OBSERVATIONS vs. INFERENCES
What is the difference between something you observe and something you infer?
An observation is something you directly see or experience, while an inference is a conclusion you make based on that evidence and reasoning.
What is one thing you should do when thinking critically about information?
Question the source, look for evidence, or consider different viewpoints.
What is hyperbole?
An extreme exaggeration used for effect or emphasis.
What is personification?
Giving human qualities or characteristics to non-human things.
If you see a backpack on the floor with books spilling out, what is a reasonable inference?
A student left their backpack in a hurry and it tipped over.
If you see a student with a wet backpack and wet hair, what is an observation you can make?
The student has a wet backpack and wet hair.
Why is evidence important when evaluating whether a claim is true?
Evidence helps you determine if the claim is actually true and supported by facts.
Is this sentence an example of hyperbole? "I have told you a million times to clean your room!" Explain why or why not.
Yes, because the speaker is exaggerating the number of times they actually told this—it's not literally a million times.
In the sentence "The wind whispered through the trees," what is being personified?
The wind—it is described as if it can whisper like a person.
Your friend is wearing a swimsuit, has wet hair, and is carrying a beach towel. What can you infer about what they did this morning?
Your friend went swimming or spent time at the pool or beach.
Based on the observation "The student has a wet backpack and wet hair," what is a reasonable inference?
The student was caught in the rain or went swimming.
If someone tells you something, what should you NOT do if you want to think critically?
You should not believe everything without asking questions or looking for evidence.
Identify the hyperbole in this sentence: "I am so hungry I could eat a horse!"
What part of this sentence??
"I could eat a horse" is the hyperbole—the person is exaggerating how hungry they are.
Is this an example of personification? "The stars danced in the night sky." Explain why or why not.
Yes, because stars are described as if they can dance like people.
The sky is dark and gray, the wind is blowing hard, and the temperature has dropped. What can you infer?
A storm is likely coming soon.
Why is it important to base your inferences on observations rather than guesses or assumptions?
Observations are based on facts you can see, so inferences based on observations are more likely to be accurate and reasonable.
What is the difference between being critical and thinking critically?
Being critical means criticizing everything unfairly, while critical thinking means asking questions and looking for evidence before making a decision.
Why do people use hyperbole in everyday speech?
To emphasize a feeling or situation, make something funny, or express strong emotions in a more interesting way.
What human action is being given to the sun in this sentence: "The sun smiled down on the earth"?
Smiling, because the sun is described as if it can smile like a person.
A student finds a note on their desk saying "Great job on your presentation!" but they didn't give a presentation. What is a reasonable inference?
The note was probably left for a different student by mistake.
A plant has yellow leaves and drooping stems. Give one observation and one inference about this plant.
Observation: The plant has yellow leaves and drooping stems. Inference: The plant is not being cared for properly or needs water.
Explain why it's important to consider different viewpoints when thinking critically about a topic.
Different viewpoints help you see the full picture and understand all sides of an issue before making a fair decision.
Write your own hyperbole about being tired.
Answers will vary...
Should include extreme exaggeration, such as "I'm so tired I could sleep for a week" or "I could barely keep my eyes open—I'm dead on my feet."
Explain the difference between personification and hyperbole.
Personification gives human qualities to non-human things.
Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration. You can use personification without exaggerating, and you can exaggerate without using personification.
Why is it important to make reasonable inferences rather than wild guesses?
Reasonable inferences are based on observations and facts, so they are more likely to be accurate and help you understand situations better.