inferencing questions
Context Clues
Social Situations
Predicting Outcomes
Multiple meaning words and figurative language
100

Sarah grabbed her umbrella and rain boots before leaving the house. What is the weather probably like?

Its raining or likely to rain 

100

The puppy was enormous compared with the tiny kitten sitting beside it. What does enormous mean?

very large

100

Your friend is carrying several books, and one falls onto the floor. What could you do to help?

Pick up the books or offer to help.

100

Dark clouds gather, thunder begins, and people rush to bring their outdoor furniture inside. What will probably happen next?

It will probably rain or storm.

100

Jake sat by the bank and watched fish swim in the water. What does bank mean in this sentence?

The land beside a river.

200

Tyler kept checking the clock and looking toward the classroom door. His parents were supposed to arrive soon. Who is he probably waiting for?

He is probably waiting for his parents

200

After running five miles, Marcus was famished and ate two sandwiches. What does famished mean?

Extremely hungry.

200

A classmate asks to join your game, but your team already has several players. What is a kind way to respond?

Politely explain the situation and offer another way to include the classmate.

200

A student forgets to study for a test and realizes she does not know most of the answers. What might happen when she receives her grade?

She may receive a low grade.

200

When Lily heard the news, she was over the moon. What does this expression mean?

Extremely happy or excited.

300

Everyone stopped talking when the principal walked into the cafeteria. Several students quickly put away their phones. Why might they have done that?

They may be hiding their phones because they know they should not be using them, or they are worried about getting in trouble.

300

The instructions were vague, so nobody knew exactly what to do. What does vague mean?

Unclear or not specific.

300

You tell a joke, but your friend does not laugh and looks uncomfortable. What might this tell you, and what should you do?

The friend may not find the joke funny or may feel uncomfortable; stop and check in with them.

300

A soccer team is losing by one goal with only two minutes left. The players begin passing the ball quickly and moving toward the goal. What might happen next?

They may attempt to score a goal and tie the game.

300

The teacher said, “You have a mountain of homework tonight.” Does the teacher mean there is literally a mountain? What does the expression mean?

A very large amount of homework.

400

Olivia practiced her piano piece every day for a month. After performing, her family stood up and clapped. How did Olivia's performance probably go? Explain your reasoning.

It probably went well because her family stood up and applauded

400

Although Mia was initially reluctant to join the talent show, her friends encouraged her until she finally agreed. What does reluctant mean?

Unwilling or hesitant.

400

Two students both want to be the group leader. They begin arguing and stop working on the project. What is one reasonable solution?

Take turns leading, divide responsibilities, or agree on a leader together

400

A person discovers muddy footprints leading from the back door to a room where a missing necklace was kept. What might the person do next?

The person may follow the footprints or investigate who entered the room.

400

When the coach said, “We need all hands on deck,” what did he mean?

Everyone needs to help.

500

Ethan told his friends he was excited about the school trip, but he kept asking his teacher if he could stay with his usual partner. When the teacher assigned groups, Ethan looked relieved. What might Ethan have been worried about?

He may be worried about being separated from his friends or having to work with unfamiliar classmates.

500

The detective found the witness's story inconsistent because she gave a different explanation each time she was questioned. What does inconsistent mean?

Not staying the same; contradictory.

500

Your friend tells you a secret about feeling left out at school. The next day, another student asks you what your friend said. How should you respond, and why?

Respect the friend's privacy and avoid sharing the secret.

500

A student notices that several classmates have been excluding a new student from activities. She decides to invite the new student to sit with her group and encourages others to include him. What might happen next, and why?

The new student may feel welcomed, and other classmates may begin including him.

500

After losing the championship, the team decided to turn over a new leaf and practice harder for next season. What does this expression mean, and how does it relate to the team's situation?

To make a fresh start or change one's behavior for the better.