Tom is frustrated about something that occurred during a sports game, as evidenced by him clenching his fists tightly and storming off without a word after the game. Hannah is excitedly unwrapping a present, giggling and squealing with delight as she tears off the wrapping paper. Fred becomes sad while paying for chocolate, as he notices a picture of his late wife Molly in his wallet and has a lonely night ahead without her.

1. Inference detectives: Looking for clues
Read the excerpts and write your inferences in the box below.
Think about . . .
• Who the character might be (old, young, sporty, brainy etc) •
• What kind of person the character is (kind, thoughtful, nasty, selfish, etc) •
• How the character is feeling at that moment and why
• Where and when this action is taking place
1 Tom clenched his fists until the knuckles were white. He sighed deeply, stood up and
stormed toward the door without saying another word. He opened the door and slammed it behind
him. His ten team mates sat staring at each other in stunned silence.
Tom is frustrated about something
His team lost the game
2 Hannah’s eyes grew as big as saucers and she began to clap her tiny hands together. As
soon as the present was within reach, she grabbed it and began ripping off the paper. She was
giggling and squealing with delight.
Hannah couldn't wait to get her present
Hannah was excited
Hannah wants to dive in and get her present
3 Fred hobbled toward the counter. He reached into his pocket and with a shaking hand pulled
out his old leather wallet. As he got his money out, he noticed the picture of his wife Molly. All of a
sudden his eyes became sad and after paying for his chocolate he quickly put his wallet back into
his pocket. Thanking the shop assistant he left the shop and headed home for a lonely night in
Fred is sad because his wife has died wants her back
Fred is an old man
Fred wants her back
Fred is always thinking of her