Inference Review Sheet
by Jamie Selinger
April 10, 2008
Inference Review Sheet
Inference = using clues to figure out something that is not directly stated
Types of Inference
- Action – an inference about what is going on or what someone is doing
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- In infer from the word “dribbling” that the boys are playing either soccer or basketball.
- Audience – an inference about the type of people a text was aimed at (written for)
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- In infer that this article about tax laws is for accountants or business people.
- Author’s bias – an inference about the author’s likes/dislikes/preferences. For example, is the author praising or criticizing the subject of the text?
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- I infer that this author thinks that Tom Brady is a great player and a great guy.
- Category – an inference about what group someone or something fits into
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- I infer that these point are all reasons why children shouldn’t watch too much TV.
- Cause/Effect – an inference about what caused the events or issues in the text OR an inference about what might result from the events or issues in the text
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- I infer that this problem was caused by students not putting forth enough effort. I infer that the effect will be that some of them will not pass their classes.
- Characteristic – an inference about a trait or characteristic the author is suggesting someone or something in the text possesses
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- I infer that this person is very caring. I also infer that this school is very overcrowded.
- Cultural – an inference about what culture is being discussed
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- I infer that these people are Native Americans.
- Emotion – an inference about how someone feels
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- I infer that man is really proud since his daughter just graduated from college.
- Literary – an inference about what an author means by a particular figure of speech
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- When you say, “dying of hunger,” I infer that you’re not actually dying but just really, really hungry.
- Location – an inference about where something takes place
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- I infer that they’re at a farm.
- Object – an inference about what something is
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- I infer that the author is talking about a barn.
- Occupation – an inference about someone’s job
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- I infer that the man the author is talking about is a fireman.
- Purpose – an inference about why the author wrote the text
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- I infer that this author is trying to convince people to eat healthier.
- Time/Era – an inference about the time of day, season, or time period in which the events or story takes place
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- I infer that these events were taking place in the ‘30s during the Great Depression.
There Are Two Places to Look for Inferences
- As you read – Make an inference based on the clues in a sentence or paragraph.
- After you read – Make an inference based on clues given throughout the text.
Types of Inference You Can Always Find
- Purpose
- Audience
- Author’s Bias
- Characteristic
Plus You Can Usually Find
- Emotion
- Cause/Effect
