Making Inferences
What is an inference?
• Definition: A logical conclusion based on
evidence and prior knowledge. Referred to
as “reading between the lines.”
• Text Evidence + What You Already Know =
INFERENCE
To make an inference you will need to:
1.) Look for evidence or details from the text.
2.) Use your mind and think about what you
already know (background knowledge).
3.) Base your conclusion or make your
inference.
Practice
Tommy and Sarah stepped off the school bus. Sarah said, “I
smell smoke.” Tommy pointed and yelled, “Sarah, look at
the smoke coming out of that house!” Then, they both
heard a loud siren.
Based on this passage, you can infer that –
A.) The house is on fire, and someone called to report it.
B.) The house is on fire, but only Tommy and Sarah know.
C.) Someone was burning leaves in the backyard.
D.) This is a fire drill.
Inferences in “The Necklace”
Details about
Characters
Madame Loisel
married her husband
because she had no
other prospects. (224)
Mme. Loisel desires
fancy clothes and
jewelry. (226)
Personal Experience
My Inference
People are usually
frustrated when they
do something simply
because they feel they
have no other choice.
She didn’t really
choose to marry her
husband and probably
feels frustrated.
Inferences in “The Necklace”
Details about
Characters
Mme. Forestier allows
Mme. Losiel to borrow
her necklace. (228)
Mme. Loisel dances all
night and leaves the
party at 4:00 a.m. (229)
Personal Experience
My Inference
Inferences in “The Necklace”
Details about
Characters
Mme. Loisel works for
ten years to pay back
the debt of the
necklace. (231)
Personal Experience
My Inference
Inferences in “The Necklace”
Details about
Characters
Personal Experience
My Inference
Madame Loisel
married her husband
because she had no
other prospects. (224)
People are usually
frustrated when they
do something simply
because they feel they
have no other choice.
She didn’t really
choose to marry her
husband and probably
feels frustrated.
Mme. Loisel desires
fancy clothes and
jewelry. (226)
Superficial people like
superficial things.
Mme. Loisel values
superficial things.
Inferences in “The Necklace”
Details about
Characters
Personal Experience
My Inference
Mme. Forestier allows
Mme. Losiel to borrow
her necklace. (228)
I would not let just
anyone borrow my
jewelry.
Mme. Forestier trusts
Mme. Loisel.
Mme. Loisel dances all
night and leaves the
party at 4:00 a.m. (229)
People stay late at
parties when they are
having a good time.
Mme. Loisel enjoyed
herself at the party.
Inferences in “The Necklace”
Details about
Characters
Personal Experience
My Inference
Mme. Loisel works for
ten years to pay back
the debt of the
necklace. (231)
People who work hard
to pay off debt are
trying to take
responsibility.
Mme. Loisel accepts
being poor and in debt.