Reading

Inference

Parent Note: What does it mean to infer?

When students begin working on reading comprehension, many questions focus on the 5 Ws: Who? What? When? Where? Why? In some cases, students may also answer How?

Many of these answers can be found directly in the text.

Inference questions require a different kind of thinking. When students infer, they use clues from the passage along with what they already know to make an educated assumption about what is happening.

Inferring is not guessing randomly. It is using: Text clues + prior knowledge = inference

This is a skill that needs to be practiced.

When talking with your child about a story, picture, situation, or topic, you can ask:

“What do you already know about this topic?”

This helps activate your child’s thinking. Instead of only receiving information from the passage, your child begins contributing what they already understand and using that knowledge to make meaning.

Here are some examples your child can practice.

Short Inference Passage 1 — Everyday Situation

Student Version

Jada looked at the clock and jumped up from the couch. She shoved her notebook into her backpack and ran to the door. Her mom called, “Don’t forget your lunch!” Jada grabbed the lunch bag and hurried outside.

Questions

Where is Jada probably going?
What clues helped you know?
How is Jada feeling?
What clue tells you that?

Possible Answers

She is probably going to school.
She grabbed her notebook, backpack, and lunch.
She may feel rushed or late.
She jumped up, shoved her notebook in her backpack, and hurried outside.

Short Inference Passage 2 — Prior Knowledge Needed

Student Version

Malik walked into the kitchen and stopped. The floor was wet, and the dog was sitting under the table with his tail tucked low. A cup was on its side near the sink. Malik’s little sister pointed at the dog and said, “He did it.”

Questions

What probably happened in the kitchen?
What clues are in the text?
Why might the dog be sitting with his tail tucked low?
Could the little sister be telling the truth? How do you know?

Possible Answers

A cup probably spilled, and water got on the floor.
The floor was wet, the cup was on its side, and the dog looked guilty or scared.
The dog may know someone is upset, or he may have knocked over the cup.
Maybe, but we do not know for sure. The sister blamed the dog, but she could be guessing or hiding what happened.

That fourth question is important because it teaches her not to over-infer. The text gives clues, but it does not prove everything.

Short Inference Passage 3 — Feelings

Student Version

Nina held her paper close to her chest. She looked at the big red A+ at the top and smiled. When her teacher walked by, Nina sat up straight and placed the paper neatly on her desk.

Questions

How does Nina probably feel?
What clues helped you know?
Why did Nina put the paper neatly on her desk?
What does this tell you about Nina?

Possible Answers

Proud or happy.
She smiled, held the paper close, and it had an A+.
She may have wanted the teacher to see it or she wanted to take care of it.
She cares about her work.

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