blizzard of activity.” What does that mean?
The classroom was very busy and chaotic.
“Last year, she buy a new sled.”
Correct or Incorrect?
INCORRECT
Last year she bought a new sled.
SEASON
What does it mean in “Winter is my favorite season,” and what’s another meaning?
In the sentence, season means a time of year.
Another meaning: to add flavor to food (e.g., “You need to season the soup.”)
The choir bus “broke down” a block from school. Emma checked her watch and texted, “Stalling as long as I can,” then led classmates in carols outside the gym. Inside, the lights were off and a “Maintenance—Do Not Enter” sign hung on the door. When the doors finally opened, a banner dropped: “Welcome Home, Marcus!” What were Emma and the others actually doing?
They were intentionally stalling Marcus to keep him out while a surprise welcome celebration was being set up in the gym.
“I tried to talk to him about what happened yesterday but he gave me the cold shoulder.” What does that mean?
He ignored or was unfriendly toward me.
“Her laughter was music to his ears.” What does that mean?
Her laughter made him happy.
“Two childs were waiting to see Santa.”
Correct or incorrect?
INCORRECT
“Two children were waiting to see Santa.”
EXPRESS
What does express mean in “They took the holiday express to the city,” and what’s another meaning of express?
In the sentence, express means a fast or direct form of transportation.
Another meaning: to share or communicate thoughts or feelings (e.g., “He expressed gratitude for the gift.”)