An inference is a conclusion drawn from known facts or evidence. The document provides examples of making inferences from pictures by identifying clues that provide context. It also gives an example of making an inference without a picture by determining what activity is being described. The document emphasizes that inferences are based on prior knowledge combined with evidence from the text or pictures.

1. Inferences

2. What Is an Inference?
• A guess you make after thinking about what
you already know.
• For Example:
– Suppose you are going to the post office. From
what you already know about the post office, you
might infer that you will wait in line at the counter.
You can assume that when it is your turn, you will
pay the fee for the services you need.

3. Let’s make some
inferences from some
pictures….

4. How do you think this person feels?
What clues let you know how he feels?

5. Where do you think this person is?
What clues help you to know that?

6. What was this dog doing?
What clues help you know that?

7. Now try it without a picture:
• Waiting in the long line for just a quick rush of
pleasure almost doesn’t seem worth it, but
when the wind is rushing in my face and
causing me cheeks to stretch back, I can’t stop
smiling. The sharp twists and turns cause my
stomach to churn, but I want to keep going
forever!
• What am I doing?

8. Practice Making Inferences
• Laura had $5.00. Her mother had given the money to
her so that she could buy a present for her brother.
While Laura was shopping, she saw a book she had
been wanting to read. It cost $4.50.
Fact Inference
A. Laura had $5.00
B. The book cost $4.50
C. Laura bought the book she
wanted.
D. She didn’t have a present to give
her brother.

9. Read the following story:
• “A package came for you today,” Greg’s mother said
as he walked in. “I think it’s from Aunt Ginny.” Greg
peeled the tape from the box and ripped off the
brown paper. He tore off the gift wrap to find a
stuffed bear inside. Aunt Ginny never seemed to
realize that he was no longer three years old and
hadn’t been for more than seven years. Then he
thought about the trouble Aunt Ginny had gone
through to select the present and mail it. Greg sat
down at the kitchen table with a pen and paper.

10. Inference Chart
Prior Knowledge Evidence from Text My Inference
•I know that people get •Greg tore the gift •It was Greg’s birthday
packages for special wrap off the package •He did not like the
occasions •Aunt Ginny never present very much
•I know that if I was a seemed to realize that •He wrote Aunt Ginny
10 year old boy I he was no longer a thank-you note for
wouldn’t want a teddy three years old the present
bear. •Greg sat down at the
•I know that you are kitchen table with a
supposed to write pen and paper
thank-you notes when
you receive a gift.