MAKING INFERENCES What is inference MAKING INFERENCE is

MAKING INFERENCES

What is ‘inference’? MAKING INFERENCE • is making conclusion by combining the clues from what you read, see or hear with your background knowledge. What clues do you get? What do I know? What is my inference?

HOW? What the author said Clues (from the text, from the picture, from observation) What I know Background knowledge (from previous experiences or learning) My Inference(s) Guessing (new understanding)

Sentences we use to make inferences • Perhaps, ____ • Perhaps, he is a doctor. Below 50% sure • Maybe, ____ • Maybe, she was late for work. 50% sure • I think ___ • I think the weather is nice. Above 50% sure • I’m sure ____ • I’m sure they are related. Almost 100% sure

FOR EXAMPLE Making inferences from pictures

Picture 1: What do you know? • Professional photographer uses sophisticated camera? • Someone who is holding a camera will use it to take picture • We can find big glass windows on a bus or train. Clues from the picture? • • Middle aged lady Wearing a cap Wearing glasses Checked shirt • Wearing earring • Holding a camera • Big glass windows • Looking out of the window Your inferences? • She is probably a professional photographer (she is holding a camera) • She is going to take a photograph • I think she is on a bus or train (she is taking a train or bus)

Picture 2 What do you know? • • • Clues from the picture? • • 1 baby girl 3 ladies 1 bicycle flowers • • Sunny day Big wall Casual clothing Look comfortable with each other Family look alike People wear casual clothing to attend casual events People cannot go to far when riding a bicycle Your inferences? • They are probably related (their faces look similar) • Perhaps, they are not far from home (they are riding a bicycle) • I think the weather is nice.

Try this! • Clues from the picture? • What you know? • Your inferences?

EXAMPLE 2 Making inferences from simple text

Number 1 What the text said We need Bob to help us. + what I know We need someone to help if we are in trouble. = my inference We are in trouble

What the text said The weather had been very hot for weeks. + what I know Summer is the hottest time of the year. = my inference It is summer.

What the text said Jane took out a bottle of cold water. + what I know = my inference You keep things cold in a refridgerator. Jane took the water out of the refridger-ator.

What the text said He took out some money from the pocket. + what I know = my inference