4 Making Inferences

Stated and inferred information

Readers do not always find every answer stated directly in a passage. Sometimes they must make an inference by combining textual clues with relevant knowledge. A sound inference is a reasonable conclusion supported by evidence in the passage, not a random guess.

Distinguish what the passage says

Directly stated information is written clearly in the passage, and you can point to the words that give the answer. Inferred information is suggested by clues but is not said outright; readers combine the clues with relevant knowledge to work out a reasonable conclusion.

For example, a passage might say, “Maya shook water from her umbrella and hung her wet coat by the door.” It directly states that Maya’s coat is wet, but it does not directly state the weather. The wet outerwear and umbrella are clues from which you may infer that it has been raining.

Build and check an inference

Use a sequence of steps to make and check an inference:

1. Notice the question. Identify what you need to figure out.

2. Find relevant clues. Look for details in the passage that help answer the question.

3. Connect the clues. Add only background knowledge that fits the passage.

4. State your conclusion. Explain how the clues support it.

5. Check your thinking. Make sure the conclusion makes sense and is not contradicted by another detail. New information may require you to revise an inference.

A useful way to explain your reasoning is: “The passage says ____. I know ____. So I infer ____.”

Keep conclusions within the evidence

Luis glanced at the clock, zipped his backpack, and ran toward the bus stop. As he reached the corner, the bus pulled away.

The passage directly states that Luis looked at the clock, ran toward the bus stop, and saw the bus pull away. A reasonable inference is that he was probably trying to catch the bus and may have missed it. The passage does not say why he ran or whether he planned to ride the bus, so the conclusion should be phrased as likely, not certain.

Use evidence carefully

A good inference can be traced to specific details in the passage. If you cannot identify clues that support your conclusion, it may be a guess. Readers may sometimes draw different conclusions, but each conclusion should fit the passage and be supported by evidence.

For example, Nora opens her science notebook, places a magnifying glass beside it, and examines a leaf. One reasonable inference is that she is probably observing or studying the leaf. The notebook and magnifying glass support that conclusion, but the passage does not state her exact purpose.