Evidence and Inferences
What is an inference?
An inference is a conclusion you make based on evidence and reasoning, not something directly stated.
What is a main idea?
The main idea is what a paragraph or section is mostly about.
What is a source?
A source is where information comes from, like a book, article, or website.
What is a direct quote?
A direct quote is the exact words from a text, shown with quotation marks.
What does "integrate information" mean?
It means to combine information from different sources into one clear understanding.
What is the difference between a fact and an inference?
A fact is directly stated and proven true; an inference is a logical guess based on clues.
Can a text have more than one main idea?
Yes, especially longer texts that discuss several related topics.
Why should you use more than one source on a topic?
Different sources can give you more complete or different information.
Why do we use quotation marks around direct quotes?
To show which words come directly from the source.
What kinds of sources can you integrate?
Articles, books, videos, interviews, charts, and more.
If an article says "the sky turned dark and people grabbed umbrellas," what can you infer is happening?
It’s likely about to rain or is already raining.
A text describes how whales communicate and also how they migrate. What are two main ideas?
Whale communication and whale migration.
One article says coral reefs are dying due to pollution. Another says it's due to warmer oceans. What should you do?
Use both sources to understand all the causes of the problem.
“The volcano erupted suddenly and covered the town in ash.” What does this quote tell you?
It shows how fast and dangerous the eruption was.
Why is integrating information useful when doing research?
It gives a fuller, more accurate understanding of the topic.
How can you support an inference using text evidence?
By quoting or pointing to specific words or details in the text that led you to your conclusion.
What kind of details help you find a main idea?
Repeated topics, key facts, and supporting details.
How can comparing sources help you solve a problem?
It helps you find the most accurate and complete information by looking at different viewpoints.
Why is it important to include a direct quote when answering a question about a text?
It proves your answer is supported by the text.
If one source gives facts and another gives opinions, how should you use them?
Use the facts for evidence and the opinions to understand different views.
Why is it important to use evidence when making an inference about a text?
It shows your reasoning is based on the text and not just your opinion.
Why is it helpful to identify more than one main idea in a text?
It helps you better understand all the important points the author is making.
What should you do if two sources give conflicting information?
Check their reliability, look for agreement in other sources, and use your best judgment based on evidence.
What is the difference between paraphrasing and quoting?
Quoting uses the exact words; paraphrasing puts the ideas in your own words.
What is one strategy for combining information from two or more sources?
Identify common ideas, compare details, and organize the info into a summary.