Inferences
Daily Double!!
What is an inference?
An educated guess/ using text evidence to make an assumption about a claim.
Eleven-year-old Mya usually avoided Old Man Marvin's house because of his tired, grumpy demeanor, but when her soccer ball bounced into his tangled rose bushes, she had to face him. She knocked and apologized sincerely, explaining that she couldn't retrieve the ball because of the thorns and that she noticed he struggled with mobility. Instead of simply asking for her ball back, Mya offered to clear the weeds around the bushes for him, realizing that showing respect meant acknowledging his difficulty and offering practical help. Old Man Marvin was surprised but grateful, and as Mya worked, he watched and shared funny stories.
What is the theme?
Respect/respect your elders
The ballerina on the stage danced with grace and precision, her body expressing a range of emotions. The audience watched in rapt silence.
What can we infer?
Inference: The dancer is performing a powerful and moving piece, captivating the audience with her skill and artistry.
Leo and Maria were inseparable. They spent every summer afternoon beneath the ancient, sprawling oak tree in the town park, carving their initials, L+M, deep into the bark when they were only twelve. They promised that no matter what happened—high school, college, or moving far away—their friendship would be a permanent mark, just like the carving on the oak. As they grew up, life began to pull them in different directions. Maria's family moved across the country for her dad’s job, and Leo went off to study engineering in a distant city. For a few years, their communication dwindled to occasional holiday texts. Their lives changed: Leo got married and started a busy career, and Maria traveled the world, documenting wildlife. Sometimes, they wondered if the promise they made under the oak tree was just a silly childhood dream. Then, ten years after their last meeting, Maria found herself back in their old town for a conservation project. She immediately called Leo.
What is the theme?
Friendship can defy the test of time
The baker pulled a tray of warm cookies from the oven, the sweet aroma filling the air. He carefully arranged them on a cooling rack, his mouth watering.
What can we infer?
Inference: The baker has just finished baking a batch of cookies, and they are fresh and delicious.
Marco clutched the crumpled tryout sheet, his palms damp. He watched as the coach called out names, each one met with a cheer from the group. His name wasn't called. He slowly folded the paper and shoved it into his pocket, his shoulders slumping.
What can we infer?
Inference: Marco did not make the team he tried out for, and he is feeling disappointed.
Lila dreamed of being the lead dancer in the seventh-grade ballet recital, but the part required mastering the difficult "Triple Pirouette," a move that felt impossible. Her classmate, Clara, seemed to pick up new steps effortlessly, often commenting that Lila was "too clunky." While Clara spent her free afternoons watching movies, Lila was always in the studio. She practiced after school, sacrificing her favorite video game time, and spent countless evenings standing on her tiptoes until her feet burned and her slippers rubbed painful blisters onto her heels. Her teacher, Ms. Tina, noticed the quiet determination; even when Lila fell twenty times in a row, she would simply stand back up, wipe the sweat from her brow, and try again, focusing intently on her form. By the week of the recital, Lila's movements had gained a smooth, strong precision, while Clara, relying solely on natural talent, was sloppy and unsure during the final audition. When Ms. Tina posted the cast list, Lila's name was at the top for the lead role. She had earned the spot, not through luck or easy talent, but through the hundreds of hours of persistent effort.
What is the theme?
Hard work pays off
Daily Double!!!!
The student nervously adjusted his tie as he waited outside the principal's office. He had been called down during his last class. He heard raised voices from within the office.
What can we infer?
Inference: The student is likely in trouble and is about to face consequences for his actions.
In the village of Genovia, they elected a "Harvest King" for one week to fairly share the yearly crops. This year, they chose Bobby, who seemed charming and promised fairness. Soon, though, the power began to change him. Bobby started using his authority to favor his friends, giving them the best of the harvest and the easiest jobs. When people questioned him, he simply said, "I am the King! My word is law!" He even started taking extra grain for himself while others went without.
What is the theme?
When in the wrong hands, power can be taken advantage of.
The musician tuned his guitar, his fingers moving deftly across the strings. He closed his eyes, listening to the resonant chords. He took a deep breath and began to play.
What can we infer?
Inference: The musician is preparing to perform, and he is focused and ready to share his music.
The classroom was a flurry of activity. Papers rustled, pencils scratched, and hushed whispers filled the air. Mr. Henderson paced between desks, his brow furrowed. The clock on the wall seemed to tick louder with each passing second.
What can we infer?
Inference: The students are taking a test or working on an important assignment under a time constraint.
The cheerful village of Troy fell silent under a creeping gloom called the Shadow, a dark magic that stole color and laughter, leaving everyone cold and suspicious. Young Ella, who held an unwavering inner light, heard from an elder about the Sunstone, a gem in the Whispering Caves said to amplify good intentions. The elder warned her that the caves were filled with the Shadow's tricks. Inside, the Shadow whispered doubts and showed Ella frightening illusions, trying to extinguish her courage. But Ella focused on her memories of happy times and the pure joy of helping others, refusing to let fear take root. Her defense was not a weapon, but persistent hope and kindness. When she finally found the Sunstone, her goodness poured into it, making the gem glow with a gentle, golden light. As she left the caves, the light spread across Troy, slowly dissolving the gloom. Flowers bloomed, and laughter returned.
