The document discusses the concept of inference, defining it as the process of reaching conclusions based on facts or evidence. It emphasizes the importance of observation, critical thinking, and reflection in drawing inferences and provides examples and questions to aid understanding. The target audience is English language learners, aiming to enhance their comprehension and critical thinking skills.

1. Inference
Definition
Process
Purpose
Topic: Inference - Open Educational Resources (OER)
Audience: English language learners
Published by: G&R Languages – September, 2013
Images courtesy of ClipArt
Photos courtesy of ClipArt and RZP
Uhmm…
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2. Inference
• What is it?
• How do we learn about it?
• Why is it important?
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3. Inference
What is it?
• Observation?
• Reasoning?
• Prediction?
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4. Inference
It is NOT
• Observation
It is NOT
• Prediction
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5. Inference
Observation: to recognize a
fact or occurrence
Prediction: to recognize a
possible future occurrence
Inference: to reason, to make
an intelligent guess, to imply
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observation
http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/prediction 5

6. Inference
Definition
• Process of reaching a
conclusion based on facts
or evidence
http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/inference 6
Aha!

7. Inference
Conclusion based on facts
This must be either a new
pencil or one which has not
been used a lot.
http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/inference
Fact: a long pencil with an eraser
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8. Inference
Questions to discuss
• Why do you think this is a
new pencil?
• What makes you think that
it has not been used a lot?
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9. Inference
Conclusion based on facts
• This must be either an old
pencil or one which has
been used a lot.
http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/inference
Fact: a small pencil without an eraser
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10. Inference
Questions to discuss
• Why do you think this is an
old pencil?
• What makes you think that
it has been used a lot?
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11. Inference
How do we learn about it?
Observation = what we see
Inference = what we imply
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12. Inference
How do we learn about it?
• It does not come in a box
• It is not clearly displayed
• It requires you to think
• It requires you to deduce
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13. Inference
Process
• Observe
• Think critically
• Propose questions
• Draw conclusions
Figure
out!
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14. Inference
Observation
• The boy is crying
• The boy is hurt
Inference based on facts
• The boy must have fallen
Figure
out!
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15. Inference
Observation
• He is tired
• The baby is asleep
Inference based on facts
• The baby may have taken a
while to fall asleep
Figure
out!
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16. Inference
Purpose
Critical thinking
Comprehension
Conclusion
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17. Inference
It helps you:
Learn to think critically
Reflect on how you think
Read at a higher level
Write stronger paragraphs
Figure out! If 2 + Y = 6 Y = 6 – 2 Then Y = 4 17

18. Inference
Think critically
Figure out
Imply
Topic: Inference - Open Educational Resources (OER)
Audience: English language learners
Published by: G&R Languages – September, 2013
Images courtesy of ClipArt
Photos courtesy of ClipArt and RZP
References used:
Tereza Diaz: Making Inferences with Text -SlideShare
http://www.slideshare.net/tdiaz4/making-inferences-ppt-lesson
Emily Kissner: Making Inferences, Making Meaning -SlideShare
http://www.slideshare.net/elkissn/making-inferences-5569878
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