Making Inferences
What is an inference?
An inference is an educated guess based on clues in the text and prior (background) knowledge.
What is a direct quote?
A direct quote is a word-for-word excerpt from a text.
What does it mean to paraphrase?
What is rising action?
Rising action is the part of a story where tension builds before the climax.
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is the main idea or argument of an informational text.
What evidence from a text can support an inference?
Textual evidence such as direct quotes, summaries, or paraphrased details.
Why is paraphrasing sometimes better than a quote?
It helps to simplify and clarify information while maintaining the original meaning.
What makes a good summary?
A good summary captures the main idea concisely while maintaining key details.
What is the subplot?
A subplot is a secondary storyline that enhances the main plot.
How does text evidence support a thesis?
Text evidence backs up the thesis by providing factual support.
How do you revise an inference based on new evidence?
By incorporating new details from additional sources or clarifying previous assumptions.
Explain how commentary helps clarify text evidence.
Commentary explains why the evidence is relevant to the claim.
What is the difference between summarizing and paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing rewrites a single passage, while summarizing condenses a larger text.
How does foreshadowing impact a story?
Foreshadowing gives hints about what will happen later in the story.
What is the purpose of supporting evidence?
Supporting evidence strengthens the argument and gives credibility.
Give an example of how prior knowledge helps you make an inference?
Using personal experiences or knowledge to make a connection to understand a character's actions.
Give an example of a response that uses multiple pieces of evidence.
A response that combines multiple pieces of text evidence to support a central idea.
Why is logical order important in a summary?
Logical order helps the reader understand the flow of ideas.
Explain how parallel plot structures work.
Parallel plot structures involve multiple storylines developing together.
How do you evaluate if evidence is strong?
By assessing its relevance, reliability, and connection to the thesis.
How can making connections between texts strengthen an inference?
By comparing similar themes, ideas, or arguments across different texts.
How do you ensure your evidence strongly supports your reponse?
By ensuring the evidence directly relates to the argument and is well explained.
How can you evaluate if a summary is effective?
By comparing it to the original and checking for clarity and accuracy.
Compare and contrast nonlinear and linear plot structures.
Nonlinear plots jump in time, while linear plots follow a chronological order.
What are ways to synthesize information from multiple texts?
By combining information from different sources to form a comprehensive argument.