What is the theme?
Good will overcome evil
The scientist peered through the microscope, her eyes widening in surprise. She scribbled notes furiously, her excitement growing with each observation.
What can we infer?
Inference: The scientist has made a significant discovery or observation that is causing her excitement.
When Susie was 15, her cat suddenly passed away due to old age. After going through the grieving process, she came to realize her calling in life... Opening an animal rescue sanctuary for senior cats.
What is the theme?
Sadness can be turned into personal growth
The child sat on the floor, surrounded by scattered puzzle pieces. He frowned, picking up a piece and trying to fit it into place. He sighed, pushing the puzzle away.
What can we infer?
Inference: The child is frustrated with the puzzle and is giving up on completing it.
The dog's tail wagged furiously as its owner approached, a leash dangling from his hand. The dog barked excitedly, jumping and spinning in circles. The owner chuckled and clipped the leash on, opening the door..
What can we infer?
Inference: The dog is about to go for a walk and is very happy about it.
16 year old Gina and Carl lived on opposite sides of The Great Stream, a vast, powerful river that rushed through their valley. Their families, the farming settlers of the West Bank and the fishing families of the East Bank, had been locked in a bitter rivalry for generations over who controlled the river’s resources. The two sides were forbidden to speak, let alone meet. Yet, Gina and Carl had become friends, communicating with notes hidden in floating gourds they launched at secret spots. One spring, the annual rains were catastrophic, turning The Great Stream into a raging, destructive torrent that washed away homes and fields on both banks. Carl's younger sister was swept away by the floodwaters and clung desperately to a rocky outcrop near Gina's side of the river. Seeing the panic and helplessness on Carl's face from across the churning water, Gina didn't hesitate. Ignoring the shouts of her fearful neighbors, she used a coil of rope and a thick, half-submerged log, daring the rapids to reach the outcrop. She secured the child and signaled Carl, who risked his own life to cross a shallow but dangerous bend.
What is the theme?
Rivalries can be overlooked in the face of friendship
The hiker reached the summit, the wind whipping around him. He took a deep breath, gazing at the panoramic view spread out before him. He pulled out a worn map and compass.
What can we infer?
Inference: The hiker is enjoying the view after a difficult climb and is preparing to continue his journey.
A tortoise named Todd and a hare named Harvey decided to have a foot race! Harvey started off the race by talking smack and bragging about his fancy footwork. Todd remained calm and humble. During the race, Harvey tripped over a tree root; spraining his ankle, and leaving him incapable of running. Todd took the race at his normal pace and ultimately took 1st place.
What is the theme?
Slow and steady wins the race/ good things to those who are humble.
The gardener knelt in the flowerbed, her hands gently pruning the rose bushes. She noticed a tiny bud just beginning to open. She smiled, her eyes filled with satisfaction.
What can we infer?
Inference: The gardener is pleased with the progress of her garden and is enjoying the signs of new growth.
Daily Double!!!!
Sarah stared out the window, her breath fogging the glass. The sky was a dull gray, and a fine mist hung in the air. She pulled her sweater tighter around her, shivering slightly.
What can we infer?
Inference: The weather is cold and damp, and Sarah is feeling chilled.
In the milkweed patch behind the old barn, a fierce competition was beginning. Hundreds of tiny Monarch butterfly caterpillars had hatched, and they all needed to eat the same milkweed leaves to grow strong enough for their great migration south. This was the law of nature. Among them were two caterpillars, a large, aggressive one named Brute and a smaller, more cautious one named Pip. Brute would push others aside, gulping down the largest leaves without sharing. He grew fast and heavy. Pip, realizing he couldn't compete with Brute's size, focused on what Brute ignored: the tougher, less desirable leaves on the lower stems and the undersides of the plant. While Brute gained weight quickly, his constant fighting drew the attention of a hungry blue jay. One afternoon, the bird swooped in and, finding the largest, most obvious target, snatched Brute. Pip, who was tucked away, blending in on a lower stem, was safe. Pip continued to eat steadily and thoughtfully, growing strong in his own way. When the time came to form his chrysalis, Pip had conserved more energy and learned how to stay hidden. He successfully transformed and emerged as a beautiful, strong butterfly.
What is the theme?
Survival of the fittest
The mechanic slid out from under the car, wiping grease from his hands. He frowned, shaking his head. He walked over to the customer, his expression grim.
What can we infer?
Inference: The mechanic has found a serious problem with the car and is about to deliver bad news to the customer.
What is theme?
The overarching message or lesson associated with a story.
The student walked into the empty auditorium, the stage lights casting long shadows. He pulled a crumpled script from his backpack, and began to read aloud.
What can we infer?
Inference: The student is practicing for a play or performance, and he is taking his role seriously.