Inference & Symbolism
What does inference mean?
An educated guess based on clues from the text and what you already know.
What are context clues ?
Words or details around an unfamiliar word that help explain its meaning .
What is author's purpose?
The reason an author writes something.
What is theme?
A message or lesson about life communicated through a story or poem.
What is the main idea of a passage ?
What the passage is mostly about .
Maria walks into class with wet hair and a dripping umbrella. What can you infer?
It is raining, or it recently rained outside.
The puppy was exhausted after running all afternoon and fell asleep immediately. What does exhausted mean?
Very tired
A poster says, ' Recycle today to protect our planet' What is the author's purpose ?
To persuade readers too recycle.
Is "friendship" a topic or theme ?
Topic. It names a subject , not a complete message.
What is textual evidence ?
Details or quotes from a text that support an answer.
In the Road Not Taken, what do the two roads symbolize?
Different choices or paths in life.
Unlike his timid brother, Luis was bold spoke confidently. What does timid mean ?
Shy, nervous or lacking confiedence.
A narrator says, ' My hands shook as I opened the mysterious letter' What tone is suggested ?
Nervous, suspenseful or anxious
A character fails at basketball but practices every day and makes the team. What is a possible theme?
Hard work and persistence can help us reach our goals.
Sarah studied every night for her exam. When she received her grade, she smiled proudly. What can we conclude about Sarah ?
She probably did well on her exam.
Jay has not spoken all day and keeps staring at his failed test. How might he feel ? What clue supports your inference ?
He may feel disappointed or upset. The failed test and his silence are clues.
In " Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, what does diverged mean?
Separated or went in different dorections.
In the Road Not Taken, the speaker says, "and sorry I could not travel both". What tones does this suggest ?
Regretful, thoughtful or uncertain
What is one possible theme of The Road Not Taken ?
Our choices shape the paths our lives take.
What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?
A fact can be proven true or false. An opinion expresses someone's belief or feeling.
A character smiles while saying, " I'm fine", but tears fill her eyes. What can you infer and why ?
She may be hiding sadness. Her tears contradict her words.
The hikers were famished after walking for hours, so they quickly ate everything in their lunch bags. What does famished mean ? Which clue helps you ?
Extremely hungry . The clue is that they quickly ate all their food.
An article gives facts about how hurricanes form. What is its main purpose? How is it different from a story meant to entertain ?
To inform. It explains facts rather than primarily telling a story for enjoyment.
Marcus wanted to quit learning the piano because he kept making mistakes. His teacher encouraged him to keep practicing. After months of hard work, Marcus finally played an entire song without mistakes.
What is the theme of this passage?
A. Playing piano is difficult.
B. Teachers are always right.
C. Hard work and determination can lead to success.
D. Music is the most important subject.
C. Hard work and determination can lead to success.
A student claims, "Exercise improves students' concentration." Which is stronger evidence:
A) "I think exercise is fun"
B) "A study found that students focused better after physical activity"?
B, because it provides research-based evidence supporting the claim.