Inference means working something out from clues, like a detective. Writers often show rather than tell. They might not write “Ada was nervous”; instead they write “Ada's voice came out as small as a mouse.”
To infer, combine what the text says with what you already know. Small, quiet voices usually mean someone feels shy or scared, so you can infer that Ada is nervous.
Always back up your inference with evidence: the exact words from the text that gave you the clue. A good answer says what you think and why.
Worked example
Read: “Tom slammed the door and stomped up the stairs without a word.” How does Tom feel?
- Find the clues: slammed, stomped, without a word.
- People act like this when they are cross.
Answer:Tom feels angry, because he slams the door and stomps.
Key words
- infer
- work something out from clues
- evidence
- words from the text that prove your idea
- show, not tell
- when a writer gives clues instead of saying the feeling
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: RL.3.1, RL.3.3