Inference involves using clues from a text to draw conclusions, even if they are not directly stated. It differs from prediction in that inferences made may or may not be resolved by the end of the story, while predictions will be answered. To make inferences, readers must ask questions as they read to determine characters' feelings, motives for actions, and other implications not explicitly stated. Frequent questioning aids inference and ensures comprehension of the full meaning.

1. Inference:
A Reading Strategy

2. What is inference?
• Inference is reading all of the clues
and making your best guess.
• Inference is similar to prediction but
they are not the same.
• When inferring, you are using all
clues to draw conclusions about
what is being read.

3. What is the difference between prediction
and inference?
• When you make predictions, your prediction will be
proven by the end of the story. When inferring, you
may or may not know the answer to your question by
the end of the story.
• When predicting, you are focusing on what will
happen in the story. When inferring, you are making
a guess about what a character will do, how a
character feels, and other judgments.
• Prediction = answered by the end of the story
• Inference = may or may not be answered by the end
of the story

4. When do you make inferences?
• As a reader, you can make inferences
DURING reading.
• As a reader, you need to ask yourself
questions as you read and make
inferences based on what you have
read. These inferences may not be
about what will happen next.

5. How do you make inferences?
• Inferences are made by questioning
during the story.
• Ask yourself about why a character
does something, how a character feels,
etc.
• To make an inference during reading,
you must question yourself.

6. Questions to inferring in a text?
• What will happen next and why?
• What clues have led you to think that?
• Why did that character do that?
• How does that character feel?
• Why did the author write this story?
• Inference allows for many more
questions than prediction.

7. Conclusion
• Inferring requires the reader to ask
questions during reading. Predicting
requires the reader to ask questions before
and during reading.
• Making inferences is a way to check for
understanding.
• Making inferences requires the use of
additional strategies to ensure
comprehension.