Making Inferences in a Story

Making Inferences in a Story exercise

• Find clues to make inferences.

  Hints

  A character's words are marked by inverted commas like in this example:

  "Hello," said Sam.

  Actions are things that we do such as waving, smiling or giving something to someone.

  There are three options to highlight in green and two in violet.

  Solution

  These actions and words support the inference that Peyton likes Hewie and Hewie in return is flattered and pleased.

  Words in violet:

  • "I saved this seat just for you"
  • "Thanks"

  Actions in green:

  • Peyton waved to Hewie and smiled.
  • Peyton handed Hewis his favourite type of cookie.
  • Hewie looked down as he smiled and blushed.

• Link evidence and inferences.

  Hints

  What emotion is Zayd feeling when he realises he may miss the sunset? Is this emotion mentioned on the right?

  If you run for the door, are you taking your time or trying to get somewhere faster?

  Why does Zayd say "Look at this icing job" before he mentions missing the sunset? Is it because it went well or turned out badly?

  Solution

  • A smile spread across his face at the sound of his voice. This shows us that Zayd was excited to talk to Maurice.
  • When Zayd says "Look at this icing job" it suggests Zayd made a mistake making his cake because he was distracted.
  • "Now I'm going to be late. I might miss the sunset!" Zayd sighed. This indicates that Zayd felt disappointed.
  • Zayd reached for the keys to his bicycle lock and ran for the door. This shows us that Zayd will ride his bike to the beach to try to get there faster.

• Make inferences about the text.

  Hints

  Text in bold is evidence to give you hints.

  If Ari is already late, is there any evidence to suggest they are saving time and will catch up?

  What does the evidence, they did not see the toys left out on the floor and their feet suddenly flew up suggest happened?

  Do you wear a coat when it is warm or hot outside?

  There are three correct choices and three incorrect.

  Solution

  • From the text, "one arm pulling the other into a coat", we can infer that it is cold outside.
  • From the text, "they did not see the toys left out on the floor", "Owwww!" Ari yelled", and "their feet suddenly flew up", we can infer that Ari slipped and fell on some toys.
  • Since Ari was already late, and we believe they also had a small accident, we can infer that Ari will be late for school.

• Link evidence and inferences.

  Hints

  What emotion are people feeling when they sigh? Are any of these emotions mentioned on the right?

  Melancholy means feeling a little down and sad.

  Is there any mention of hail, lightning or thunder to indicate a storm?

  Why did the drumming noise on the roof stop?

  From the text we know the grass was wet and it was sunny. What is something that sometimes occurs with this type of weather?

  Solution

  • From the text, "as he looked out of the window and sighed, he couldn't imagine it would ever end" we can infer that Zayd was in a melancholy mood.
  • From the text, "the drumming sound on the roof had only been getting louder for the last hour" we can infer that it was raining heavily.
  • From the text, "suddenly, the noise stopped" we can infer that it stopped raining.
  • From the text, "sun was shining over the fresh wet grass, and Zayd could see something beautiful in the sky" we can infer that Zayd saw a rainbow.

• Use the text to make an inference.

  Hints

  Look in the text for clues. Is the sun strong enough to give someone sunburn?

  Does Ari do or say anything to suggest they will go for a swim or play volleyball? Is there any mention of a ball, the water or a net?

  Solution

  The correct answer is Ari will get sunburnt.

  We know from the text that Ari forgot their sun cream.
  We also know that they looked up and shrugged, which suggests Ari was not going to worry about it.
  We know from the text that the sun was hot and high in the sky, so we can assume it is strong enough to give someone sunburn.
  We know from the text that Ari laid down and began to close their eyes, which suggests they will probably fall asleep in the strong sun.
  All of this supports the inference that Ari will get sunburnt.

• Make inferences from evidence.

  Hints

  After being outside on a very hot day, do you feel more hungry or thirsty?

  If Hewie is lactose intolerant, would he choose to drink milk?

  If there are biscuits at the bottom of the biscuit tin, will it make a 'clink' sound when Hewie puts his hand in?

  If you had an afternoon like Hewie, how would you feel?

  Solution

  • Using the text, "scorching hot summer day" and "made his way to the fridge" we can infer that Hewie is thirsty.
  • Using the text, "Ewww!" Hewie howled" and "spitting the milk back out" we can infer that the milk is sour.
  • Using the text, "he heard only a 'clink'" and "he groaned" we can infer that the biscuit tin is empty.
  • Since we have gathered that Hewie is thirsty, the milk is sour and the biscuit tin is empty, we can make a last inference that Hewie is in a very bad mood.