Core Skills Workout: Making Inferences
DRAMA: Into the Maze of Doom, pages 11-16
December 2016/ January 2017
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Making Inferences
Making an inference means using clues from the text to figure out something the author doesn’t tell you directly.
Directions: Answer the questions or follow the directions that appear in italics to fill in what’s missing from the chart. We
completed the first row for you.
Clues
1. In Scene 1, King Minos and Ariadne discuss
Inference
Theseus’ entering the maze:
What does this exchange reveal about how Ariadne
really feels about her father’s plans for Theseus?
Minos: It is time for this prince to enter the maze and
meet our monster. Wouldn’t you agree, Ariadne?
N3: Ariadne locks eyes with Theseus.
Ariadne (quietly): Yes, father.
You can infer from the fact that Ariadne “locks
eyes with Theseus” and speaks quietly that she
doesn’t agree with her father’s decision to send
Theseus, or any of the Athenians, into the maze.
2. In Scene 2, after Aegeus tells Theseus about
sending Athenians into the maze, Theseus
volunteers to go:
What do these lines reveal about the relationship
between King Aegeus and Theseus?
N2: Aegeus slams his fist on the table.
Aegeus: I will not send you to your death!
Theseus: Father, I am strong and clever. I will slay this
beast so that no others must die.
Aegeus (softly): I could not bear to lose you.
3. Find two lines that support the inference on
the right.
Theseus is courageous and heroic.
©2016 BY SCHOLASTIC INC. TEACHERS MAY PROJECT OR MAKE COPIES OF THIS PAGE TO DISTRIBUTE TO STUDENTS.
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Core Skills Workout: Making Inferences
DRAMA: Into the Maze of Doom, pages 11-16
December 2016/ January 2017
Clues
4. In Scene 4, Theseus tries to convince Minos to free
him and the other Athenian youths:
Inference
What do these lines reveal about how Minos was
affected by his son’s death?
Theseus: I am sorry for your loss, but all this killing will
not bring your son back.
Minos: You know nothing of my pain.
N3: Ariadne places her hand on her father’s shoulder.
I n Scene 6, Theseus tells Ariadne he has defeated
the Minotaur:
Ariadne: My father . . . he will not understand. His heart
is twisted with grief.
5. Find two lines that support the inference on
the right.
Theseus admires Ariadne.
6. F ind two lines from the play that support the
inference on the right.
Theseus will likely face consequences for killing
the Minotaur and freeing the Athenians.
©2016 BY SCHOLASTIC INC. TEACHERS MAY PROJECT OR MAKE COPIES OF THIS PAGE TO DISTRIBUTE TO STUDENTS.
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