Making Inferences

Hidden Meaning

100

During a group project meeting, one student says, “Well…that’s one way to do it,” while raising their eyebrows.

Question: What might the student actually mean?

200

A teacher says, “I’m impressed you finally turned something in on time.”

Question: What might the teacher be implying?

300

A friend replies “Sure, whatever you want” after you suggest where to eat.

Question: What might this response suggest about their true feelings?

400

One group member is doing all the work for a class project.  She says to the group members, “Don’t worry, I’ll remember who helped when grades come out.”

Question: What is the student implying?

500

A coach says, “Interesting choice,” after a player ignores the play and does something different.

Question: What might the coach actually mean?

Motivation

100

A student volunteers to present first even though they usually dislike public speaking.

Question: What might motivate them to do this?

200

Someone laughs at a joke that clearly wasn’t funny.

Question: Why might they react this way?

300

A student suddenly volunteers to help the teacher numerous times the week before report cards.

Question: What might their motivation be?

400

A classmate claims they “forgot” their homework several times in a row.

Question: What might be another explanation besides forgetting?

500

A student criticizes another student’s project loudly in front of others.

Question: What might be the real reason for doing this?

Reading Social Situations

100

During lunch, a group suddenly stops talking when someone new sits down.

Question: What might this suggest about the conversation?

200

A friend gives short answers and avoids eye contact after you make a joke about them.

Question: What might this indicate?

300

Two students exchange a quick look during a class discussion after the teacher asks a question.

Question: What might that look mean?

400

A student frequently interrupts others during conversations but seems unaware people are annoyed.

Question: What might this suggest about their social awareness?

500

A student posts a vague message online: “Some people really show their true colors.”

Question: What might the student be trying to communicate?

Predicting Outcomes

100

A student waits until the night before to start a major project.

Question: What might happen as a result?

200

A group member does most of the work while others contribute very little.

Question: What might happen during the project presentation?

300

A student argues with the teacher in front of the entire class.

Question: What might happen afterward?

400

A student spreads a rumor that later turns out to be false.

Question: What consequences might occur?

500

A student consistently avoids participating in group discussions.

Question: What might happen to their participation grade?

Interpreting Evidence

100

Clues: A student is reviewing notes during the bus ride, highlighting key points, and asking friends questions.

Question: What can you infer about the student?

200

Clues: A student submits excellent work in class but performs poorly on tests.

Question: What might explain this difference?

300

Clues: A student checks the class website repeatedly and asks the teacher about deadlines.

Question: What might this suggest about the student’s concerns?

400

Clues: A student avoids sitting near certain classmates and becomes quiet when they speak.

Question: What might this suggest about their relationship?

500

Clues: A student turns in a polished essay that sounds very different from their usual writing style.

Question: What might a teacher infer?