Inferencing
Sofia checked her phone every thirty seconds and paced near the window.
What can you infer?
She is anxious or waiting for important news.
“The hallway swallowed him whole as the final bell rang.”
What type of figurative language is used?
Personification
Although the politician attempted to sound sincere, his rehearsed smile and evasive answers made the audience skeptical.
What does evasive most likely mean?
Avoiding direct answers
Which word has the MOST negative connotation?
A. Assertive
B. Forceful
C. Aggressive
Aggressive
The audience erupted into applause after the singer’s __________ performance.
A. boring
B. captivating
C. awkward
B. captivating
The audience gasped, and Marcus slowly lowered the microphone with a shocked expression.
What probably happened?
He likely said or heard something surprising.
“The accusation hung in the air like smoke no one could escape.”
What kind of figurative langauge is being used?
Simile
The abandoned house looked dilapidated, with shattered windows, peeling paint, and a collapsing roof.
What does dilapidated most likely mean?
Run-down or falling apart
An author describes a mansion as “lavish” instead of “large.”
What feeling does lavish create?
Wealth, luxury, or excess
After waiting in line for three hours, the customers became increasingly __________.
A. patient
B. cheerful
C. irritable
C. irritable
Kayla smiled politely, but her voice became short and clipped after the comment.
What can you infer about her feelings?
She is annoyed, hurt, or offended.
“The city was a sleeping giant waiting to awaken.”
What does the metaphor suggest about the city?
It has hidden power, energy, or danger beneath the surface.
Despite the chaotic debate around her, Naomi remained remarkably composed and articulate.
What does articulate most likely mean?
Clear and effective in speaking
Which sentence creates the MOST critical tone?
A. The students talked during class.
B. The students chatted during class.
C. The students babbled endlessly during class.
C. The students babbled endlessly during class.
Although the instructions seemed __________, Maya still attempted to complete the project.
A. detailed
B. ambiguous
C. exciting
B. ambiguous
Although Eli claimed he “didn’t care,” he stayed up all night rereading the comments online.
What can you infer?
He actually does care deeply.
“The truth cut deeper than any knife.”
Why does the author use this figurative language?
To emphasize emotional pain more strongly than physical pain.
The author’s critique of social media was subtle rather than overt, woven quietly throughout the novel instead of directly stated.
What does overt most likely mean?
Openly shown or obvious
Why might an author describe someone as “persistent” instead of “stubborn”?
“Persistent” has a more positive connotation suggesting determination.
The hikers were completely __________ after trekking through the mountains all day.
A. famished
B. energetic
C. satisfied
A. famished
The coach handed Maya the captain’s jersey even though she wasn’t the strongest athlete on the team.
What does this most likely suggest about Maya?
She is a leader, hardworking, or respected by others.
“The classroom buzzed like a beehive while anxiety coiled tightly in Ava’s stomach.”
Identify TWO types of figurative language.
Simile (“buzzed like a beehive”) and metaphor/personification (“anxiety coiled tightly”)
After years of public admiration, the celebrity’s reputation began to deteriorate following a series of scandalous interviews and erratic behavior.
What does erratic most likely mean?
Unpredictable or unstable
An article refers to a protest as a “demonstration” while another calls it a “riot.”
How does the connotation change the reader’s perception?
“Demonstration” sounds organized and peaceful, while “riot” sounds violent and chaotic.
The scientist’s groundbreaking discovery completely __________ the field of medicine.
A. damaged
B. transformed
C. ignored
B. transformed