Making Inferences
An inference is a clever guess using clues from the text and what you already know. Good readers "read between the lines."
What You Need to Know
When we make an inference, we figure out something that is not directly stated in the text. We use clues from the text plus our prior knowledge to make a logical guess. For example, if a story says "Tom put on his coat and grabbed his umbrella," we can infer it is raining outside — even though the author never says so.
Key Concepts
Text Clues
Information in the text
Prior Knowledge
What you already know
Inference
Clues + knowledge = inference
Read Between Lines
Find hidden meaning
How to make an inference:
- Read the text carefully and look for clues.
- Think: "What do I already know about this?"
- Put the clues and your knowledge together to make a logical guess.
- Check that your inference makes sense with the text.
Key Vocabulary
Inference
A logical conclusion based on clues in the text and prior knowledge — not directly stated.
Clue
A piece of evidence in the text that helps you work out something that is not stated directly.
Prior Knowledge
What you already know from experience and learning. You use this to help make inferences.
Explicit
Information that is clearly stated in the text. The opposite of an inference.
Knowledge Check
Read each passage and use clues to answer the questions.
Question 1
What can you infer about the weather?
Question 2
What can you infer about how Jake is feeling?
Question 3
What can you infer about the weather?
Question 4
Where can you infer Lily is?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●An inference is a conclusion we make that is NOT directly stated in the text.
- ●We use text clues + prior knowledge to make inferences.
- ●Good readers "read between the lines" to understand hidden meaning.
- ●Always check that your inference makes sense with the clues in the text.