Minds On
Defining inferences
Examine the image and/or its description below. What do you notice? What can you infer?
Press ‘Hint’ to reveal the definition of inference.
Inference: using clues from a text and what you know to reach a conclusion.
Two people are jogging through a park along a path on a sunny day. People are cycling and walking and an adult and child are looking in a baby carriage. There are leaves on the trees, the grass is green and people are wearing shirts and shorts or light pants.
Take a moment to reflect on the following questions.
- What predictions can you make about this image and/or its description?
- What conclusions can you make about this image and/or its description?
Record your responses using a method of your choice.
Action
Making inferences
Making inferences involves “reading between the lines” and filling in information that the author doesn’t provide us with.
To make inferences it’s important to use a combination of clues in the text and your prior knowledge or experience. This will allow you to go back and update your thinking as you gather more information.
Explore the following scenarios. Then, use the clues in the text and what you know to make inferences about what is happening in each scenario.
Scenario 1
Just as the sun begins to rise, I reach the top of the highest mountain I have ever climbed. The soft clouds blanket the mountain tops. I feel like I could reach out and touch them. In front of me are endless peaks. I can’t believe I made it to the top. I raise my arms and open my mouth to shout… but I can hear someone calling my name. Wait, what? The bell rings. I shut my book, it’s time to go to my next class. All I can wonder is what would happen next?
Scenario 2
As the sun begins to set, people move along the busy streets. They are rushing to catch a bus or train, or catching up with their friends.
Scenario 3
School’s out at last! It’s time to fly… home. First, I need my favourite shirt. Then, my goggles and my special hat. I grab my skateboard and run out the door to find the perfect spot. A large empty parking lot stretches out in front of me. I lie down on the skateboard and use my hands to push me forward. 3…2…1…lift-off! I stretch my arms out and feel a rush of cool air on my skin. Have you ever wanted to soar like a bird?
Scenario 4
Miko can always smell when a storm is coming and was pacing around the room before I even noticed that that sky was darkening. Just moments ago, the waves rolled and crashed against the cliffs. I felt the thunder rumble before the lightning lit up the skit. Now, the water is calm and sooth like glass. We walk outside, sinking into the wet grass, water squelching. The air, once heavy and humid, is now cool and clear. The clouds have parted, and the sun covers the sea cliffs in light. I look over at Miko and wonder, "how are you feeling now?"
Press ‘Scenarios 1-4’ to explore all scenarios at once.
Scenario 1: Just as the sun begins to rise, I reach the top of the highest mountain I have ever climbed. The soft clouds blanket the mountain tops. I feel like I could reach out and touch them. In front of me are endless peaks. I can’t believe I made it to the top. I raise my arms and open my mouth to shout… but I can hear someone calling my name. Wait, what? The bell rings. I shut my book, it’s time to go to my next class. All I can wonder is what would happen next?
Scenario 2: Cars honking, brakes screeching, the chatter of people on their cellphones. As the sun begins to set, people move along the busy streets. Rushing to catch a bus or train or catching up with their friends. Many have finished their day and are on their way home. But, it’s time for me to start my day. I wonder if I’ll be working with Dr. Connors again today? How many patients will come through the doors?
Scenario 3: School’s out at last! It’s time to fly… home. First, I need my favourite shirt. Then, my goggles and my special hat. I grab my skateboard and run out the door to find the perfect spot. A large empty parking lot stretches out in front of me. I lie down on the skateboard and use my hands to push me forward. 3…2…1…lift-off! I stretch my arms out and feel a rush of cool air on my skin. Have you ever wanted to soar like a bird?
Scenario 4: Miko can always smell the storm coming. Even before I noticed the sky darken, I could see him pacing around the room. Just moments ago, the waves rolled and crashed against the cliffs. I had felt the thunder rumble before lightning lit up the sky. Now, the water is calm and smooth like glass. We walk outside, sinking into the wet grass, water squelching. The air once heavy and humid was now cool and clear. The clouds parted and the sun covered the sea cliffs in light. I look over at Miko, and wonder: how is he feeling now?
Complete the Inference Organizer in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.
| Scenario | Clues from the text | What I know | My inference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Inference Organizer.
Consolidation
Bringing it all together
Create a detailed scenario that someone could use to make inferences. You can record your scenario using a method of your choice.
Then, create an “answer key” with possible inferences. Be sure to include the information you used to make each inference (i.e., what clues from the text and background knowledge).
Record your answers in the Inferences Chart below or using another method of your choice.
| Clues from the text | What I know | My inference |
|---|---|---|
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Inferences Chart.
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel...
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.