Inference/figurative languge
Bonus Challenge — What Else Could It Mean?
Your friend walks past you in the hallway without saying hello.
Question: Can you make two different reasonable inferences about why?
They didn't see you.
They were distracted or thinking about something.
They were in a hurry.
They were upset about something.
Maya walks into class with her head down and doesn't talk to anyone. When her friend asks if she's okay, Maya says, "I'm fine," but she avoids eye contact.
Question: What can you infer about how Maya might be feeling?
She may be upset, worried, or sad.
Lena opened the refrigerator and noticed there was no milk.
What can you infer that Lena might need to do?
Go to the grocery store
The Group Chat
You text your friend, “Are you coming to the party?” They read your message but don't respond for six hours. Later, they send, “Sorry! My phone died.”
Question: What is the most reasonable inference?
Their phone probably died, so they couldn't respond.
“I've told you a million times to clean your room!”
Question: What type of figurative language is used, and what does it mean?
Hyperbole. It is an exaggeration used for emphasis. The speaker obviously hasn't said it a million times.
The thunder roared like an angry lion, while the rain danced across the windows.
Question: Identify both examples of figurative language.
Roared like an angry lion” = Simile
“Rain danced across the windows” = Personification
Jordan notices that his friend keeps checking the clock and packing his backpack while the teacher is still talking.
Question: What can you infer about what Jordan's friend is thinking?
He is probably thinking about leaving class or getting ready for the end of class.
The children were quiet as they tiptoed past the sleeping baby.
Why were the children being quiet?
So they don't wake the baby
The Cafeteria
You walk into the cafeteria and notice your friend is sitting alone. Their usual friends are sitting at another table, laughing and talking. Your friend keeps looking over at them.
Question: What might you infer about how your friend feels?
They might feel left out or wish they were sitting with their friends.
The basketball player was as quick as a cheetah when he raced down the court.
Question: What type of figurative language is used?
Simile
“After hearing that she had won the competition, Jenna's smile lit up the room.”
Question: Is this meant to be taken literally or figuratively? What does it mean?
Figuratively. It means Jenna was extremely happy and her smile made everyone around her feel happier.
At lunch, everyone at a table is laughing except Sam. Sam looks at the floor and quietly moves to another table.
Question: What might you infer happened?
Sam may have felt left out, uncomfortable, or upset by something that happened.
Mark put sunscreen on before walking onto the beach.
What can you infer about the weather?
It was hot
The Mysterious Homework
Your teacher asks everyone to turn in their homework. Chris starts looking through their backpack, checks under their desk, and says, “I know I did it!”
Question: What can you infer?
Chris probably completed the homework but can't find it.
After studying for three hours, my brain was a tired computer.
Question: What type of figurative language is used?
Metaphor
The dog wagged its tail and ran to the door when it heard the leash.
What can you infer about what the dog wanted to do?
Go for a walk
A student forgets to bring a project to class. When the teacher asks for it, the student looks surprised and says, "Oh no! I left it at home!"
Question: What can you infer about whether the student intentionally forgot the project?
The student probably forgot accidentally rather than intentionally.
Emma's eyes were red, and she kept yawning during class.
What can you infer about Emma?
She was tired
The Birthday Surprise
When Mia walks into the classroom, everyone suddenly becomes quiet. Her friends are trying not to laugh, and someone quickly hides something behind their back. Mia's birthday is today.
Question: What can you infer is probably happening?
Her friends are probably planning a birthday surprise.
The old house groaned and sighed as the wind blew through the windows.
Question: What type of figurative language is used?
Personification
James studied his notes for three hours before the test.
What can you infer about how James felt about the test?
He was confident he would do well
During a group project, Alex keeps interrupting others and insists that only Alex's ideas are good. The other group members become quiet and stop sharing their ideas.
Question: What can you infer about how Alex's behavior is affecting the group?
Alex's behavior may be making the others feel frustrated, uncomfortable, or unwilling to participate.
When David opened the gift, he smiled and immediately put on the new shoes.
What can you infer about how David felt about the gift?
He was happy
The Group Project
During a group project, everyone is talking and sharing ideas. When Taylor suggests an idea, another student rolls their eyes and says, “Whatever.” Taylor stops talking and lets everyone else make the decisions.
Question: What can you infer about how Taylor might feel?
Taylor may feel embarrassed, discouraged, or like their ideas aren't valued.
The thunder roared like an angry lion, while the rain danced across the windows.
Question: Identify both examples of figurative language.
“Roared like an angry lion” = Simile
“Rain danced across the windows” = Personification