Third graders are ready to move beyond literal comprehension and start reading between the lines, which is exactly what these making inferences worksheets help them practice. In Grade 3, making an inference means combining clues from a text with what you already know to figure out something the author did not say directly. This skill matters because most chapter books, science passages, and even word problems expect third grade readers to draw conclusions on their own.
Two common stumbling blocks at this age are guessing wildly without using any text evidence and assuming the answer must be stated word-for-word in the passage. Second graders mostly answered who, what, and where questions, but fourth grade reading will demand that students cite multiple clues and explain their thinking in writing.
These making inferences worksheets bridge that gap with short scenarios, fill-in-the-blank clues, matching activities, and multiple choice passages that build confidence step by step.
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Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.
Easy 
Making Inferences
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Sara yawned three times and rubbed her eyes. Sara is probably
2. The ground was white and the air was freezing. It must have
3. Ben smiled when he saw the grade on his test. He probably did
4. The kitten hid under the bed during the storm. The kitten felt
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. An inference is a guess based on clues from the text and what you already know.
T F
2. You can only make an inference if the author says the answer directly.
T F
3. Text clues are details in a story that help you figure things out.
T F
Making Inferences
Easy
Making Inferences
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Jake packed his glove, bat, and helmet. He is going to play
2. The flowers were drooping and the soil was dry. They needed
3. Emma was shivering and her teeth were chattering. She felt
4. The puppy dropped a ball at Ava's feet and barked. It wanted to
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. Making an inference means using clues plus what you already know.
T F
2. If a character is smiling, you can infer the character is probably sad.
T F
3. Good readers make inferences while they read a story.
T F
Making Inferences
Easy
Making Inferences
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The audience clapped loudly after the last song. They enjoyed the
2. Mom set out plates, forks, and napkins on the table. The family is getting ready to
3. The fire truck raced down the street with its siren on. There might be a
4. Tyler kept looking at the clock during class. He was probably
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. When you infer, you use clues in the text plus your own experience.
T F
2. If a character is frowning and stomping, you can infer the character is calm.
T F
3. Authors sometimes leave clues so readers can figure things out on their own.
T F
Making Inferences
Easy
Making Inferences
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The children built a snowman and threw snowballs. The weather outside is
2. The lifeguard blew her whistle and pointed at the deep end. Someone was not being
3. Ella's stomach growled loudly in the middle of class. She was probably
4. The mechanic crawled under the car with a wrench. He is going to
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. You can infer how a character feels by reading about what the character does.
T F
2. An inference should be a wild guess with no clues to support it.
T F
3. Pictures in a story can also give you clues to help make inferences.
T F
Making Inferences
Medium
Making Inferences
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The lights went out and everyone sang Happy Birthday. Someone is having a
2. Tom looked both ways before stepping off the curb. He was about to cross the
3. Maria put on her helmet and knee pads. She is probably going to ride her
4. The teacher asked everyone to take out a pencil and clear their desks. They are about to take a
5. Grandma put flour, sugar, and eggs on the counter. She is going to
6. Leo kept checking the clock and tapping his foot. He was feeling
7. The cat arched its back and hissed at the stranger. The cat felt
8. Rosa clapped her hands and jumped up and down after opening her gift. She was
9. Dad grabbed the leash from the hook by the door. He is going to walk the
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Anna wiped her eyes and sniffled.
→
It is getting ready for winter.
The boy put on his pajamas and brushed his teeth.
→
Someone made a fire inside.
The squirrel stuffed acorns into a hole in the tree.
→
She is probably sad or upset.
Smoke rose from the chimney of the cabin.
→
He is getting ready for bed.
