How to Make Inferences and Draw Conclusions
How to Make Inferences and Draw Conclusions
When an author writes a story, he or she doesn't always include everything a reader needs to know. For example, an author may not come right out and tell you that a character is unhappy, but he may show you that a character is unhappy because of the things he says or does.
An author might not tell you that a story takes place in the country, but you may guess that a story takes place in the country because the characters live on a farm and take care of animals all day long.
When you must figure something out on your own while reading, you are making an inference or drawing a conclusion.
Imagine reading a book with all pictures that contains the image below:
The book doesn't have any words, but from the picture you can infer the following:
- The story is set in space
- The astronaut is in trouble
- There is no one else around
- The alien dog does not think the astronaut is dangerous
When you make an inference, connect what the text says with what you know in your head to read between the lines and come up with a meaning.
WHAT THE TEXT SAYS + WHAT I KNOW = INFERENCE OR CONCLUSION
You can make inferences, by using statements like the following:
- The book said _______ which made me think...
- When I read ______ it made me realize...
- I can tell ______ is ______ because...
- Maybe he/she will...
- Perhaps the character...
- I think...
- I wonder if ______ because...
EXAMPLE
Let's look at another picture and see how we can make inferences or draw conclusions:
WHAT THE TEXT SAYS + WHAT I KNOW = INFERENCE OR CONCLUSION
The picture had puddles on the ground and the tree didn't have many leaves. I know that trees don't have many leaves in the Spring, so it must be Spring.
I wonder if it takes place in the country because there is a wooden fence.
It looks like a nice day because the sun is shining.
EXAMPLE
Now try this one:
How old do you think this girl is?
What kind of personality do you think she has?
What else do you know about her?
WHAT THE TEXT SAYS + WHAT I KNOW = INFERENCE OR CONCLUSION
Maybe you thought the following:
She is tall, wears lipstick, and has on trendy clothes. I know teenagers can wear makeup and usually have trendy clothes. She must be a teenager.
She is friendly because she is waving and smiling.
She is fashionable because she is wearing nice clothes. You might also infer that she is popular because she is friendly and dresses well.
Now that you know how to make inferences and draw conclusions while looking at a picture, you're ready to tackle making inferences with words.
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