Can You Infer
About Inferencing
Minute Mysteries
Where am I?
Riddle Me This
100
During World War II, the United States fought the Germans, mainly in Europe, and the Japanese, mainly in the Pacific. From the sentence, can we infer who won World War II?
No, not enough information is given.
100
What is an inference?
a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning
100
In the old West a man rides into town on Friday. He stays for three days, and leaves on Friday. How can this be?
His horse is named Friday.
100
I sat on the bench while Mother and Punch went into the room. I was a little worried about Punch, but I knew that he would get good care. As I waited I watched a tiny puppy wander toward the lady with a cat in a crate. The lady at the desk talked to a man with who was buying medicine.
Veterinarian Office
100
I am big and green but not mean. I carry a torch for freedom. I can stand in water, but I cannot swim. People travel from miles around to visit me. What am I?
The Statue of Liberty.
200
Dad and Anna were finishing up a project in the garage together. "Can we paint the roof red?" asked Anna. "Sure," said Dad. "Then when the paint dries we can find a place to hang it in the backyard." What do you think Dad and Anna are making?
A birdhouse.
200
What are the two things needed to make an inference?
1. information that's given to you 2. what you already know
200
There is a man walking down the road dressed entirely in black. There are no lights on anywhere and no moon. A car with no lights comes down the road and manages to avoid the man. How?
It's daytime.
200
The room was dark and quiet. We heard Carl and his mother come in the front door talking. I heard two girls in the corner giggle nervously. Another girl told them to be quiet. I hid behind the table where the cake and presents were set out. The tension in the room grew as we waited for them to open the door.
A surprise birthday party
200
I am very sticky, but hard to see when dry. I go round and round across the page until I eventually run out. If you stick with me, in one piece you will be. What am I?
a gluestick.
300
There is a big storm today and it's going to last until tomorrow. Jimmy is supposed to pick up his friend Lily from the airport. Jimmy's phone was ringing and saw Lily's name. He picked up the phone and said, "Okay. Just inform me when you're arriving. Take care and be safe." What do you think Lily told Jimmy?
Her flight got delayed or cancelled.
300
When do you use inferencing?
All the time! We make inferences every day, inside school and outside school!
300
A father and son are in an auto accident. The father dies and the son is rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The doctor looks at the boy and says, “I can’t work on him, he’s my son.” How can this be?
The doctor is the boy's mother.
300
The line stretched forever. People put their bags on the floor and inched them forward. My father and I removed our shoes. There was an announcement about a gate change and a delay on an arrival from Chicago.
Airport
300
What gets wetter as it dries?
A towel.
400
During World War II, the United States fought the Germans, mainly in Europe, and the Japanese, mainly in the Pacific. According to the sentence, which of the two countries may we infer engaged in the most naval battles with the United States?
The Japanese.
400

David enjoys school but he thinks math is too difficult. He had a final test on Wednesday. Glen and his family went out to dinner on Friday. His family members kept telling him they are so proud of him. Why do you think they went out to dinner? How do you know?


David got a good grade on his math final test. His family members took him out to celebrate his good grades and congratulate him on studying hard.

400
You are in a cabin with four walls all facing south. There is a bear outside. What color is the bear?
You are on the north pole. The bear is white (polar bear).
400
I arrived early for my appointment. The place was busy and smelled of chemicals. I found a place to sit and wait. The lady next to me had a towel around her head. I heard a blow dryer in the distance. It was loud over the music that was playing.
Hair Salon
400
I am not a magician, but I make things disappear. I come in all shapes and sizes, but am most often found in pink. I can be a writer's best friend. What am I?
An eraser.
500
If I see a dog barking, I can infer that.....
It sees an animal. It sees a person. It is hungry or wants to go outside.
500

If I saw on television that there is a storm coming, I could infer that ...


I might need to bring an umbrella tomorrow. I should wear my rain boots tomorrow. It will be cold, windy, and rainy

500
You walk into a room with only one match. You must light a lantern, a gas stove, the pilot light of a water heater and a fire in a fire place. What do you light first?
The match.
500
As I entered the door, I thought this was a great way to end the day. The chalkboard menu had a list of specialties, like sundaes and banana splits. I looked at all the flavors. Chocolate is my favorite, but peppermint sounded good, too.
Ice Cream Shop
500
I have keys, but no locks. I have pedals, but don't move. I make noise when you touch me. Tickle my keys to make me move.
A piano.
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