Making Inferences
Medium
Making Inferences
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Jenny brought a wrapped box with a bow to the party. She brought a
2. The crowd cheered and the scoreboard changed. A team just scored a
3. Leaves were falling from the trees and the air felt cool. The season is
4. The baby reached for the bottle and started crying. The baby was probably
5. Marcus grabbed his raincoat before going outside. The weather is probably
6. The librarian held a finger to her lips and said "Shh." It was too
7. Sophie kept reading past her bedtime because she could not put the book down. The book was very
8. The sidewalk was covered in puddles. It must have
9. Kevin looked at the menu and told the waiter what he wanted. He is at a
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
The girl put a stamp on the envelope and walked outside.
→
Winter is coming soon.
All the students raised their hands at the same time.
→
She is going to mail a letter.
The man wore a white coat and used a stethoscope.
→
They all know the answer.
Birds flew south in a large group.
→
He is probably a doctor.
Making Inferences
Medium
Making Inferences
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The vet listened to the puppy's heartbeat and checked its ears. The puppy is at the
2. Carlos wore a cape and a mask for trick-or-treating. He was dressed in a
3. The ice cream melted before Amy could finish it. The day was very
4. The referee blew the whistle and both teams walked off the court. The game was
5. Nina kept erasing and rewriting her answer. She was not
6. The pilot told everyone to put on their seat belts. The plane was about to
7. All the lights in the theater went dark and the curtain opened. The show was about to
8. David held the door open for the woman carrying groceries. He was being
9. The crossing guard held up her stop sign and waved the children across. It was time to cross the
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
The mailman put letters in the box and drove to the next house.
→
It is bedtime.
The girl held her nose when she walked past the garbage can.
→
He is delivering mail.
Dad turned off the lights and whispered goodnight.
→
People are about to order food.
The waiter brought menus and glasses of water to the table.
→
It smelled very bad.
Making Inferences
Medium
Making Inferences
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The cashier scanned the items and put them in bags. The family was at the
2. Marco blew on his hot soup before taking a sip. The soup was too
3. The zookeeper tossed fish into the pool and the seal caught them. The seal was being
4. Hannah covered her ears when the fireworks went off. The noise was too
5. The artist dipped her brush into red paint and touched it to the canvas. She was making a
6. Owen looked both ways and pressed the button at the crosswalk. He wanted to cross
7. The coach handed out trophies at the end of the season. The team had done
8. Lily whispered a secret into her best friend's ear. She did not want others to
9. The dentist asked Ryan to open wide and checked each tooth. Ryan was at a
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
The boy looked at the night sky through a telescope.
→
She wants to save money at the store.
The woman clipped coupons from the newspaper.
→
Class is about to end.
The dog dug a hole in the yard and dropped a bone in it.
→
He is looking at the stars.
The teacher wrote the homework on the board before the bell rang.
→
It is hiding the bone for later.
Making Inferences
Hard
Making Inferences
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Ella rushed through the door, threw her backpack on the floor, and ran to the bathroom. What can you infer?
2. Mr. Torres put on his apron, turned on the stove, and began chopping vegetables. What is Mr. Torres most likely doing?
3. The classroom was decorated with red and pink hearts. There were cards on every desk. What time of year is it most likely?
4. Nora's hands were shaking and her voice was quiet when she stood in front of the class. How does Nora probably feel?
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The player limped off the field holding his ankle. He probably got
2. Maya kept yawning during the movie. She was probably
3. The dog sniffed the bag and sat by it wagging its tail. There is probably
4. After the race, Sam drank three cups of water. He was very
5. The teacher smiled and wrote "Great job!" on the paper. The student did
Making Inferences
Hard
Making Inferences
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Luis looked out the window and saw branches swaying and trash cans rolling down the street. What can you infer about the weather?
2. The store had a big sign that said "Closed Early." The parking lot was empty and the lights were off. What can you infer?
3. When Grandma walked in, the children ran to hug her and shouted her name. What can you infer about how the children feel?
4. Mia's painting won first place at the art show. She hung the ribbon on her bedroom wall. How does Mia probably feel about her painting?
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The birds suddenly flew away from the feeder when the cat appeared. The birds felt
2. Jenna packed her suitcase and checked her plane ticket. She is going on a
3. The farmer looked at the dark clouds and hurried to bring the animals inside. A
4. Carlos crossed his arms and turned away when his sister tried to talk to him. He is probably
5. All the lights in the house were off except for a glow from the TV. Someone is
Making Inferences
Hard
Making Inferences
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. The parking lot was full and people carried bags of popcorn and drinks inside. Where are these people most likely going?
2. Kayla glanced at the recipe, then measured two cups of flour and cracked three eggs into a bowl. What is Kayla doing?
3. The principal came on the intercom and said everyone should move calmly to the exits. What is probably happening?
4. After reading the letter, Mom smiled and wiped a tear from her eye. How does Mom most likely feel?
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The baby reached for the blanket and rubbed her eyes. She is ready to take a
2. The waiter brought the check and the family took out their wallets. They are about to
3. Dark clouds gathered and the wind picked up speed. A
4. The boy kept looking away and fidgeting while his mom asked him about the broken vase. He might be feeling
5. Everyone at the table sang while Grandma leaned forward to blow out candles. It is her
Making Inferences
Hard
Making Inferences
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Jasmine carefully placed stamps in her album and used a magnifying glass to look at the tiny details. What is Jasmine's hobby?
2. The woman set her alarm for 5 a.m., laid out her running shoes, and filled a water bottle. What will she probably do in the morning?
3. The boy thanked the librarian and tucked three books into his backpack. What did the boy most likely just do?
4. Aunt Rosa wrapped a bandage around the child's finger and kissed it. What most likely happened before this?
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The students put on goggles and lab coats before the teacher handed out test tubes. They are doing a science
2. The crowd stood up and cheered as the runner crossed the finish line first. She
3. Kevin's face turned red when he tripped on stage in front of everyone. He felt
4. The cat kept pawing at the closed door and meowing. It wanted to go
5. Grandpa squinted at the small print and moved the paper farther away. He probably needs
Making Inferences
What's Included in This Download
12 Printable Pages covering making inferences
Complete Answer Key for easy grading
Printer-Friendly Format in black & white
Variety of Activities to keep kids engaged
Common Core Aligned grade 3 standards
Instant PDF Download - no signup required
What You'll Learn
These making inferences worksheets help grade 3 students develop essential english skills through engaging activities.
How to Use These Worksheets
- Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
- Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
- Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
- Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
- Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
- Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Ignoring the clues in the sentence and guessing based on what they wish were true, like saying a character with an umbrella must be going to the beach.
- Thinking an inference must be written directly in the text, so they refuse to answer when the exact words are not there.
- Using only background knowledge without checking the story details, which leads to answers that contradict clues the author actually gave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is an inference for a third grader?
An inference is a smart guess a reader makes by putting story clues together with things they already know from real life. For example, if a character is shivering and wearing a coat, a third grader can infer it is cold outside even if the story never says so. The author leaves hints, and the reader fills in the rest.
How is making an inference different from just guessing?
A guess can be random, but an inference always has evidence behind it. Third graders should be able to point to at least one clue in the text and explain what they already knew that helped them decide. If they cannot find a clue, it is probably a guess, not an inference.
Why do third graders struggle with inference questions?
Many third graders are still used to questions where the answer is right there in the sentence. Inference questions feel tricky because the answer is hidden between the lines. They also sometimes overthink and add details the story never gave, instead of sticking to what the clues actually support.
What kinds of clues should kids look for?
Good clues include what characters say, do, wear, or feel, plus details about the setting like weather, time of day, or place. Action words and descriptions of faces and bodies are especially helpful. Teaching kids to circle these clue words while they read makes inference questions much easier to tackle.
How can parents help at home with making inferences?
Read picture books or short chapters together and pause to ask questions like "How do you think she feels? What makes you think that?" Everyday situations work too — point out a neighbor carrying groceries and ask what they probably did. Practicing out loud builds the habit of using clues plus background knowledge.
Are these worksheets really free?
Yes! All our worksheets are 100% free to download and print. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no registration required.
Can I use these in my classroom?
Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.